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Oct 26, 2010
HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

Hi guys, I have been reading these posts with interest as I have been thinking about going on a pump for a while. If you read most of the posts I am the one with the non healing surgical incision! (Yep, still not healed but I think it is on its way!) Since the surgery I have been doing many more tests and more QA injections and have now settled into a pattern of covering even my commercially bought cappuccinos so it is 7 injections most days.

I went to a pumping information session at the hospital on the weekend and the theme of "it is a process not an event" really hit home when I realized that the first step is a consultation with a CDE (Credentialled Diabetes Educator) scheduled 18 Nov (earliest available). A night in hospital in Jan/Feb and I am presuming we are "pumping" from there on. Basically three months from deciding to pursue pumping.

The system here (Australia) is different we buy the pump ($(AUD)5-8000) and then if you have private health insurance you get some, or, all of it back from the insurer. I rang mine and they were very noncommittal discussing whether or not the degree of cover would impact on my decision to go on a pump. It seems that the degree of cover given is dependent on what the endocrinologist and GP say regarding the benefit to me personally. You get more points if you are a child; committed to managing the diabetes; have "dawn phenomenon" or unrecognized hypos; high HbA1cs. Simply wanting to do it better (lower the HbA1cs) is not enough! I could be wrong but that was my take on the conversation. I am not sure whether the amount of cover would cause me to cancel or at least delay my "process".

I am hoping that as a Dafne Grad and someone who is used to carb. counting and dose adjustments the education phase will be truncated.

Davejg I am a bit like you nervous but I'm wondering if it is a bit like a committed relationship. Requires total commitment and a lot of communication. I am in the three month "engagement" phase!
I am however not known for my patience and tend to want things done yesterday! 3 months...good grief!

Thanks for the range of opinions. Any data on Dafne Grads that move onto pumps? Does this impact on the Dafne data?

Helen
 
Oct 26, 2010
marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes results to you" Your help requested

Its nice to see a Diabetes Team doing something so proactive and different, I wish my local PCT was prepared to do something like this. I personally prefer the one on the right. It ties in with all these food labelling initiatives and so hopefully would be more identifiable for most people. At my PCT I still have to ask for all my results including my HBA1c, this sometimes suprises the staff they don't seem to be used to Diabetics having an active interest in their cholesterol etc. It would be great to be sent them so I could easily keep a record of them all.
I think there are potentially data protection issues with sending them via SMS/email. Without being too boring and technical, both methods are insecure and I would not be happy for my personal medical information to be sent in this way. But then I'm paranoid and work with IT security, sorry.
BTW I changed your original post so people can click on the link in it and go direct to your site.
 
Oct 26, 2010
Davejg 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

Its been great to see so many good comments, although still quite nervous about it all am quite looking forward to it now I am going tomorrow to start on the pump with saline for a week to see how I get on.
 
Oct 26, 2010
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carb free soups

Hey,

Just from googling I didnt find any shop bought soup that is carb free, low carb, yes, but carb free, no...

Best bet is to make your own.....

As its really only to test your background and short term your best bet is meat and salad, fling in some cheese too.......that will fill you up and have little to no effect on your sugar levels.........

Good luck with the search.....
 
Oct 26, 2010
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes results to you" Your help requested

Love this idea.....

For me personally, receiving my results in this form would not motivate me any more or give me more information, but the formality of this method may be just what alot of diabetics need, who are not really bothered about their condition until the damage is done.......

Look forward to seeing this very soon.......
 
Oct 26, 2010
JayBee 587 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carb free soups

Just a quick question...

I want to find some carb free soups to have for lunch while I'm at work so I can do a check on what my BI is doing but I'm not having much luck with finding a soup in the shops that doesn't include potatoes or pasta.

So, what do you do? Simply just make your own or is there an option in the shops at all?

Many thanks in advance for any replies! ^_^
 
Oct 26, 2010
Brum_Taffy 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes results to you" Your help requested

Thanks David.

Incidentally, there is a sms-text version for this, but that only allows a word description of the numerical result, not pictures. As part of the project we asked local people with diabetes how they would like this info- ~60% wanted it in writing, only 14% wanted text. ~14% wanted an email, but because of local governance worries about email we don't have authority to do that just yet.

When we have made a decision on the design, we can pilot and fine tune. The bands for results are based on UK thresholds for 'action', as applied to everyone with diabetes. The descriptions and the ranges for A1c at each level are printed at the time the individual's result is added. The colours and picture are embedded on a 'personal mailer', rather like a salary slip. So the text can change rapidly, following feedback, whilst we have to stick to the basic design after we order 'n' thousand mailers! You can then why we want to choose a design that people with diabetes will find appealing!

Thanks to the DAFNE community for keeping comments coming!
 
Oct 26, 2010
DavidMansfield 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes results to you" Your help requested

"Thanks! Your response has been recorded."

I preferred the one on the left. It just seemed to flow better - the "traffic light" view reminded me of Facebook with adverts on the right hand side & made me want to ignore what was in the boxes & I imagine someone might look at the 1 section they're in and totally disregard the other 2 sections which probably isn't a good idea whereas with the more gradual one it gives a better impression of being part of a larger picture & therefore led to me wanting to read each section. I liked that the colours behind the text matched the bit on the right too.

I like this idea because I find I can never remember my HBA1c result & if I had a letter with it on I could always refer back to it & see over time how my result is improving (hopefully) though I suppose its not hard to just note down the result when I'm told & save a tree Razz
 
Oct 25, 2010
Brum_Taffy 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes results to you" Your help requested

Hi everyone. I'm a doc working in diabetes care. I had an idea about getting A1c results directly to UK people with diabetes and the idea has now reached the pilot stage.

There are 2 versions of the artwork to support the project- Qu- how to decide which might work best? Ans- ask people with diabetes their view!

I've set up a page on my Sandwell Diabetes website which explains the project, shows you the 2 versions of the artwork and has a form to submit your views (takes 2 mins).

If some of the DAFNE Online community would kindly give me some feedback, I will be most grateful.

You can find the page for this at www.sandwelldiabetes.nhs.uk

Many thanks! Meanwhile, if you have any other comments/queries/suggestions, please contact me through this forum, or else use my other contact details which are also on the website.

Pete
 
Oct 25, 2010
marke 681 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / september 2010 meeting

All, you can find the minutes of the DUAG meeting held on the 17th September 2010 here .
 
Oct 25, 2010
Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / You can now subscribe to topics!

Hi all,

We've released a new feature where you can subscribe to topics. All subscribers of a topic will receive an email notification when a reply to that topic is posted. You can subscribe/unsubscribe to a topic by clicking the link underneath the topic's title.

By default, you will automatically be subscribed to topics which you create, or post to. To stop this auto-subscription, visit the Settings page, and click Change Profile. The option you need is at the bottom of that settings page.

This adds flexibility to the forums, allowing you to pick and choose which topics you get notified about - and now you don't even need to post on a topic to receive notifications about it!

Let us know if you have any feedback / enhancement requests.

Simon
 
Oct 24, 2010
Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

As a further addition in support of Mark's comments if anyone has experience developing for the platforms that Jez mentioned, and would like to offer their assistance then please get in touch. As mentioned we do this all off our own back, and in our spare time hence the sporadic nature of our updates - so any assistance is gratefully received!

Simon
 
Oct 24, 2010
marke 681 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Guys, Sorry but progress with the Android version has not been as fast as I would hope. I have been distracted by the other DAFNE/Diabetes stuff I'm involved with and the Android Development environment is not as mature as that of the iphone. I will let everyone know when I have something that you can test.
I'm afraid there might be an issue Jez with any other versions. The IPR on the app and all related stuff rests with the site NOT with the DAFNE national organisers. I'm sorry if this sounds a bit heavy handed, but we have not been able to use the carb lists in the app because the DAFNE national organisers own the copyright. We are having to sign an agreement to be able to use it in the app. For this reason I see no reason why Simon should give all his hard work to them without a reciprocal agreement. To be honest I don't see them having the resource to get anything developed anyway. Simon and I are IT developers, there is no one in the national office who understands software, nor how you go about getting any kind of application developed.
We hope to develop the app for other platforms eventually, however we both have day jobs and other distractions that stop us working
on the site full time.
 
Oct 23, 2010
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Not experienced the app as im on android, but that sounds like a very positive response.....................well done from me Simon.....
 
Oct 23, 2010
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / About time

was i exactly the same boat as you, just couldnt believe how simple it was to control, well, its still tricky even when following all the rules, but much better then not at all..........................I was 11.8 pre dafne, post 8.0, thats was over 6 months, so maybe a bit too much, but just shows you...........

Post how you get on here if your having problems, help yourself and others..........................


Welcome to the Forum Kev........
 
Oct 23, 2010
Dr Jez McCole 11 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Simon, this is getting better and better. It is far more than an electronic DAFNE diary principally because of the way the entered data can be USED to help prospective readings and doses. Ive always believed that the value in coding and recording data can only be in how that information is then put to work. The BG averages by entry type are a great example of this. To include the 'Hypoglycaemia' option would help a person begin to accurately give an answer to "when do you begin to feel hypo?" if a person tests and records hypos in the App.

As this platform is delivering so well an application that the Apple DAFNE graduates can carry in their pocket, the more I think we need to invest in transferring the app to other platforms. This I believe needs to become a development request for the DAFNE organisers nationally and use of the app (appropriate to the user's phone) should be a part of the DAFNE training. I guess we're looking at Android, windows mobile 6.n and 7, and Symbian. If others feel this is important enough then I'd like to hear about it.

Well done Simon.

Jez
 
Oct 23, 2010
Kev 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / About time

Hi there,

I have been diabetic for three years now but never controlled it at all. I used to abuse it as a form of loosing weight whilst burrying my head in the sand aboutany consequences. I have now completed the dafne course and feel impowered to finally control my diabetes. My HbA1c is a shocking 12.1 but I feel I will definately bring it down now. I don't know about anyone else but I found the course absolutely brilliant and think its the best decision I ever made to go on it. Looking forward to my 6 week follow up already!!
 
Oct 22, 2010
Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Hi all,

As you can see from Thunderbolt's post we have just released the latest app update (1.2) with the following new features:

Diary summary drill-down - Click on one of your Blood Glucose (BG) averages to see your averages for different entry types.

Auto dosage calculation for Quick Acting (QA) insulin - In the settings tab, set 'Auto Calculate QA' to On, and you can specify the ratio you wish to use in the calculation in the Targets section. After entering CP information, the QA dosage will automatically be calculated and saved in the entry.

Let us know if you have any comments or suggestions. Also - if you like the app please rate it on the App Store.

Thunderbolt - yep I'll look into doing that for the next app version.

Simon
 
Oct 22, 2010
Anil 39 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Woops

looks to me that maybe your underestimating you CP's or your insulin ratio isnt right, Log you details and food for a few days, (eat packet food so you know the carb content),
I suspect you need more insulin, perhaps a change to your ratio.

I found that taking Omega 3 Supplements (inc EPA & DHA), can in some people reduce insulin resistance and cause the insulin to work better in your body, This is because the omega 3 first, thins your blood, so the insulin can have more of a affect for the same amount of insulin taken, Its also a great supplement to take because we all have very LOW amounts of Omega 3 in our diet (Unless you eat oily fish alot).

You can buy omega 3 supplements, 3 months supply for like £3-£4.


Also, the problem COULD be you Background Insulin, we need good details for a few days, of what you ate, when and how much, and how much insulin you took. If you have a few days of this, maybe we could spot a pattern to help you control your BG better.

Hope this helps!

Thanks
 
Oct 22, 2010
ThunderBolt 28 posts

Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed

Hiya Simon...

Just ran the update and I'm more than impressed with what you've done. The ratio calc especially, is exactly what I was after and makes things a mile easier and quicker. I'm sure I'm not the only one to make the odd blunder!

One slight improvement to the calc (my opinion as a lazy beggar) would be that the :1 part would be static as old jelly fingers here has to delete the lot to alter the 1st part. Either that or use of a spinny wheel if people need to alter both parts.

Thanks for all your work...  And putting up with me harping on!
 
Oct 22, 2010
addie 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dafne refresher courses

Hi Marke.

No buddy these are just 1 x 3 hour sessions that the centre put on twice a year. Any of thoer graduates can sign up to go irrespective of length of time since the persons original week long course.

ad
 
Oct 22, 2010
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Fat content

The fat content within the food means it takes longer for your digestive sytem to actually get access to the glucose.......

This is a common problem and what alot of people do including me is to split the dose, say 50:50 before and after the meal, an hour apart.....you can tweak that ratio, as well as the time to find out what suits you the best for each type of high fat meal.

This enables the insulin to theoritcaly have two peaking times, the second peak can then deal with the delayed peak of glucose from the food

As far as I am aware, nuts are so slowly released that the effect on your blood sugar is negligible......

What type of nuts are you eating?

Are you having them with anything else?

I wouldnt normally take for salted nuts, any type.....but it also depends on the quantity as well, but as you say your snacking, so it cant be that much.....
 
Oct 22, 2010
Ffi010 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Fat content

Hi everyone!
I realise this may seem strange but I have noticed a re-occuring pattern. I am finding that even with the correct ratio, if i eat something with a high fat content my BG increases significantly more than normal, making me feel unwell and I don't think that my insulin works properly. I find it the worst with Chinese food and nuts (for A while i thought they were fantastic snack, esp on the un as very little/no CPs! but not so much any more!)
I tried to increase the ratio and even though i felt fine after (other than food coma! ha), but crashed about 7 hours later in bed! i thought about increasing my background but i think that that is a little extreme for some almonds and it is usually too late (to increase dose) if I am having a take away or out to dinner.
Can anyone suggest anything? is there an extra amount if insulin that you would consider injecting for fat content?
I'm really struggling with this and don't really want to give up my sunday take away and snacking nuts!

Thank you!
 
Oct 22, 2010
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / not good !! help

I am more than happy to help you with the basics............remember as a graduate you can view and download the handbook if you didnt get one home or have misplaced it...

Also a function I make full use of is the blood glucose diary.....if you transfer your readings, with carb intake, insulin, corrections into that you can actually post it on the forum for all to see and comment...

Look forward to hearing from you...