Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Oct 10, 2010

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: DUAG Committee / Brief for Workstream #3

Looks good to me Peter, however, we're not going to get any input unless the letter gets sent out!

Oct 10, 2010

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: DUAG Committee / First draft of DUG letter

Thanks Emma! What happens next please anyone? It would be useful if a few more people commented then we could proceed with the next stage.

Oct 10, 2010

maria51 22 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / rise in HbA1c

Had an HbA1c test 1 week before starting the Dafne course 2.5 months ago, result was 8.9 because of constant high BGLs 15.0 to 18.0. My Endo ordered another HbA1c test 3days ago & the result was 9.1 even though my BGLs have dropped to 5.0 during the day then an average of up to 12.0 at evening meal (working on giving more QA at lunch to counteract this prob) so I'm at a loss as to why the rise to 9.1. ?! My G.P told me the result, have yet to talk to my Endo.In the meantime, does anyone have any idea why this is happening?

Oct 9, 2010

Peter 109 posts

Topic: DUAG Committee / Brief for Workstream #3

Please can I have your thoughts on the following as the brief for this workstream:

This workstream will be involved in 3 stages of work:
1. Analysing input from DUG, DUAG and the DAFNE Community obtained by workstream #1 to determine the main issues faced by these groups. There will be ideally a single identified issue to be addressed, with a maximum of two, depending on the input received.
2. Defining and agreeing an achievable goal for the main issue(s) which can be met by September 2011.
3. Having defined the goal, to then lead the work to achieve the goal in the agreed timeframe. The work will use members of DUAG, DUG and the DAFNE Community, contacted through the steps defined by workstream #2.

Oct 9, 2010

emmacool 17 posts

Topic: DUAG Committee / First draft of DUG letter

hey annette just got round to looking at new draft of letter i think its great

Oct 8, 2010

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / wound healing

Here in Australia most diabetics (certainly Type 1s) have a specialist who looks after their diabetes. Some see a physician but most see an endocrinologist (or in the vernacular..the endo!). As Simon says they deal with the endocrine system which includes the pancreas. They also deal with growth hormones in kids, some fertility issues etc etc. I believe that a significant part of their work, however, is with diabetics (is that me being egocentric?). Some endocrinologists develop a reputation for being excellent with children and some have reputations for being Dafne friendly. You basically find one you like and the GP refers you to them and off you go. I picked up my original one in intensive care after the coma that gave me the diabetic diagnosis and I kept seeing him for 32 years (until his retirement) through all the ups and downs. I tried a second but was very unhappy with the assessment letter she wrote to my GP who knows me well and was prepared to share the info, so I searched and asked fellow diabetics and have come up with a third. This one is a Dafne supporter and quite laid back. So far so good.

Some GPs believe that diabetics don't need a specialist and would rather see "the patient" monthly at their surgery. I am less convinced and am happier seeing the endo 2-3 times a year and my GP for everything else. My GP sometimes writes my prescriptions for insulin etc and asks appropriate questions when I do see him but he is happier with the relationship I have with the endocrinologist regarding the diabetes. I also return periodically to the Dafne Forum at the hospital where I did my Dafne course. I also have this site. So, all in all, have all bases covered.

Helen

Oct 8, 2010

SimonC 78 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / wound healing

My rough understanding of what an endocrinologist is, is this, they deal with the endocrine system, that is the system that deals with the release of hormones - such as insulin - in effect your diabetic consultant. Of course I may be wildly off the mark, in which case please, anyone, please feel free to give a much better reply.

Oct 8, 2010

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / wound healing

Sorry to show my ignorance here, but what is an endocrinologist?

Oct 8, 2010

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / wound healing

Hi Simon and Marke!

Well in spite of a months serious attention by the GP the "wound" is no better (and no worse) and in the opinion of both the GP and surgeon still not infected! This morning the GP suggested I ring the surgeon who requested I see him in an hour! His assessment is that I have three options; do what I am doing and it will eventually heal; he can excise it and re-stitch but he is fearful that in 6 weeks time we could be in exactly the same situation, or; see a plastic surgeon. He thinks the problem is largely one of location. I asked what he would do and he nominated the plastic surgeon.

So where am I now? Seeing the endocrinologist next Tuesday to see what I can do to reduce the HbA1c (7.8 before surgery and now 8.5!) and cleaning with saline until I see the plastic surgeon on 11/11/10. If he decides to do some "knitting" then that will be done before Christmas.
I will keep you in the loop.
Helen

Oct 7, 2010

Simon 578 posts

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

Hi all, the latest update (1.1.2) is now available on the app store. This update will auto-populate your BI based on previous entries.

Also, the following bugs have been fixed:

Application crashes when trying to move an entry to a different day/time.
Ratio didn't update if you changed the CP or QA value once it had been calculated previously.
New diary entry was created even if you pressed the cancel button.

It'll take a bit more time to do the other requests so thought I'd get these fixes out quickly. Let me know if there's anything else you need!

Simon

Oct 7, 2010

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Shortage of test strips

I contacted Accu-Chek (who manufacture the strips) and asked if there was a problem their end and they told me that there were no problems at all. I then contacted the pharmacy at the local Morrison's supermarket who said that they had some in stock and that there were no problems with supply. Obviously the problem was confined to my local Lloyd's pharmacy. Anyway, i called in today and got the remainder of my prescription. I asked the assistant what the problem was and she said she didn't know, I then asked if it was likely to happen again and again the answer was 'Don't Know' - she seemed narked that I was asking - probably thought i was a grumpy old man. She got that right right, anyway. I'm not very impressed with Lloyd's.

Oct 7, 2010

Jennypenny 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Wish i'd had the pump years ago

When i was looking into having a pump i was told that you needed to have completed a dafne course ( which everyone on here obviously has ) and that then my diabetic nurse had to apply for funding to the PCT (primary care trust ), hope this helps ~ Jenny

Oct 7, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Cold Medicines

I asked a diabetic consultant quite some time ago, and was advised that the warning was more aimed at people with Type 2 as there would be some glucose included. Was advised not to worry about the warning too much.

That was some time ago, so the way the Doctors change the goal posts, that could all be wrong now.

Oct 7, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Wish i'd had the pump years ago

I would love to try it out, I wake on 15-20 every morning, after trying everything to get it down......

What is the procedure to get one?

Oct 7, 2010

Jennypenny 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Wish i'd had the pump years ago

Hi Everyone .

I've been diabetic for 30 years now , i was 10 when i was diagonised .My diabetes has always been described as Brittle Daibetes because no matter what i did , ie insulin dose, food ,exercise it was always very erratic and never the same 2 days running because of this the pump was suggested a few years ago , but i was always thinking that it was not for me i did not want to be connected to something that reminded me 24/7 that i was diabetic , at least with an injection i took it and put it away until the next injection . Well ........... just lately i has started to feel quite rough a lot of the time , some complications had started to set in and to be honest i was actualy starting to feel quite scared , i done a DAFNE course in june where it was identified a had a marked Dawn Phenomenon and hypo unawareness which ive suffered with badly for sometime and again a pump was suggested , so this time i thought why not ? Ive had my pump for 10 days and already the difference in my diabetes is really noticeable , my diabetic nurse is so pleased with and for me . So if theres anyone out there considering a pump why not give a go i recommend it and if at the end of the day youre not personally happy with it , you are under no obligation to stick with it

Thanks for listening Jenny

Oct 7, 2010

Jennypenny 34 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insurance for pump

Lee

Im glad ive seen this post i got the pump just over a week ago , and had forgotten all about ringing the inusrance !!!!! I too was told to add to house insurance , i will let you know later what they say

Jenny

Oct 6, 2010

grandma carol 61 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hello!

I put weight on and then loss it and i dident eat anything different. But i am not now putting it on. Might be what you are eating rather than how much. If i had a lot of hypos then i was eating to meny dextro tabs and all that sugar puts weight on.

Oct 6, 2010

grandma carol 61 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hello!

Well Ihave been low for 2days now . Ihave droped my BI at night i an on Lantus droped it from 15 to 14 think ill drop it agen tonight BG at 3.30 this morning was 5.3 but at 7.30 it was 2.9 thank you both for you comments. ill see how this goes

Oct 6, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hello!

I have put on weight without change to calorie intake and I am more active, so I hope its normal..........

Oct 6, 2010

Benton Fred 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hello!

I'll agree with Marke. If my BG is high at least it's only for a little while. Having the power to correct when carbs are underestimated gives great hope and freedom.

I had trouble similar to Carol at first. I think I was being to agressive with the Novorapid. I was hypoing all the time. I'm averaging between 4.5 and 8 now. Don't get me wrong I still hypo sometimes mid morning, but that's the BI (insulatard) peaking me thinks.

Oh by the way, I've put on a half a stone in weight in the three weeks since DAFNE. Is that normal?

Oct 6, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hello!

they results are great, your doing something right............well done carol.....

Oct 6, 2010

JackieB 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insurance for pump

Hi,

Yes, I have a pump and put it on my house insurance. Cost about E28 extra. You may need to explain more about what you are insuring - the robustness of the device, its connected to you 24 hours a day..... The first time I got my pump rep to talk to the company as she even thought it shouldn't incurr an additional cost.

Jackie

Oct 5, 2010

ThunderBolt 28 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Cold Medicines

I can go along with your uneasiness here. It seemsmeverything has a warning for diabetics not to use. Cold remedies, leg waxing, all sorts. It's not much help is it?!?
As for the cold I swear by a hot toddy and an early night. Every cloud, eh? Heheh!

Oct 5, 2010

ThunderBolt 28 posts

Topic: General Discussion / FREE diabetes awareness necklaces

Nice one Karl...

I hate wearing any form of jewelery, but it's well worth making an exeption for a reason like this. And being free is a bonus to say the least!

I just recently found my SOS talisman that must be 30 years old so it's probably due replacing.

Thanks again fella.

Oct 5, 2010

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hello!

well done, keep it up ! the sub 4.0's are a bit low but I often do the same without a problem. It can be a slow process getting it all 'right' and even then we all have little 'blips' where our BG's go a little bit off target. But overall keeping to the DAFNE principles is going to offer big
benefits in the long term as well as allow us the flexibility to eat more of what we like when we like !

Oct 10, 2010 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: DUAG Committee / Brief for Workstream #3 Looks good to me Peter, however, we're not going to get any input unless the letter gets sent out!

Oct 10, 2010 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: DUAG Committee / First draft of DUG letter Thanks Emma! What happens next please anyone? It would be useful if a few more people commented then we could proceed with the next stage.

Oct 10, 2010 maria51 22 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / rise in HbA1c Had an HbA1c test 1 week before starting the Dafne course 2.5 months ago, result was 8.9 because of constant high BGLs 15.0 to 18.0. My Endo ordered another HbA1c test 3days ago & the result was 9.1 even though my BGLs have dropped to 5.0 during the day then an average of up to 12.0 at evening meal (working on giving more QA at lunch to counteract this prob) so I'm at a loss as to why the rise to 9.1. ?! My G.P told me the result, have yet to talk to my Endo.In the meantime, does anyone have any idea why this is happening?

Oct 9, 2010 Peter 109 posts	Topic: DUAG Committee / Brief for Workstream #3 Please can I have your thoughts on the following as the brief for this workstream: This workstream will be involved in 3 stages of work: 1. Analysing input from DUG, DUAG and the DAFNE Community obtained by workstream #1 to determine the main issues faced by these groups. There will be ideally a single identified issue to be addressed, with a maximum of two, depending on the input received. 2. Defining and agreeing an achievable goal for the main issue(s) which can be met by September 2011. 3. Having defined the goal, to then lead the work to achieve the goal in the agreed timeframe. The work will use members of DUAG, DUG and the DAFNE Community, contacted through the steps defined by workstream #2.

Oct 9, 2010 emmacool 17 posts	Topic: DUAG Committee / First draft of DUG letter hey annette just got round to looking at new draft of letter i think its great

Oct 8, 2010 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / wound healing Here in Australia most diabetics (certainly Type 1s) have a specialist who looks after their diabetes. Some see a physician but most see an endocrinologist (or in the vernacular..the endo!). As Simon says they deal with the endocrine system which includes the pancreas. They also deal with growth hormones in kids, some fertility issues etc etc. I believe that a significant part of their work, however, is with diabetics (is that me being egocentric?). Some endocrinologists develop a reputation for being excellent with children and some have reputations for being Dafne friendly. You basically find one you like and the GP refers you to them and off you go. I picked up my original one in intensive care after the coma that gave me the diabetic diagnosis and I kept seeing him for 32 years (until his retirement) through all the ups and downs. I tried a second but was very unhappy with the assessment letter she wrote to my GP who knows me well and was prepared to share the info, so I searched and asked fellow diabetics and have come up with a third. This one is a Dafne supporter and quite laid back. So far so good. Some GPs believe that diabetics don't need a specialist and would rather see "the patient" monthly at their surgery. I am less convinced and am happier seeing the endo 2-3 times a year and my GP for everything else. My GP sometimes writes my prescriptions for insulin etc and asks appropriate questions when I do see him but he is happier with the relationship I have with the endocrinologist regarding the diabetes. I also return periodically to the Dafne Forum at the hospital where I did my Dafne course. I also have this site. So, all in all, have all bases covered. Helen

Oct 8, 2010 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / wound healing My rough understanding of what an endocrinologist is, is this, they deal with the endocrine system, that is the system that deals with the release of hormones - such as insulin - in effect your diabetic consultant. Of course I may be wildly off the mark, in which case please, anyone, please feel free to give a much better reply.

Oct 8, 2010 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / wound healing Sorry to show my ignorance here, but what is an endocrinologist?

Oct 8, 2010 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / wound healing Hi Simon and Marke! Well in spite of a months serious attention by the GP the "wound" is no better (and no worse) and in the opinion of both the GP and surgeon still not infected! This morning the GP suggested I ring the surgeon who requested I see him in an hour! His assessment is that I have three options; do what I am doing and it will eventually heal; he can excise it and re-stitch but he is fearful that in 6 weeks time we could be in exactly the same situation, or; see a plastic surgeon. He thinks the problem is largely one of location. I asked what he would do and he nominated the plastic surgeon. So where am I now? Seeing the endocrinologist next Tuesday to see what I can do to reduce the HbA1c (7.8 before surgery and now 8.5!) and cleaning with saline until I see the plastic surgeon on 11/11/10. If he decides to do some "knitting" then that will be done before Christmas. I will keep you in the loop. Helen

Oct 7, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / DAFNE Online iPhone application - help with content/design needed Hi all, the latest update (1.1.2) is now available on the app store. This update will auto-populate your BI based on previous entries. Also, the following bugs have been fixed: Application crashes when trying to move an entry to a different day/time. Ratio didn't update if you changed the CP or QA value once it had been calculated previously. New diary entry was created even if you pressed the cancel button. It'll take a bit more time to do the other requests so thought I'd get these fixes out quickly. Let me know if there's anything else you need! Simon

Oct 7, 2010 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Shortage of test strips I contacted Accu-Chek (who manufacture the strips) and asked if there was a problem their end and they told me that there were no problems at all. I then contacted the pharmacy at the local Morrison's supermarket who said that they had some in stock and that there were no problems with supply. Obviously the problem was confined to my local Lloyd's pharmacy. Anyway, i called in today and got the remainder of my prescription. I asked the assistant what the problem was and she said she didn't know, I then asked if it was likely to happen again and again the answer was 'Don't Know' - she seemed narked that I was asking - probably thought i was a grumpy old man. She got that right right, anyway. I'm not very impressed with Lloyd's.

Oct 7, 2010 Jennypenny 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Wish i'd had the pump years ago When i was looking into having a pump i was told that you needed to have completed a dafne course ( which everyone on here obviously has ) and that then my diabetic nurse had to apply for funding to the PCT (primary care trust ), hope this helps ~ Jenny

Oct 7, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Cold Medicines I asked a diabetic consultant quite some time ago, and was advised that the warning was more aimed at people with Type 2 as there would be some glucose included. Was advised not to worry about the warning too much. That was some time ago, so the way the Doctors change the goal posts, that could all be wrong now.

Oct 7, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Wish i'd had the pump years ago I would love to try it out, I wake on 15-20 every morning, after trying everything to get it down...... What is the procedure to get one?

Oct 7, 2010 Jennypenny 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Wish i'd had the pump years ago Hi Everyone . I've been diabetic for 30 years now , i was 10 when i was diagonised .My diabetes has always been described as Brittle Daibetes because no matter what i did , ie insulin dose, food ,exercise it was always very erratic and never the same 2 days running because of this the pump was suggested a few years ago , but i was always thinking that it was not for me i did not want to be connected to something that reminded me 24/7 that i was diabetic , at least with an injection i took it and put it away until the next injection . Well ........... just lately i has started to feel quite rough a lot of the time , some complications had started to set in and to be honest i was actualy starting to feel quite scared , i done a DAFNE course in june where it was identified a had a marked Dawn Phenomenon and hypo unawareness which ive suffered with badly for sometime and again a pump was suggested , so this time i thought why not ? Ive had my pump for 10 days and already the difference in my diabetes is really noticeable , my diabetic nurse is so pleased with and for me . So if theres anyone out there considering a pump why not give a go i recommend it and if at the end of the day youre not personally happy with it , you are under no obligation to stick with it Thanks for listening Jenny

Oct 7, 2010 Jennypenny 34 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insurance for pump Lee Im glad ive seen this post i got the pump just over a week ago , and had forgotten all about ringing the inusrance !!!!! I too was told to add to house insurance , i will let you know later what they say Jenny

Oct 6, 2010 grandma carol 61 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hello! I put weight on and then loss it and i dident eat anything different. But i am not now putting it on. Might be what you are eating rather than how much. If i had a lot of hypos then i was eating to meny dextro tabs and all that sugar puts weight on.

Oct 6, 2010 grandma carol 61 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hello! Well Ihave been low for 2days now . Ihave droped my BI at night i an on Lantus droped it from 15 to 14 think ill drop it agen tonight BG at 3.30 this morning was 5.3 but at 7.30 it was 2.9 thank you both for you comments. ill see how this goes

Oct 6, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hello! I have put on weight without change to calorie intake and I am more active, so I hope its normal..........

Oct 6, 2010 Benton Fred 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hello! I'll agree with Marke. If my BG is high at least it's only for a little while. Having the power to correct when carbs are underestimated gives great hope and freedom. I had trouble similar to Carol at first. I think I was being to agressive with the Novorapid. I was hypoing all the time. I'm averaging between 4.5 and 8 now. Don't get me wrong I still hypo sometimes mid morning, but that's the BI (insulatard) peaking me thinks. Oh by the way, I've put on a half a stone in weight in the three weeks since DAFNE. Is that normal?

Oct 6, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hello! they results are great, your doing something right............well done carol.....

Oct 6, 2010 JackieB 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insurance for pump Hi, Yes, I have a pump and put it on my house insurance. Cost about E28 extra. You may need to explain more about what you are insuring - the robustness of the device, its connected to you 24 hours a day..... The first time I got my pump rep to talk to the company as she even thought it shouldn't incurr an additional cost. Jackie

Oct 5, 2010 ThunderBolt 28 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Cold Medicines I can go along with your uneasiness here. It seemsmeverything has a warning for diabetics not to use. Cold remedies, leg waxing, all sorts. It's not much help is it?!? As for the cold I swear by a hot toddy and an early night. Every cloud, eh? Heheh!

Oct 5, 2010 ThunderBolt 28 posts	Topic: General Discussion / FREE diabetes awareness necklaces Nice one Karl... I hate wearing any form of jewelery, but it's well worth making an exeption for a reason like this. And being free is a bonus to say the least! I just recently found my SOS talisman that must be 30 years old so it's probably due replacing. Thanks again fella.

Oct 5, 2010 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hello! well done, keep it up ! the sub 4.0's are a bit low but I often do the same without a problem. It can be a slow process getting it all 'right' and even then we all have little 'blips' where our BG's go a little bit off target. But overall keeping to the DAFNE principles is going to offer big benefits in the long term as well as allow us the flexibility to eat more of what we like when we like !