Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

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 686 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 686 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 686 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 20, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Adjusting Dosages

You beauty......................

Enjoy it, it really open your eyes, as everyone on here will agree..........

Jul 19, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Adjusting Dosages

Thats quick - I was over a year on a waiting list

Jul 19, 2010

Caroline 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Adjusting Dosages

Thanks for all your advice... after some phone calls to the local hospital they have now put me on a Dafne course in September. In the meantime I will try my best to adjust my dosages where possible. Thanks again.

Jul 19, 2010

Jo Penn 24 posts

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

Sent application - have you recieved mine yet?

Jul 19, 2010

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Graves Disease & Type One-Insulin Dependant

Hi there. Not sure I understand the question completely but here goes. I assume that when you say 24 hour bolus' you mean 24 hour basal so you are taking your QA insulin with your meal at 8 pm and then your basal insulin (? glargine) at 9 to 9.30. You are right to think that hypos could be the issue but clearly your BG monitoring seems to exclude that. If your glucose values are OK then I don't think it is the timing of the injections. You have mentioned Grave Disease in the title of your post. Are you happy that your thyroid gland is under control? An overactive thyroid gland can definitely affect sleep. Sorry if this isn't very helpful! Simon

Jul 19, 2010

Possum 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Risotto "what CP Rating is it?

My understanding is that half a 'metric cup' of cooked rice is 3 cps

Jul 18, 2010

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Which Blood Meter

I've heard that meters have as much as a 20% margin of error (plus or minus) - and aparantely thats an acceptable level for home testing.

NiVZ

Jul 18, 2010

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Hi Jenna/all

I'm currently finishing the first cut of the DAFNE Online iPhone app. It's pretty much done, with the following functionality:

Searchable DAFNE CP List split into categories
Blood Glucose Diary with the ability to specify your own targets for each entry type
Upload your BG diary to the DAFNE Online site so you can view Graphs, etc

I'm currently finishing off the upload functionality and that should be done in the next couple of weeks. We're also working with DAFNE Central to get hold of the latest CP list so that we can incorporate this into the app. There are a few issues there that we're trying to iron out - will keep you updated on progress on that.

When the above two points are resolved the app will be ready, and after it's checked by apple should be available on the App store. All in all I think it should be done in a month or so.

Simon

Jul 18, 2010

meltow 78 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Sultanas

I use sultanas as a safeguard against night hypos. In my early days of DAFNE, I checked the sultana packet for the correct carbohydrates and weight. I reckoned that 3 handfuls of mine [I'm only small] was approximately 1 CP. So, if my BG is around 4 - 5 before bed, I will often have 2 or 3 handfuls of sultanas to prevent any lows during the night. It works for me.

Have you not checked the weight of sultanas you are adding to your recipe, and taking into account relevant CP's, when judging your portion of the pud?


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 686 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 686 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 686 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 20, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Adjusting Dosages You beauty...................... Enjoy it, it really open your eyes, as everyone on here will agree..........

Jul 19, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Adjusting Dosages Thats quick - I was over a year on a waiting list

Jul 19, 2010 Caroline 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Adjusting Dosages Thanks for all your advice... after some phone calls to the local hospital they have now put me on a Dafne course in September. In the meantime I will try my best to adjust my dosages where possible. Thanks again.

Jul 19, 2010 Jo Penn 24 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / Join Now !! Sent application - have you recieved mine yet?

Jul 19, 2010 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Graves Disease & Type One-Insulin Dependant Hi there. Not sure I understand the question completely but here goes. I assume that when you say 24 hour bolus' you mean 24 hour basal so you are taking your QA insulin with your meal at 8 pm and then your basal insulin (? glargine) at 9 to 9.30. You are right to think that hypos could be the issue but clearly your BG monitoring seems to exclude that. If your glucose values are OK then I don't think it is the timing of the injections. You have mentioned Grave Disease in the title of your post. Are you happy that your thyroid gland is under control? An overactive thyroid gland can definitely affect sleep. Sorry if this isn't very helpful! Simon

Jul 19, 2010 Possum 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Risotto "what CP Rating is it? My understanding is that half a 'metric cup' of cooked rice is 3 cps

Jul 18, 2010 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Which Blood Meter I've heard that meters have as much as a 20% margin of error (plus or minus) - and aparantely thats an acceptable level for home testing. NiVZ

Jul 18, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Hi Jenna/all I'm currently finishing the first cut of the DAFNE Online iPhone app. It's pretty much done, with the following functionality: Searchable DAFNE CP List split into categories Blood Glucose Diary with the ability to specify your own targets for each entry type Upload your BG diary to the DAFNE Online site so you can view Graphs, etc I'm currently finishing off the upload functionality and that should be done in the next couple of weeks. We're also working with DAFNE Central to get hold of the latest CP list so that we can incorporate this into the app. There are a few issues there that we're trying to iron out - will keep you updated on progress on that. When the above two points are resolved the app will be ready, and after it's checked by apple should be available on the App store. All in all I think it should be done in a month or so. Simon

Jul 18, 2010 meltow 78 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Sultanas I use sultanas as a safeguard against night hypos. In my early days of DAFNE, I checked the sultana packet for the correct carbohydrates and weight. I reckoned that 3 handfuls of mine [I'm only small] was approximately 1 CP. So, if my BG is around 4 - 5 before bed, I will often have 2 or 3 handfuls of sultanas to prevent any lows during the night. It works for me. Have you not checked the weight of sultanas you are adding to your recipe, and taking into account relevant CP's, when judging your portion of the pud?