Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jul 9, 2010

Leah57 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

I was testing 4 times a day before I started on the pump, and having to test more was a worry for me, but I reallly didn't have to do that many more.

In the early days, it was a case of doing some middle of the night one's to work out my overnight basal rates, beacuse of my overnight hypo's, but it wasn't too traumatic, and I'm back to 2-4 tests a day now. I'm lucky enough to have a great diabetes nursing team, who are fairly chilled out, which really helped.

I can't say as I've ever found wearing the pump uncomfortable, and I never even really notice that I'm wearing it, unless the wire snag's on something! Each to their own though, I can see some people wouldn't get on with it. For me, its worth the flexibility I now have.

As for not doing things/going places that you want to and not eating things that you want to, try not to think about it too much. You live with diabetes because you have to, but it should never stop you living your life and doing whatever it is you want to do. God, I sound like a counsellor!! Sorry, pep talk over! L.

Jul 9, 2010

Nat 30 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

I did have some horrid overnight hypos now on split dose and in the heat reduced my evening dose right down but then have the very odd breakfast highs when I go to bed on target.

About the pump people have said that it takes so much more blood testing than without and I seem to be testing all the time don't think I could do any more. I went on the course to become less diabetic if you know what I mean i.e. eating what I want when I want which is sorted but I feel now I don't eat things and go places cause I don't want to upset the good results I've had. Other people have said that they find it uncomfortable and gets cut of at times in the night and on holiday they just wished they didn't have it!

Jul 9, 2010

Leah57 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

That sounds pretty similar to me Angie, I had a lot of trouble with overnight hypo's and dawn rises etc etc, and the pump's been great.
It's a lot of wok but so worth it, and it makes life much more flexilble.
Nat, what have people said to put you off having a pump, if you don't mind me asking?

Jul 9, 2010

Angie 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

I started on the pump in January, and I love mine! It's not a magic gadget that suddenly makes everything easy, but it really does allow me to manage my diabetes better. I had problems with hypos and a pretty strong dawn phenomenon that lantus couldn't cope with. The pump allows me to fine tune my basal insulin to match my needs, and I can respond to changes in my routine much faster using the pump. It takes a bit of work, but if you're willing to put the effort in, then the pump is a fantastic tool for helping to control your diabetes. Smile

Jul 8, 2010

Kentbabe 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

hiya ive heard mixed things about the pump. But i am interested in learning how people have taken to them.

Jul 8, 2010

Kentbabe 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Leaking Novopen ?!?!

ive had the same problem with my humalog pen and my leviemer one too. I found that if i left the needle on for a few days it would start to leak a small amount of insulin. I now dont leave a needle on and this has stoped the leakiing. Hope u solve ur problem

Jul 8, 2010

Nat 30 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

Hi, I am new to the whole Daphne thing. I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 20 years and was really keen on the insulin pump but many people have put me off lately. How are you getting on with it?

Jul 8, 2010

marke 655 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Paninis

just a reminder, there is a page on the site for recording websites that provide information on their foods i.e. carb values. I have added the link in the previous post to it, you can get to our page either by clicking 'Carb Counter' in the right-hand menu followed by 'carb links' near the top of the page OR you can following the link to it here .

Jul 7, 2010

Leah57 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps

Hi guys.
I'm new to this site, but I wondered if any you are pump users?
I've had mine since Oct '09 and I just wondered how other people get on with their pumps?
Cheers, L.

Jul 6, 2010

EMS 15 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Paninis

Hi, I sometimes go to starbucks for lunch and, according to their website (see link below) a panini has just under 50 grams of carbohydrate, so about 5 cps, this usually works out for me.
Elli

http://www.starbucks.com/menu/catalog/nutrition?drink=all#view_control=nutrition&drink=bottled-drinks&drink=brewed-coffee&drink=chocolate&drink=espresso&drink=frappuccino-blended-beverages&drink=kids-drinks-and-other&drink=tazo-tea&drink=vivanno-smoothies&food=sandwiches-panini-and-wraps&page=3

Jul 6, 2010

Sylvia 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Paninis

Can anyone help? I like paninis, but find it difficult to estimate the CP value. Same with baguettes.

Jul 5, 2010

meltow 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Leaking Novopen ?!?!

I have been on the same Novorapid pen for at least 10 years, and have the same problem, but only intermittently. A bloomin' nuisance! Well done Stew; having now checked the instructions for use of the pen [see below], it does advise to remove needle after use to minimise leakage. Something I have never done - as I don't always use a new needle every time I inject.

After you use it
When you are using NovoRapid Penfill you should remove and dispose of the needle after each injection. If you do not remove it, temperature changes may cause liquid to leak out of the needle.

Jul 5, 2010

Stew B 123 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Leaking Novopen ?!?!

Hi Gaz

Are you leaving a needle attached when the pen leaks? Before DAFNE I used the same needle for more than one injection, and so often had a needle attached on my novopen all day. I would sometimes get the pen out and discover it soaked with leaked insulin and would also have to wind it up quite a lot to get more insulin to flow. I persuaded my GP to prescribe a new pen on the basis of that problem, and then found the new one did the same thing. Anyway, it turns out that changes of temperature / pressure were causing the insulin to expand and leak out. The answer was to only use a needle for one injection, and never to leave a needle on the pen. This solved the problem for me.

Stew

Jul 5, 2010

Gaz 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Leaking Novopen ?!?!

Hi, i've been type 1 for 9 years now, finished DAFNE 5 years ago (I think, 3rd group in Wales (Royal Glam)). Now one thing i can't seem to remedy, or find the cause of, is my novopen...leaking insulin.

I've switched pens, changed insulin cartridges; yet nothing seems be to solving the problem. I never had this issue when i was on Humolog 25, using their Humapens(think that's what they were called).

If I'm being honest; i've probably lost a few boxes worth of insulin since being diagnosed because of these mystery leaks. I remember once, literally pouring insulin out of my pens top due to one incident.

has anyone experienced the same problem, or better yet, found out what's causing it and solved the leaky pen?

thanks for any insight!

Jul 5, 2010

Athena 52 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Exhaustion

Has anyone got any tips or take anything for exhaustion?
I am really struggling to get out of bed since doing DAFNE.
I was really high for a few months while trying to get doses sorted and I am just not getting well again. Much more tired than before the course and feel ill with exhaustion. Worrying about work etc.

Thanks!

Jul 2, 2010

marke 655 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Picnics (grr)

Norman, you need to remember the DAFNE rules are guidelines NOT rules of iron. As you say yourself everyone is different and so if they did try to change the handbook what would be the correct correction ;-). I think everyone has to learn their own requirement and apply that. In addition we all sometimes get strange results so its a requirement that has to be 'refined' over time so you can discount those days when things just don't make sense.

Jul 2, 2010

Kevin Jones 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Pizza

splitting the dose is useful if you are eating a large carb meal to help avoid the hypo that can be created by those high units of insulin. on lower or medium carb meals, i think you can put the insulin in at once. by lower or medium carb meals i mean a normal amount of pasta, say half a plate or less. if you have garlic bread like me as well as the pasta, the carb amount COULD possibly be treated as a large amount.

again, trial and error are the best ways to work out the dose you need. the DAFNE carb book and/or the food packaging will guide you most of the way as well as your own personal ratio.

happy eating!

Jul 2, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh I agree,

As a DAFNE graduate you can eat as much as you like as long as u cover with insulin.

But as it is for everyone, too much is bad for your teeth, weight, so on and so forth........

Jul 2, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,818 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Pizza

Good advice.......

So do most of you agree that when eating low GI foods, like pizza, and i think pasta, but maybe not, you should split the dose before and after or just wait....

That would help me at lunch times as between lunch and dinner is the only time my sugars increase between those two times (about three o clock) down to the mixture of different GI foods, sandwiches, crisps, biscuits and fruit, I know Im a muncher....

Jul 2, 2010

Kevin Jones 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i eat chocolate every day without fail, i love it. the funny thing thing is i never ate before being diagnosed. but once it became a 'fobidden' food (until my DAFNE training), i wanted it all the time. i dont go mad, about 4 chunks will do just to satisfy my craving and make me feel a bit more like a normal person!

my fav is old jamaica rum and raisen, the smell......

Jul 2, 2010

Kevin Jones 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Pizza

I dont have much trouble with pizza. i normally use the values from the packaging if available and have learned pretty much how much insulin to put in by trial and error. the thin crust pizza 9" is normally 8 units for a whole pizza and a deep pan can be up to 12 units. Bear in mind my ratio is slightly lower than 1 CP to 1 unit of insulin.

The best advice is as usual. do a test run. take a reading before, eat the pizza, i normally wait about 20 mins for the meal to start digesting, and then inject the insulin. then do another reading about 2 hours later.

if you hypo from putting all the insulin in at once, split the dose and inject half after about 20 mins and then half about 1 and 1/2 hours later. if you still hypo, then the have the number of units too high. make a note of what you used and do another test run (yummy!) when convenient.

remember that thin crust and thick crust differ quite substantionally in their carb values. and if you have one of those 'stuffed crusts' it's even higher. i think they should be avoided at all costs, all that cheese and fat cant be good for you!

once you have worked out the dosage for each type and amount of pizza, eg. thin crust, 9", you can pretty much guess the others and get close.

enjoy the food!

Jul 2, 2010

Jo Penn 23 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Picnics (grr)

Thanks Norman.. will try that with the correction doses.

Thanks NovorapidBoi... got to grips with the maths bit quite quickly... just the other bits to tweak.

Jul 1, 2010

marke 655 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables

If you want more information on this you should google 'glycemic index' which is an indication of the rate carbs are converted to sugar. It is not covered on the DAFNE Course,
when I checked why ( people had been asking) it was because it was felt it was too much information to take on board when you are being bombarded with ratios and rules etc.
The feeling is that those interested will look into it themselves. If you disagree with this approach I would recommend posting in the DUAG forum, since they are the interface between graduates and the DAFNE Programme management.

Jul 1, 2010

Tony.P 16 posts

Topic: General Discussion / I want an insulin pump

we have to be passionate about our condition i think. The problem is it was a trial but on the day of the end of the trial they gave us hope that we would keep the pumps, only to be told by phone a few days later that we had not met the criteria so read that as you will.

Jul 9, 2010 Leah57 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps I was testing 4 times a day before I started on the pump, and having to test more was a worry for me, but I reallly didn't have to do that many more. In the early days, it was a case of doing some middle of the night one's to work out my overnight basal rates, beacuse of my overnight hypo's, but it wasn't too traumatic, and I'm back to 2-4 tests a day now. I'm lucky enough to have a great diabetes nursing team, who are fairly chilled out, which really helped. I can't say as I've ever found wearing the pump uncomfortable, and I never even really notice that I'm wearing it, unless the wire snag's on something! Each to their own though, I can see some people wouldn't get on with it. For me, its worth the flexibility I now have. As for not doing things/going places that you want to and not eating things that you want to, try not to think about it too much. You live with diabetes because you have to, but it should never stop you living your life and doing whatever it is you want to do. God, I sound like a counsellor!! Sorry, pep talk over! L.

Jul 9, 2010 Nat 30 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps I did have some horrid overnight hypos now on split dose and in the heat reduced my evening dose right down but then have the very odd breakfast highs when I go to bed on target. About the pump people have said that it takes so much more blood testing than without and I seem to be testing all the time don't think I could do any more. I went on the course to become less diabetic if you know what I mean i.e. eating what I want when I want which is sorted but I feel now I don't eat things and go places cause I don't want to upset the good results I've had. Other people have said that they find it uncomfortable and gets cut of at times in the night and on holiday they just wished they didn't have it!

Jul 9, 2010 Leah57 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps That sounds pretty similar to me Angie, I had a lot of trouble with overnight hypo's and dawn rises etc etc, and the pump's been great. It's a lot of wok but so worth it, and it makes life much more flexilble. Nat, what have people said to put you off having a pump, if you don't mind me asking?

Jul 9, 2010 Angie 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps I started on the pump in January, and I love mine! It's not a magic gadget that suddenly makes everything easy, but it really does allow me to manage my diabetes better. I had problems with hypos and a pretty strong dawn phenomenon that lantus couldn't cope with. The pump allows me to fine tune my basal insulin to match my needs, and I can respond to changes in my routine much faster using the pump. It takes a bit of work, but if you're willing to put the effort in, then the pump is a fantastic tool for helping to control your diabetes.

Jul 8, 2010 Kentbabe 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps hiya ive heard mixed things about the pump. But i am interested in learning how people have taken to them.

Jul 8, 2010 Kentbabe 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Leaking Novopen ?!?! ive had the same problem with my humalog pen and my leviemer one too. I found that if i left the needle on for a few days it would start to leak a small amount of insulin. I now dont leave a needle on and this has stoped the leakiing. Hope u solve ur problem

Jul 8, 2010 Nat 30 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps Hi, I am new to the whole Daphne thing. I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 20 years and was really keen on the insulin pump but many people have put me off lately. How are you getting on with it?

Jul 8, 2010 marke 655 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Paninis just a reminder, there is a page on the site for recording websites that provide information on their foods i.e. carb values. I have added the link in the previous post to it, you can get to our page either by clicking 'Carb Counter' in the right-hand menu followed by 'carb links' near the top of the page OR you can following the link to it here .

Jul 7, 2010 Leah57 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pumps Hi guys. I'm new to this site, but I wondered if any you are pump users? I've had mine since Oct '09 and I just wondered how other people get on with their pumps? Cheers, L.

Jul 6, 2010 EMS 15 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Paninis Hi, I sometimes go to starbucks for lunch and, according to their website (see link below) a panini has just under 50 grams of carbohydrate, so about 5 cps, this usually works out for me. Elli http://www.starbucks.com/menu/catalog/nutrition?drink=all#view_control=nutrition&drink=bottled-drinks&drink=brewed-coffee&drink=chocolate&drink=espresso&drink=frappuccino-blended-beverages&drink=kids-drinks-and-other&drink=tazo-tea&drink=vivanno-smoothies&food=sandwiches-panini-and-wraps&page=3

Jul 6, 2010 Sylvia 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Paninis Can anyone help? I like paninis, but find it difficult to estimate the CP value. Same with baguettes.

Jul 5, 2010 meltow 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Leaking Novopen ?!?! I have been on the same Novorapid pen for at least 10 years, and have the same problem, but only intermittently. A bloomin' nuisance! Well done Stew; having now checked the instructions for use of the pen [see below], it does advise to remove needle after use to minimise leakage. Something I have never done - as I don't always use a new needle every time I inject. After you use it When you are using NovoRapid Penfill you should remove and dispose of the needle after each injection. If you do not remove it, temperature changes may cause liquid to leak out of the needle.

Jul 5, 2010 Stew B 123 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Leaking Novopen ?!?! Hi Gaz Are you leaving a needle attached when the pen leaks? Before DAFNE I used the same needle for more than one injection, and so often had a needle attached on my novopen all day. I would sometimes get the pen out and discover it soaked with leaked insulin and would also have to wind it up quite a lot to get more insulin to flow. I persuaded my GP to prescribe a new pen on the basis of that problem, and then found the new one did the same thing. Anyway, it turns out that changes of temperature / pressure were causing the insulin to expand and leak out. The answer was to only use a needle for one injection, and never to leave a needle on the pen. This solved the problem for me. Stew

Jul 5, 2010 Gaz 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Leaking Novopen ?!?! Hi, i've been type 1 for 9 years now, finished DAFNE 5 years ago (I think, 3rd group in Wales (Royal Glam)). Now one thing i can't seem to remedy, or find the cause of, is my novopen...leaking insulin. I've switched pens, changed insulin cartridges; yet nothing seems be to solving the problem. I never had this issue when i was on Humolog 25, using their Humapens(think that's what they were called). If I'm being honest; i've probably lost a few boxes worth of insulin since being diagnosed because of these mystery leaks. I remember once, literally pouring insulin out of my pens top due to one incident. has anyone experienced the same problem, or better yet, found out what's causing it and solved the leaky pen? thanks for any insight!

Jul 5, 2010 Athena 52 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Exhaustion Has anyone got any tips or take anything for exhaustion? I am really struggling to get out of bed since doing DAFNE. I was really high for a few months while trying to get doses sorted and I am just not getting well again. Much more tired than before the course and feel ill with exhaustion. Worrying about work etc. Thanks!

Jul 2, 2010 marke 655 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Picnics (grr) Norman, you need to remember the DAFNE rules are guidelines NOT rules of iron. As you say yourself everyone is different and so if they did try to change the handbook what would be the correct correction ;-). I think everyone has to learn their own requirement and apply that. In addition we all sometimes get strange results so its a requirement that has to be 'refined' over time so you can discount those days when things just don't make sense.

Jul 2, 2010 Kevin Jones 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Pizza splitting the dose is useful if you are eating a large carb meal to help avoid the hypo that can be created by those high units of insulin. on lower or medium carb meals, i think you can put the insulin in at once. by lower or medium carb meals i mean a normal amount of pasta, say half a plate or less. if you have garlic bread like me as well as the pasta, the carb amount COULD possibly be treated as a large amount. again, trial and error are the best ways to work out the dose you need. the DAFNE carb book and/or the food packaging will guide you most of the way as well as your own personal ratio. happy eating!

Jul 2, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh I agree, As a DAFNE graduate you can eat as much as you like as long as u cover with insulin. But as it is for everyone, too much is bad for your teeth, weight, so on and so forth........

Jul 2, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,818 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Pizza Good advice....... So do most of you agree that when eating low GI foods, like pizza, and i think pasta, but maybe not, you should split the dose before and after or just wait.... That would help me at lunch times as between lunch and dinner is the only time my sugars increase between those two times (about three o clock) down to the mixture of different GI foods, sandwiches, crisps, biscuits and fruit, I know Im a muncher....

Jul 2, 2010 Kevin Jones 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i eat chocolate every day without fail, i love it. the funny thing thing is i never ate before being diagnosed. but once it became a 'fobidden' food (until my DAFNE training), i wanted it all the time. i dont go mad, about 4 chunks will do just to satisfy my craving and make me feel a bit more like a normal person! my fav is old jamaica rum and raisen, the smell......

Jul 2, 2010 Kevin Jones 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Pizza I dont have much trouble with pizza. i normally use the values from the packaging if available and have learned pretty much how much insulin to put in by trial and error. the thin crust pizza 9" is normally 8 units for a whole pizza and a deep pan can be up to 12 units. Bear in mind my ratio is slightly lower than 1 CP to 1 unit of insulin. The best advice is as usual. do a test run. take a reading before, eat the pizza, i normally wait about 20 mins for the meal to start digesting, and then inject the insulin. then do another reading about 2 hours later. if you hypo from putting all the insulin in at once, split the dose and inject half after about 20 mins and then half about 1 and 1/2 hours later. if you still hypo, then the have the number of units too high. make a note of what you used and do another test run (yummy!) when convenient. remember that thin crust and thick crust differ quite substantionally in their carb values. and if you have one of those 'stuffed crusts' it's even higher. i think they should be avoided at all costs, all that cheese and fat cant be good for you! once you have worked out the dosage for each type and amount of pizza, eg. thin crust, 9", you can pretty much guess the others and get close. enjoy the food!

Jul 2, 2010 Jo Penn 23 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Picnics (grr) Thanks Norman.. will try that with the correction doses. Thanks NovorapidBoi... got to grips with the maths bit quite quickly... just the other bits to tweak.

Jul 1, 2010 marke 655 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Vegetables If you want more information on this you should google 'glycemic index' which is an indication of the rate carbs are converted to sugar. It is not covered on the DAFNE Course, when I checked why ( people had been asking) it was because it was felt it was too much information to take on board when you are being bombarded with ratios and rules etc. The feeling is that those interested will look into it themselves. If you disagree with this approach I would recommend posting in the DUAG forum, since they are the interface between graduates and the DAFNE Programme management.

Jul 1, 2010 Tony.P 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / I want an insulin pump we have to be passionate about our condition i think. The problem is it was a trial but on the day of the end of the trial they gave us hope that we would keep the pumps, only to be told by phone a few days later that we had not met the criteria so read that as you will.