Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jun 17, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Am i counting carbs right

I have found myself having a big plate of pasta, like a good size, some garlic bread and I have been well over twenty units.

And with my ratio of 1.5:1, you do the maths......

Jun 16, 2010

marke 681 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / fourth meeting

All, you can find the minutes of the 4th DUAG meeting here . There is also an executive summary here . Apologies for the delay posting them, this is partly due to them not being released and partly due to me being on holiday !

Jun 16, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Rising morning BG knowing the 'Dawn' Phenomenon is not present

I was on Levemir twice a day, and it worked to some extent, its just was not lasting long enough, and increasing the doses was not really an option as I wanted to drive my intake down from what is was before dafne.

Everything is working as it should for now, but what I do believe is that could change throughout my life as lifestyles change and my body

Jun 16, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

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

I agree totally, I was just emphasising the dafne mission statement if you like, which is to eat like non diabetics, but not everyone eats well.

That rule apllies to everyone.................

Jun 16, 2010

Anil 39 posts

Topic: General Discussion / stress

Hi, Melissa,
I know its a bit late, but just in case anyone else has had issue's like this.

Yes, Stress is primarily down to excess cortisol production in the body, this can happen at times of emotional (and sometimes physical) stress.
Cortisol is also known as the "Stress" hormone in the body.
Cortisol counteracts the affect of insulin, so you may find you need more insulin to bring your sugars down more then normal for a short time (While your stressed).

I have also had previous experience of this, I have suffered from work related stress and found it does increase your BG levels (Because insulin doesn't work as well, and you need more of it)

After a few nights of sleep, you'll find you feel a bit better, stress affects all of us all the time, but when we go to sleep, our brain does amazing things to help filter out negative thoughts and emotions and keep us "Sane". You may find that when under stress after a good nights sleep, you tend to look at it in a different light, (Maybe it isn't so bad after all?) thus alleviating the symptoms, stress & excess cortisol in the body associated with it.

I hope you resolve your issue's soon, and if you still find yourself with high BG levels, consider (Temporarily) adjusting your Ratio's until their back to normal and you feel better!

Although it may not seem like it, Exercise is a great way to relive stress. (Exercise release endorphins into your body creating a "Slight Natural High", This is a great way to alleviate stress and feel good about your future and outlook).

Hope this helps!... and.. Keep smiling Very Happy

Jun 16, 2010

Anil 39 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP?

Hi guys,
I spoke to my DAFNE instructors today, and were really helpful, they said they would look into it and speak to my GP about increasing my Test Strips.
Hopefully this will help, otherwise they informed me to file a official complaint, I was trying to avoid this, but it may be the only way to move forward.
Anyway, If anyone else is having this problem, see if you DAFNE instructors can help, otherwise file a official complaint, (Ask your GP for the necessary forms and/or telephone number(s))
By the looks of it, this is only a problem with MY GP, due to the fact nobody else has had any problems like this across the country.

Thanks for the Fantastic Response!! (Everyone!)

Jun 16, 2010

Rachie Wilson 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / I want an insulin pump

I agree with both Anil and Novorapidboi26 regarding pumps been used when you can't get control.

I went on DAFNE course in Jan this year and my HBAC1 before this were all in the 8's, this is why I got sent on the course and it has now come down to 6.6 (my last one in March). Which show that I can control it and i still only do around 4 injection a day. I would like to try a pump but I know there are worse people out there with less control I than I have got and really I live a normal life. There is people with diabetes that really need the pumps and can't get one and they are ill all the time due to not having control.

If i got offered one now, I would turn it down as I lead a normal life and someone out there would benifit from it much more than I would.

Jun 16, 2010

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Rising morning BG knowing the 'Dawn' Phenomenon is not present

This is one of the problems that sometimes can be fixed by replacing Humulin I by long acting insulin analogues such as Levemir or glargine. more long acting and less likely to cause hypoglycaemia in the middle of the night. Usually need to be given twice daily though just like Humulin I or Insulatard. Simon

Jun 16, 2010

Anil 39 posts

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

Although theirs some truth in that, We still have to watch our diet, eating chocolate each and every day will affect us more then a normal person, especially with the long term complications side.
Indulging in a few chocolates now and again (even often is fine) but dont go overboard.

Yes, DAFNE is all about normal eating, but we still have to make changes to our diet, We dont go around drinking normal coke do we? and other normal drinks to?

Make sure you take the correct insulin, but sugar (even in a normal person) will deteriorate our eyes over the long term, so its not good to over do it, and especially because were diabetic, we need to be even more vigilant with our control.

Eating chocolate is fine, but dont over do it, (Its not good even for a normal person, Its even worse for us), Match the insulin. AND DO SOME EXERCISE once a week. <--- Very important to increase your bodies blood circulation and keep nerves & vessels in your body and eyes healthy.

Jun 16, 2010

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP?

Perhaps it may help if you explain to your GP the cost benefit of the DAFNE testing regime.
Tell your GP...never mind how much he/her is spending on test strips....just look at how much you are saving in insulin consumption with better control!
I have just checked using my online diary and find that my average consumption is 160 strips a month and have reduced my insulin intake since graduating from 3960u per month to 2280u. Just look at those savings GP!
I'm lucky. At my surgery I am supplied with whatever I ask for.
However, if ever challenged about my consumption of strips I would have no concerns in fronting the doctor out on the matter and I don't believe any of us should be worried. The GP is there to provide you with a good service and must supply a consumable off the prescribed list in whatever volume is necessary.
No doubt some strips are cheaper than others and you may need negociate with your GP into supplying another brand of meter to use cheaper strips but you should not allow your treatment to be compromised.

Jun 16, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Rising morning BG knowing the 'Dawn' Phenomenon is not present

Im no HCP, but I can say it is Dawn.......

Its a pain in the bum but I think the earlier you get up the quicker you catch the rise.........ie monday to friday working.....

Ultimately for me the few hours of rising sugars dont have a long term (2-3 months) effect.

I have also moved onto Humilin I to try and combat it, its starts working in 2 hours then peaks 2 hours later, this has helped me drive them down slightly in the morning, still double figures though

Jun 16, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / I want an insulin pump

I agree with Anil........

Pumps should be reserved for people who cant get control through no fault of thier own.

If you can control yours, which you can from the blood result posted, then you shouldnt have one, you dont need one.

Also you say you have been diabetic for 24 years, thats a while, long enough surely to have accepted the condition. It should just be a part of life now surely.

Just my opinion though, everyone has specific needs.

My lowest result in years has been 8.0 thanks to dafne, and its sure to drop.

Jun 16, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

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

Thats what DAFNE is all about, normal eating.

DAFNormalEating.......as well as helping us control our sugars its giving us freedom to choose as anyone without diabetes would, so essentially we are normal now.

Which also means we need to make the right choices when it comes to diet.

If you wanted to eat chocolate all day everday you can, just jag up..........

Jun 16, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomonon

Hey guys,

I suffer from the afformentioned plight of dawn phenomonon.

Double figured blood sugars for this short amount of time has proven not to affect my Haemoglobin results anyway, however I would like to hear if anyone experiences this and what they do, if anything to combat it.

Hope to hear from you soon,

NoVoRaPiDbOi26

Jun 16, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public

Looks like that debate is finished....................

Its not as if were shooting in a bag of smack into our veins.....

Pftttttttttt........

Jun 16, 2010

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / elevated Total Bilirubin levels

Hey,

I am not an HCP but thought some info from the all knowing wikipedia might help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilirubin

It seem to be a cellular antioxidant and is responsible for the yellow colour of bruises and urine.

Have a read, if there were problems surely someone would say?

Good Luck

Jun 16, 2010

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP?

Credit where it is due, I got my prescription changed from one box of fifty to three boxes last week and all done by the chemist.

Jun 15, 2010

Derek Brown 32 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Thanks very much Simon!

Derek.

Jun 15, 2010

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE Collaborative 2010

The DAFNE Collaborative for 2010 took place on Friday 11th June at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. The event was attended by DAFNE Educators from around the UK, Ireland and Australia, as well as other stakeholders from Diabetes UK, the DAFNE User Action Group (DUAG) and DAFNE Online. This event is aimed at updating the DAFNE community on new research and DAFNE guidelines.

The day began with a welcome from Professor Stephanie Amiel, who chairs the DAFNE Executive. She informed us that DAFNE was celebrating itâ€™s 10th birthday this year, and that it has gone from strength to strength, with over 16,000 people having taken the course since itâ€™s inception. Another notable fact was the number of countries following the DAFNE programme, with those countries being the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Nigeria and Kuwait.

Stephanie then handed over to Peter Rogers from the DAFNE User Action Group (DUAG) and myself (Simon Fisher) from DAFNE Online. Peter kicked off the presentation by informing delegates of the formation and purpose of the DUAG, and then went on to discuss in detail the four streams of work that the group is concentrating on in the future, these being the Liaison, Awareness, Lobbying and Involvement groups. Simon then went on to discuss DAFNE Online, including its aims, features and benefits to DAFNE users. After this Peter wrapped up the presentation, inviting attendees to discuss amongst themselves a set of questions related to the presentation that they had just seen. These questions and answers will be detailed here when DAFNE Central has collated them. In the final part of this session, delegates were invited to ask questions of the two speakers. The majority of these questions came in the form of enhancement requests for DAFNE Online, and these are summarised below:

â€¢ DAFNE Online agreed to produce a Video and DVD to give to HCPâ€™s and post online by way of an introduction to the site, so that educators who arenâ€™t comfortable with IT are able to showcase the site to their Graduates.
â€¢ An enhancement to the Online Diary so that users can specify whether the BG entries are colour coded according to target, as some users may not want to see this information.
â€¢ When users receive a message online, they would like to be emailed about this.
â€¢ We may look to hosting questionnaires for the various DAFNE Centres around follow-up reviews, with the aim of increasing user response.

Feedback from this presentation was very positive, and a great number of delegates were enthusiastic about the DUAG and DAFNE Online.

Following this presentation, Dr. Ian Lawrence presented research on a comparison of different basal insulins. This research focused on insulin usage and HBA1C both during the DAFNE Course and 1 year on, comparing this data for three main types of basal insulin. The results from this research will be published to the DAFNE UK site shortly.

After Ianâ€™s presentation there followed a coffee break, where DAFNE Online had a table and presentation running in the coffee area. We were inundated with visitors to the DAFNE Online table, with around 15 delegates signing up to the site during and after the break, some from DAFNE centres that previously had no educator coverage on the site. A number of delegates were also interested in viewing a preview of the DAFNE Online iPhone app, which Simon had on his iPhone. Again, feedback on this was very positive.

There then followed more presentations on recent research in Type 1 and DAFNE, but due to the overwhelming number of visitors to the DAFNE Online table, I missed out on these. The slides/content from these will shortly be posted on the DAFNE UK site for those who are interested.

After a delicious buffet lunch, the afternoon sessions commenced. These were a number of workshops around different topics related to DAFNE. Again, as I could only attend one of these, the information/results of the other sessions can be found on the DAFNE UK site.

The workshop that I attended was focused on uncovering the issues involved in setting up a Type 1 Diabetes service based on DAFNE, and was imaginatively titled â€œCommissioning for Type 1 Diabetes: an intergalactic extravaganzaâ€. The aim of the session was to document to the ruler of a newly discovered planet (ENFAD) the requirements for a Type 1 diabetes service, focusing on five key phases: diagnosis, first year after diagnosis, the DAFNE course, first year after DAFNE and ongoing care and each section was further subdivided into glucose and non-glucose considerations.

Participants were invited to discuss and compose a list of standards that each patient would get in each of the five phases, given unlimited resources. Common themes were: 24/7 access to DAFNE-trained educators, consistent care wherever you were in the country, as well as many others. We than had to decide where and how these services were going to be delivered, and it was decided that the key people in the management of Glucose-related issues would be the Diabetic Specialist Nurses, supported by Specialist Dieticians and Doctors, whereas the Non-Glucose related issues (foot screening for example) would take place in Primary Care.

The aim of the session was to give attendees an insight into the difficulties and challenges in setting up a Type 1 Diabetes service based on DAFNE, and as it turned out there is a lot to think and work with which isnâ€™t always apparent to the DAFNE Graduate.

After a wrap-up and review of the workshops, the day was over. It was very enjoyable to meet and network with a wide variety of DAFNE stakeholders. Furthermore, it was great to hear all of the positive feedback and suggestions for new things to do with DAFNE Online, and Iâ€™m grateful to DAFNE Central for inviting us along.

Jun 15, 2010

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Derek - added that one for you.

Thanks,

Simon

Jun 15, 2010

Anil 39 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP?

Hi,
I'll be seeing my DAFNE team tomorrow, I will take up the test strip issue's with them and see what they can do to help,

Thanks for you help!

Jun 15, 2010

Lynne Greenh... 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP?

Hi Anil,

I would contact your local DAFNE team and let them know about the problems you have been having getting enough test strips on prescription from your GP as they may be able to contact your GP / write to him or her to explain why you need more strips than their average diabetic patient.

Also the difficulties that some people are having getting the test cassettes for the new Accu-Check mobile meter, may be because when these are prescribed, you get 2 test cassettes at a time (equivalent to 100 test strips, or 2 pots of 50 strips), hence the seemingly higher cost to your GP. Also different GP's computer prescribing software are set up differently, meaning that when your GP types in ' Accu Check mobile test cassette' he or she can't find it. Accu-check advise that it may be alternatively listed as either 'mobile test cassette' or 'mobile calorimetric test cassette'. I hope that this helps.

Jun 17, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Am i counting carbs right I have found myself having a big plate of pasta, like a good size, some garlic bread and I have been well over twenty units. And with my ratio of 1.5:1, you do the maths......

Jun 16, 2010 marke 681 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / fourth meeting All, you can find the minutes of the 4th DUAG meeting here . There is also an executive summary here . Apologies for the delay posting them, this is partly due to them not being released and partly due to me being on holiday !

Jun 16, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Rising morning BG knowing the 'Dawn' Phenomenon is not present I was on Levemir twice a day, and it worked to some extent, its just was not lasting long enough, and increasing the doses was not really an option as I wanted to drive my intake down from what is was before dafne. Everything is working as it should for now, but what I do believe is that could change throughout my life as lifestyles change and my body

Jun 16, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I agree totally, I was just emphasising the dafne mission statement if you like, which is to eat like non diabetics, but not everyone eats well. That rule apllies to everyone.................

Jun 16, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / stress Hi, Melissa, I know its a bit late, but just in case anyone else has had issue's like this. Yes, Stress is primarily down to excess cortisol production in the body, this can happen at times of emotional (and sometimes physical) stress. Cortisol is also known as the "Stress" hormone in the body. Cortisol counteracts the affect of insulin, so you may find you need more insulin to bring your sugars down more then normal for a short time (While your stressed). I have also had previous experience of this, I have suffered from work related stress and found it does increase your BG levels (Because insulin doesn't work as well, and you need more of it) After a few nights of sleep, you'll find you feel a bit better, stress affects all of us all the time, but when we go to sleep, our brain does amazing things to help filter out negative thoughts and emotions and keep us "Sane". You may find that when under stress after a good nights sleep, you tend to look at it in a different light, (Maybe it isn't so bad after all?) thus alleviating the symptoms, stress & excess cortisol in the body associated with it. I hope you resolve your issue's soon, and if you still find yourself with high BG levels, consider (Temporarily) adjusting your Ratio's until their back to normal and you feel better! Although it may not seem like it, Exercise is a great way to relive stress. (Exercise release endorphins into your body creating a "Slight Natural High", This is a great way to alleviate stress and feel good about your future and outlook). Hope this helps!... and.. Keep smiling

Jun 16, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Hi guys, I spoke to my DAFNE instructors today, and were really helpful, they said they would look into it and speak to my GP about increasing my Test Strips. Hopefully this will help, otherwise they informed me to file a official complaint, I was trying to avoid this, but it may be the only way to move forward. Anyway, If anyone else is having this problem, see if you DAFNE instructors can help, otherwise file a official complaint, (Ask your GP for the necessary forms and/or telephone number(s)) By the looks of it, this is only a problem with MY GP, due to the fact nobody else has had any problems like this across the country. Thanks for the Fantastic Response!! (Everyone!)

Jun 16, 2010 Rachie Wilson 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / I want an insulin pump I agree with both Anil and Novorapidboi26 regarding pumps been used when you can't get control. I went on DAFNE course in Jan this year and my HBAC1 before this were all in the 8's, this is why I got sent on the course and it has now come down to 6.6 (my last one in March). Which show that I can control it and i still only do around 4 injection a day. I would like to try a pump but I know there are worse people out there with less control I than I have got and really I live a normal life. There is people with diabetes that really need the pumps and can't get one and they are ill all the time due to not having control. If i got offered one now, I would turn it down as I lead a normal life and someone out there would benifit from it much more than I would.

Jun 16, 2010 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Rising morning BG knowing the 'Dawn' Phenomenon is not present This is one of the problems that sometimes can be fixed by replacing Humulin I by long acting insulin analogues such as Levemir or glargine. more long acting and less likely to cause hypoglycaemia in the middle of the night. Usually need to be given twice daily though just like Humulin I or Insulatard. Simon

Jun 16, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Although theirs some truth in that, We still have to watch our diet, eating chocolate each and every day will affect us more then a normal person, especially with the long term complications side. Indulging in a few chocolates now and again (even often is fine) but dont go overboard. Yes, DAFNE is all about normal eating, but we still have to make changes to our diet, We dont go around drinking normal coke do we? and other normal drinks to? Make sure you take the correct insulin, but sugar (even in a normal person) will deteriorate our eyes over the long term, so its not good to over do it, and especially because were diabetic, we need to be even more vigilant with our control. Eating chocolate is fine, but dont over do it, (Its not good even for a normal person, Its even worse for us), Match the insulin. AND DO SOME EXERCISE once a week. <--- Very important to increase your bodies blood circulation and keep nerves & vessels in your body and eyes healthy.

Jun 16, 2010 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Perhaps it may help if you explain to your GP the cost benefit of the DAFNE testing regime. Tell your GP...never mind how much he/her is spending on test strips....just look at how much you are saving in insulin consumption with better control! I have just checked using my online diary and find that my average consumption is 160 strips a month and have reduced my insulin intake since graduating from 3960u per month to 2280u. Just look at those savings GP! I'm lucky. At my surgery I am supplied with whatever I ask for. However, if ever challenged about my consumption of strips I would have no concerns in fronting the doctor out on the matter and I don't believe any of us should be worried. The GP is there to provide you with a good service and must supply a consumable off the prescribed list in whatever volume is necessary. No doubt some strips are cheaper than others and you may need negociate with your GP into supplying another brand of meter to use cheaper strips but you should not allow your treatment to be compromised.

Jun 16, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Rising morning BG knowing the 'Dawn' Phenomenon is not present Im no HCP, but I can say it is Dawn....... Its a pain in the bum but I think the earlier you get up the quicker you catch the rise.........ie monday to friday working..... Ultimately for me the few hours of rising sugars dont have a long term (2-3 months) effect. I have also moved onto Humilin I to try and combat it, its starts working in 2 hours then peaks 2 hours later, this has helped me drive them down slightly in the morning, still double figures though

Jun 16, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / I want an insulin pump I agree with Anil........ Pumps should be reserved for people who cant get control through no fault of thier own. If you can control yours, which you can from the blood result posted, then you shouldnt have one, you dont need one. Also you say you have been diabetic for 24 years, thats a while, long enough surely to have accepted the condition. It should just be a part of life now surely. Just my opinion though, everyone has specific needs. My lowest result in years has been 8.0 thanks to dafne, and its sure to drop.

Jun 16, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / chocoholic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats what DAFNE is all about, normal eating. DAFNormalEating.......as well as helping us control our sugars its giving us freedom to choose as anyone without diabetes would, so essentially we are normal now. Which also means we need to make the right choices when it comes to diet. If you wanted to eat chocolate all day everday you can, just jag up..........

Jun 16, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomonon Hey guys, I suffer from the afformentioned plight of dawn phenomonon. Double figured blood sugars for this short amount of time has proven not to affect my Haemoglobin results anyway, however I would like to hear if anyone experiences this and what they do, if anything to combat it. Hope to hear from you soon, NoVoRaPiDbOi26

Jun 16, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public Looks like that debate is finished.................... Its not as if were shooting in a bag of smack into our veins..... Pftttttttttt........

Jun 16, 2010 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / elevated Total Bilirubin levels Hey, I am not an HCP but thought some info from the all knowing wikipedia might help: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilirubin It seem to be a cellular antioxidant and is responsible for the yellow colour of bruises and urine. Have a read, if there were problems surely someone would say? Good Luck

Jun 16, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Credit where it is due, I got my prescription changed from one box of fifty to three boxes last week and all done by the chemist.

Jun 15, 2010 Derek Brown 32 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Thanks very much Simon! Derek.

Jun 15, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE Collaborative 2010 The DAFNE Collaborative for 2010 took place on Friday 11th June at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. The event was attended by DAFNE Educators from around the UK, Ireland and Australia, as well as other stakeholders from Diabetes UK, the DAFNE User Action Group (DUAG) and DAFNE Online. This event is aimed at updating the DAFNE community on new research and DAFNE guidelines. The day began with a welcome from Professor Stephanie Amiel, who chairs the DAFNE Executive. She informed us that DAFNE was celebrating itâ€™s 10th birthday this year, and that it has gone from strength to strength, with over 16,000 people having taken the course since itâ€™s inception. Another notable fact was the number of countries following the DAFNE programme, with those countries being the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Nigeria and Kuwait. Stephanie then handed over to Peter Rogers from the DAFNE User Action Group (DUAG) and myself (Simon Fisher) from DAFNE Online. Peter kicked off the presentation by informing delegates of the formation and purpose of the DUAG, and then went on to discuss in detail the four streams of work that the group is concentrating on in the future, these being the Liaison, Awareness, Lobbying and Involvement groups. Simon then went on to discuss DAFNE Online, including its aims, features and benefits to DAFNE users. After this Peter wrapped up the presentation, inviting attendees to discuss amongst themselves a set of questions related to the presentation that they had just seen. These questions and answers will be detailed here when DAFNE Central has collated them. In the final part of this session, delegates were invited to ask questions of the two speakers. The majority of these questions came in the form of enhancement requests for DAFNE Online, and these are summarised below: â€¢ DAFNE Online agreed to produce a Video and DVD to give to HCPâ€™s and post online by way of an introduction to the site, so that educators who arenâ€™t comfortable with IT are able to showcase the site to their Graduates. â€¢ An enhancement to the Online Diary so that users can specify whether the BG entries are colour coded according to target, as some users may not want to see this information. â€¢ When users receive a message online, they would like to be emailed about this. â€¢ We may look to hosting questionnaires for the various DAFNE Centres around follow-up reviews, with the aim of increasing user response. Feedback from this presentation was very positive, and a great number of delegates were enthusiastic about the DUAG and DAFNE Online. Following this presentation, Dr. Ian Lawrence presented research on a comparison of different basal insulins. This research focused on insulin usage and HBA1C both during the DAFNE Course and 1 year on, comparing this data for three main types of basal insulin. The results from this research will be published to the DAFNE UK site shortly. After Ianâ€™s presentation there followed a coffee break, where DAFNE Online had a table and presentation running in the coffee area. We were inundated with visitors to the DAFNE Online table, with around 15 delegates signing up to the site during and after the break, some from DAFNE centres that previously had no educator coverage on the site. A number of delegates were also interested in viewing a preview of the DAFNE Online iPhone app, which Simon had on his iPhone. Again, feedback on this was very positive. There then followed more presentations on recent research in Type 1 and DAFNE, but due to the overwhelming number of visitors to the DAFNE Online table, I missed out on these. The slides/content from these will shortly be posted on the DAFNE UK site for those who are interested. After a delicious buffet lunch, the afternoon sessions commenced. These were a number of workshops around different topics related to DAFNE. Again, as I could only attend one of these, the information/results of the other sessions can be found on the DAFNE UK site. The workshop that I attended was focused on uncovering the issues involved in setting up a Type 1 Diabetes service based on DAFNE, and was imaginatively titled â€œCommissioning for Type 1 Diabetes: an intergalactic extravaganzaâ€. The aim of the session was to document to the ruler of a newly discovered planet (ENFAD) the requirements for a Type 1 diabetes service, focusing on five key phases: diagnosis, first year after diagnosis, the DAFNE course, first year after DAFNE and ongoing care and each section was further subdivided into glucose and non-glucose considerations. Participants were invited to discuss and compose a list of standards that each patient would get in each of the five phases, given unlimited resources. Common themes were: 24/7 access to DAFNE-trained educators, consistent care wherever you were in the country, as well as many others. We than had to decide where and how these services were going to be delivered, and it was decided that the key people in the management of Glucose-related issues would be the Diabetic Specialist Nurses, supported by Specialist Dieticians and Doctors, whereas the Non-Glucose related issues (foot screening for example) would take place in Primary Care. The aim of the session was to give attendees an insight into the difficulties and challenges in setting up a Type 1 Diabetes service based on DAFNE, and as it turned out there is a lot to think and work with which isnâ€™t always apparent to the DAFNE Graduate. After a wrap-up and review of the workshops, the day was over. It was very enjoyable to meet and network with a wide variety of DAFNE stakeholders. Furthermore, it was great to hear all of the positive feedback and suggestions for new things to do with DAFNE Online, and Iâ€™m grateful to DAFNE Central for inviting us along.

Jun 15, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Derek - added that one for you. Thanks, Simon

Jun 15, 2010 Anil 39 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Hi, I'll be seeing my DAFNE team tomorrow, I will take up the test strip issue's with them and see what they can do to help, Thanks for you help!

Jun 15, 2010 Lynne Greenh... 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anyone else having problems obtaining BG Test strips from their GP? Hi Anil, I would contact your local DAFNE team and let them know about the problems you have been having getting enough test strips on prescription from your GP as they may be able to contact your GP / write to him or her to explain why you need more strips than their average diabetic patient. Also the difficulties that some people are having getting the test cassettes for the new Accu-Check mobile meter, may be because when these are prescribed, you get 2 test cassettes at a time (equivalent to 100 test strips, or 2 pots of 50 strips), hence the seemingly higher cost to your GP. Also different GP's computer prescribing software are set up differently, meaning that when your GP types in ' Accu Check mobile test cassette' he or she can't find it. Accu-check advise that it may be alternatively listed as either 'mobile test cassette' or 'mobile calorimetric test cassette'. I hope that this helps.