Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jul 24, 2010

Edhoare 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Changeable basal insulin rates

I've been diabetic for 28 years now and have been on a pump now for about 9 months. I find that I can be reasonably stable for about a week on one basal rate and then something causes my glucose levels to go right up (19 without any problem) and I find I have to keep raising my basal rate until I find a new level at which I'm stable.
A week or so later my glucose level will be low and then I'll have to keep dropping my basal rate back down again until it stabilises again. I find my basal rate can vary between about 15 units a day to 22 units a day.
This has always been the case for me so its not just because I'm on a pump.
My lifestyle is pretty predictable particularly on work days - I work 5 days a week. I have the same breakfast every day and then cycle 5 miles to work. I typically work about 9 hours a day mainly behind a desk. I have a lunch of sandwiches made by me (very similar every day). I then cycle home at about 6.00-7.00pm. My evening meal is mainly rice and is again very similar every day (a boring life, I know!)
I very rarely get stressed at work but when I do, I haven't noticed any change in the insulin requirements.
I'm hardly ever ill (never had a day off work in 25 years).
There may be some hang over from weekends where my exercise and food is less predictable and I might have a few drinks as well. As my routine is pretty much the same every working day, I think my basal insulin should be pretty much the same - every working day at least.
Does anyone else have similar changes in basal requirement...or can anyone think of anything that might cause the basal to change that I can predict.

Jul 24, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Target range?

Jo,

Would suggest using the on line diary, and posting some of your readings, as you haven't detailed the problems with your BG readings. You mention they are out of the range, but haven't explained whether they are high or low. If the readings are regularly high, you should look at changing the ratio for the appropriate injection.
i.e. if lunch time ratio is 1:1, and your dinner ratio is always high, change it to 1.5:1.
Today, my BG have just been outside the ideal range, but wouldn't look to change any ratios, until I was sure that they needed changing.

Paul

Jul 24, 2010

Jo Penn 24 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Target range?

Really struggling atm... stress with family and other bits....
Any ideas on how to keep them in the "range"?

Jul 22, 2010

Caroline 29 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Hi

My partner found an app for me called Insulin Dose Calculator (G C E =). It cost just over a Â£. I have found this a useful tool. Its been handly to carry around with me. You simply set your correction factor, carb factor, target glucose. Its gives you accurate insulin to take and bears in mind any exercise, none light or heavy you may then think about undertaking. Its helped me to lower my blood sugars without going to low.

Jul 22, 2010

amandab 11 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read

I have a blackberry bold and would b happy to test. In fact I posted this from mobile.

Jul 22, 2010

amandab 11 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read

I have a blackberry bold and would b happy to test. In fact I posted this from mobile.

Jul 21, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Bayer Contour USB

As a meter it's quite good, though Bayer, as a company do not seem to be as helpful as Lifescan.
When I first got this (as a test through the diabetic clinic) I was impressed with it, but after a while I found things difficult as the software was not available for download.

I use both Mac and Windows computers, but found that creating a diary in the Apple Numbers software a lot better, as I have used the conditional formatting to colour code the readings. Numbers allows more than three conditions, so i've got four colours to highlight anything outside the ideal range.

Jul 21, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Target range?

Have you noticed any pattens on your BG readings i.e. morning, lunch, dinner or bed high or low most of the time.
I found it easier to notice pattens when I started colour coding the BG readings when they were not in range.
Also I use a Spreadsheet (Windows Excel or Apple Numbers) to calculate my insulin needs to bring my BG readings back to mid range. Tonight (after exercise) by BG reading was 4.3, which means I needed an adjustment of -0.85 plus the count for the meal. Currently my adjustment factor is 0.5 unit of insulin per mmol i'm outside the range.
You may need to adjust your ratio to get them in range, but would suggest only work on one at a time.

Jul 21, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Which Blood Meter

No I would not recommend against it, but I am just unhappy with the Bayer company.
So far the device works well, and once you get the software downloaded it is easy to update the diary, though I think I will stick to a manual diary.

Jul 21, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Need a kick up the backside! :(

Could you share this spreadsheet that you have developed?

I have tried myself to develop something simple but was never really fully satisfied.

Jul 21, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Which Blood Meter

I am thinking about getting the USB blood meter, would you reccomend against it?

Jul 20, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Need a kick up the backside! :(

Derek,

Have just started looking at this DAFNE website again, after a while. I done the DAFNE course last year (April '09), and thought it was going to be really difficult to maintain.
Just prior to the DAFNE course my HBA1c was 9.0, but recently I had another reading and it dropped to 6.9, so it does work, and you just need to stick with it.

It was suggested to me today, in my first yearly review, that I return to this website, and use the forum to show people that it does work.
After the DAFNE course I developed a computerised spreadsheet (Windows Excel and Apple Numbers versions) to help calculate the calculation based on the ratios for each meal, CP Calculations and adjustments necessary to try to return the BG to the ideal middle of the ranges. i.e. Lunch Dinner range 4.5 to 7.5, and if the BG is outside of these it calculates the injection to try to get my BG back to 6.0 (the mid point) on top of the calculation of the CP in the food.

This has helped me manage my diabetes a lot better, and what also helps is maintaining contact with some of the people that I attended the course with.

Hope you continue to do work with DAFNE, and it helps.

Jul 20, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pens

My understanding was that the Memoir Pen was not available on prescription, and i've obviously been lucky as my one has lasted a year.
Apart from it being bulky / heavy, it doesn't work too well in the cold. The digital readout doesn't work, so if anybody goes somewhere cold (like a skiing holiday) take a manual pen, as it isn't always easy to ensure the dose is right without the display.

Good to hear that Lilly are good about replacements, and i'll update this post when the battery does go.

Jul 20, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Which Blood Meter

I recently changed to the Bayer USB Contour meter. Previously used the Lifescan Accutrend One Touch Ultra 2 and the One touch Ultraeasy.
Lifescan were good with obtaining spare parts, batteries, Lancing devices etc, and so far I have not been impressed with Bayer, as the full software was not available to download despite their promises and their helpline was useless, and though it is available now, I never received an email advising that it was available despite signing up for email advice.

The main advantage to the Bayer device is that you can plug the device into the computer (Mac or Windows) and it downloads the readings.

There is a difference, but after discussing the differences, was advised that you may get different readings from two separate identical machines and different manufacturers will give different readings. Which one is correct though?
The Bayer device provided some higher readings when they are low, but lower reading when my Blood Sugars were high.

Jul 20, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Sushi rice

According to www.carbs-information.com, 1/2 cup = 48g (medium-high carb count)
Not sure though if it depends where it comes from. Some cooking methods differ, so may have more or less carbs depending who is preparing the rice.

Jul 20, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Simple Form to assist Meal CP Calculation

I have designed a computerised form for Excel or Numbers to calculate the Insulin Units, and calculates the perfect adjustment if your BG level is outside the ideal range. Just need to weigh the foods, and it will calculate the exact number of units required according to what ratio you are using, and any adjustment needed.
If anyone is interested contact me via the message facility.

Jul 20, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found?

Last year during DAFNE, it was suggested that Glucotabs should be available on prescription, but think it depends on your GP, as one of the people could get them while the rest of us couldn't.
If you have trouble getting them, use these PIP Codes and ask a Pharmacist to order them.
Orange x10 = 324-1866
Orange x50 = 324-1841
Raspberry x10 = 324-1858
Raspberry x50 = 324-1833
If you have further problems contact BBI Healthcare at www.glucotabs.com

Jul 20, 2010

PNThompson 57 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How good is dafne

I completed my DAFNE course April 2009, and my HBA1C reading for the course was 9.0.
Just had a DAFNE review and the most recent HBA1C was 6.9, so it's a big drop in a year. Overall I think DAFNE has made maintaining my diabetes a lot easier, and I have regained some of my hypo awareness too.
Alcohol and exercise is still a little difficult to get right, but will keep practicing until I get it right. If anyone isn't sure about DAFNE, it is worth it, believe me.

Jul 20, 2010

Ffi010 8 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Sushi rice

does anyone know is sushi rice has greater cp's in it than normal rice as it has added sugar in it?

Thanks

Jul 20, 2010

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / An app for carbs

The DAFNEOnline app is getting close to release and while it may not do this in the first version if its requested I'm sure Simon will add the function. We hope to make our version free as well....

Jul 20, 2010

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Adjusting Dosages

I agree ;-) and it just goes to show if you ask sometimes you DO get ! I look forward to upgrading your account to 'graduate' status at the end of september :-)

Jul 20, 2010

marke 681 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / Join Now !!

Jo, the applications go to DAFNE central not to us at DAFNEOnline. You won't hear anything immediately I don't think but you will get something next time a news letter on announcement is sent out.
The link to us at DAFNEOnline is we are both involved with DAFNE Central as 'user' groups and I sit on the DAFNE User Action Group committee as well as being one of the admins for DAFNE Online.

Jul 24, 2010 Edhoare 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Changeable basal insulin rates I've been diabetic for 28 years now and have been on a pump now for about 9 months. I find that I can be reasonably stable for about a week on one basal rate and then something causes my glucose levels to go right up (19 without any problem) and I find I have to keep raising my basal rate until I find a new level at which I'm stable. A week or so later my glucose level will be low and then I'll have to keep dropping my basal rate back down again until it stabilises again. I find my basal rate can vary between about 15 units a day to 22 units a day. This has always been the case for me so its not just because I'm on a pump. My lifestyle is pretty predictable particularly on work days - I work 5 days a week. I have the same breakfast every day and then cycle 5 miles to work. I typically work about 9 hours a day mainly behind a desk. I have a lunch of sandwiches made by me (very similar every day). I then cycle home at about 6.00-7.00pm. My evening meal is mainly rice and is again very similar every day (a boring life, I know!) I very rarely get stressed at work but when I do, I haven't noticed any change in the insulin requirements. I'm hardly ever ill (never had a day off work in 25 years). There may be some hang over from weekends where my exercise and food is less predictable and I might have a few drinks as well. As my routine is pretty much the same every working day, I think my basal insulin should be pretty much the same - every working day at least. Does anyone else have similar changes in basal requirement...or can anyone think of anything that might cause the basal to change that I can predict.

Jul 24, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Target range? Jo, Would suggest using the on line diary, and posting some of your readings, as you haven't detailed the problems with your BG readings. You mention they are out of the range, but haven't explained whether they are high or low. If the readings are regularly high, you should look at changing the ratio for the appropriate injection. i.e. if lunch time ratio is 1:1, and your dinner ratio is always high, change it to 1.5:1. Today, my BG have just been outside the ideal range, but wouldn't look to change any ratios, until I was sure that they needed changing. Paul

Jul 24, 2010 Jo Penn 24 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Target range? Really struggling atm... stress with family and other bits.... Any ideas on how to keep them in the "range"?

Jul 22, 2010 Caroline 29 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Hi My partner found an app for me called Insulin Dose Calculator (G C E =). It cost just over a Â£. I have found this a useful tool. Its been handly to carry around with me. You simply set your correction factor, carb factor, target glucose. Its gives you accurate insulin to take and bears in mind any exercise, none light or heavy you may then think about undertaking. Its helped me to lower my blood sugars without going to low.

Jul 22, 2010 amandab 11 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read I have a blackberry bold and would b happy to test. In fact I posted this from mobile.

Jul 22, 2010 amandab 11 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read I have a blackberry bold and would b happy to test. In fact I posted this from mobile.

Jul 21, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Bayer Contour USB As a meter it's quite good, though Bayer, as a company do not seem to be as helpful as Lifescan. When I first got this (as a test through the diabetic clinic) I was impressed with it, but after a while I found things difficult as the software was not available for download. I use both Mac and Windows computers, but found that creating a diary in the Apple Numbers software a lot better, as I have used the conditional formatting to colour code the readings. Numbers allows more than three conditions, so i've got four colours to highlight anything outside the ideal range.

Jul 21, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Target range? Have you noticed any pattens on your BG readings i.e. morning, lunch, dinner or bed high or low most of the time. I found it easier to notice pattens when I started colour coding the BG readings when they were not in range. Also I use a Spreadsheet (Windows Excel or Apple Numbers) to calculate my insulin needs to bring my BG readings back to mid range. Tonight (after exercise) by BG reading was 4.3, which means I needed an adjustment of -0.85 plus the count for the meal. Currently my adjustment factor is 0.5 unit of insulin per mmol i'm outside the range. You may need to adjust your ratio to get them in range, but would suggest only work on one at a time.

Jul 21, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Which Blood Meter No I would not recommend against it, but I am just unhappy with the Bayer company. So far the device works well, and once you get the software downloaded it is easy to update the diary, though I think I will stick to a manual diary.

Jul 21, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Need a kick up the backside! :( Could you share this spreadsheet that you have developed? I have tried myself to develop something simple but was never really fully satisfied.

Jul 21, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Which Blood Meter I am thinking about getting the USB blood meter, would you reccomend against it?

Jul 20, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Need a kick up the backside! :( Derek, Have just started looking at this DAFNE website again, after a while. I done the DAFNE course last year (April '09), and thought it was going to be really difficult to maintain. Just prior to the DAFNE course my HBA1c was 9.0, but recently I had another reading and it dropped to 6.9, so it does work, and you just need to stick with it. It was suggested to me today, in my first yearly review, that I return to this website, and use the forum to show people that it does work. After the DAFNE course I developed a computerised spreadsheet (Windows Excel and Apple Numbers versions) to help calculate the calculation based on the ratios for each meal, CP Calculations and adjustments necessary to try to return the BG to the ideal middle of the ranges. i.e. Lunch Dinner range 4.5 to 7.5, and if the BG is outside of these it calculates the injection to try to get my BG back to 6.0 (the mid point) on top of the calculation of the CP in the food. This has helped me manage my diabetes a lot better, and what also helps is maintaining contact with some of the people that I attended the course with. Hope you continue to do work with DAFNE, and it helps.

Jul 20, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pens My understanding was that the Memoir Pen was not available on prescription, and i've obviously been lucky as my one has lasted a year. Apart from it being bulky / heavy, it doesn't work too well in the cold. The digital readout doesn't work, so if anybody goes somewhere cold (like a skiing holiday) take a manual pen, as it isn't always easy to ensure the dose is right without the display. Good to hear that Lilly are good about replacements, and i'll update this post when the battery does go.

Jul 20, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Which Blood Meter I recently changed to the Bayer USB Contour meter. Previously used the Lifescan Accutrend One Touch Ultra 2 and the One touch Ultraeasy. Lifescan were good with obtaining spare parts, batteries, Lancing devices etc, and so far I have not been impressed with Bayer, as the full software was not available to download despite their promises and their helpline was useless, and though it is available now, I never received an email advising that it was available despite signing up for email advice. The main advantage to the Bayer device is that you can plug the device into the computer (Mac or Windows) and it downloads the readings. There is a difference, but after discussing the differences, was advised that you may get different readings from two separate identical machines and different manufacturers will give different readings. Which one is correct though? The Bayer device provided some higher readings when they are low, but lower reading when my Blood Sugars were high.

Jul 20, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Sushi rice According to www.carbs-information.com, 1/2 cup = 48g (medium-high carb count) Not sure though if it depends where it comes from. Some cooking methods differ, so may have more or less carbs depending who is preparing the rice.

Jul 20, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Simple Form to assist Meal CP Calculation I have designed a computerised form for Excel or Numbers to calculate the Insulin Units, and calculates the perfect adjustment if your BG level is outside the ideal range. Just need to weigh the foods, and it will calculate the exact number of units required according to what ratio you are using, and any adjustment needed. If anyone is interested contact me via the message facility.

Jul 20, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? Last year during DAFNE, it was suggested that Glucotabs should be available on prescription, but think it depends on your GP, as one of the people could get them while the rest of us couldn't. If you have trouble getting them, use these PIP Codes and ask a Pharmacist to order them. Orange x10 = 324-1866 Orange x50 = 324-1841 Raspberry x10 = 324-1858 Raspberry x50 = 324-1833 If you have further problems contact BBI Healthcare at www.glucotabs.com

Jul 20, 2010 PNThompson 57 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How good is dafne I completed my DAFNE course April 2009, and my HBA1C reading for the course was 9.0. Just had a DAFNE review and the most recent HBA1C was 6.9, so it's a big drop in a year. Overall I think DAFNE has made maintaining my diabetes a lot easier, and I have regained some of my hypo awareness too. Alcohol and exercise is still a little difficult to get right, but will keep practicing until I get it right. If anyone isn't sure about DAFNE, it is worth it, believe me.

Jul 20, 2010 Ffi010 8 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Sushi rice does anyone know is sushi rice has greater cp's in it than normal rice as it has added sugar in it? Thanks

Jul 20, 2010 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / An app for carbs The DAFNEOnline app is getting close to release and while it may not do this in the first version if its requested I'm sure Simon will add the function. We hope to make our version free as well....

Jul 20, 2010 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Adjusting Dosages I agree ;-) and it just goes to show if you ask sometimes you DO get ! I look forward to upgrading your account to 'graduate' status at the end of september :-)

Jul 20, 2010 marke 681 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / Join Now !! Jo, the applications go to DAFNE central not to us at DAFNEOnline. You won't hear anything immediately I don't think but you will get something next time a news letter on announcement is sent out. The link to us at DAFNEOnline is we are both involved with DAFNE Central as 'user' groups and I sit on the DAFNE User Action Group committee as well as being one of the admins for DAFNE Online.