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Jun 30, 2017
Paul36287
1 post
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Topic: General Discussion / Blood sugar spiking between 3am and 7am My blood sugars are manageable most of the day.They start rising at about 9pm and I wake at around 7am with blood sugars on a 7 day average of 13 every day.I get them in range by lunch time and the process starts over again with rising blood sugars rising again at 9pm and throughout the night.I have got up a few times at 3am and taken insulin without carbs and it starts coming back into range by 7am.However that is leaving me at high risk of hypoing whilst sleeping.Does anyone else experience this ? And if so how did you correct? |
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Jun 28, 2017
Warwick
425 posts
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marke would know if it is possible. If he doesn't see this thread, then try messaging him - Message Inbox - Compose New Message. |
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Jun 28, 2017
Warwick
425 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Libre I have been wearing a CGM (Dexcom G4) for the last couple of years. I agree with you that education is absolutely necessary otherwise it is just an exercise in looking at pretty graphs with lots of sharp rises and drops. What I have found from using this device is:1) What my blood glucose levels are doing following meals. Previously I knew not to test within a few hours of eating as we are only concerned with whether we got QA correct when it has almost been completely consumed by the body. What I didn't realise though was that although my blood glucose levels were perfect several hours after breakfast, they were peaking at around 17 mmol/L in the couple of hours after breakfast until the QA took full effect. That was for a breakfast of a couple of weetbix, some milk and muesli. I changed what I had for breakfast and now I have much lower BG readings in the couple of hours after eating. 2) My hypo awareness was nowhere near as good as I thought it was. The Dexcom (unlike the Libre) does sound an alarm when going outside of preset target ranges and I found that many times that I was hypo, I was completely unaware of the fact. Being alerted to this has meant I spend less time in hypoglycemia and my hypo awareness has improved as a result. 3) I can see what effect exercise has on my BGLs. Running and cycling does tend to lower them, but basketball tends to keep them steady. It has helped me identify what works and what doesn't. If I had to choose between just using DAFNE, or just using a CGM, then I would choose DAFNE, as knowing dose adjustment is so important, but I do find that using both is really helping my diabetes management. |
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Jun 27, 2017
Boodles
1 post
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Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Diary mobile-online link Hi everyone, I just completed a DAFNE course last week, and found it incredibly enlightening and helpful.I downloaded the app to my phone on Thursday and started recording all my results there, but does anyone know how I can link the diary I've been keeping via the app on my smartphone to my newly signed up (just now) online presence here so I can share it more easily? Any help to log my previous data without having to manually enter it all again would be much appreciated. Thanks!! 
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Jun 27, 2017
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Libre Being a pumper the presence of it doesn't really bother me........I just don't understand the benefit of real time monitoring, unless of course there is hypo issues but even then, the Libre doesn't have alarms.... Its very likely I will get one soon but will purely be for overnight basal testing.....it wont dramatically change my control for the better... For some reason it annoys me when I hear people say that as they should be getting educated first.....lol |
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Jun 27, 2017
torana
53 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Scattered BG Hi sdhanani,Thanks for sharing your experience. It seems like you had a rotten night. I have also woken up many times over the years in the early mornings with lows. I have found taking insulin is not an exact science and as there are so many variables such as sickness, exercise, indigestion, correct needle procedures etc etc etc etc one suggestion is to have an earlier needle for both short and long acting insulins. This will give you time to ascertain what's happening throughout the night. Also, by taking the fast acting earlier hopefully its life span will be decreasing by bedtime. All the best |
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Jun 26, 2017
sjohno
37 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Libre Personally I cannot see the point of it...............I've been a T1 Diabetic for 37 years, I have fantastic control using DAFNE, testing BG - my fingers are not sore.I have actually seen one on a lady in the gym, it looks obtrusive and I noticed the huge red mark it left on her other arm, put me right off  Sarah |
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Jun 26, 2017
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / CGM / Libre - Employer Tax Break who provide CGM / Libre to employees Its worth a shot for sure....just dont want to open up a can of worms and give them grounds to scrutinise my control and for example, ability to drive.... |
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Jun 26, 2017
Joanne Oag
3 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / CGM / Libre - Employer Tax Break who provide CGM / Libre to employees
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Jun 26, 2017
Joanne Oag
3 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / CGM / Libre - Employer Tax Break who provide CGM / Libre to employees Hi Novorapidboi26Not sure why the link isn't working, it opens up ok when I click on it. If you type into Google, Input Diabetes Tax Break, the first link that appears should take you in. The CGM is classed as a non-taxable benefit in kind through HMRC for medical purposes. (The input diabetes page takes you onto that HMRC link with all the legal jargon). Our accountant (PAYE Agent) wrote to HMRC to seek agreement to treat medical costs and explained I am an employee with Type 1 diabetes. HMRC wrote back to confirm they are happy to authorise dispensation. Luckily I have an employer that is quite understanding of diabetes and they did look it as a way to help with my health. Unfortunately I am not sure all employers would feel the same, I didn't need to sell the idea that I needed it to perform daily work duties. (Although I do feel it helps me a huge amount in work). |
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Jun 26, 2017
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Libre Its obvious this device is a game changer and helps a lot of people but for some reason I have negative feeling towards it.....because I have done DAFNE and was quite heavily using it to gain control in the past years I struggle to see the real benefit of it against the high costs it comes with.... I still believe firmly that the convenience of Libre cannot replace a sound knowledge and understanding of dose adjustment....without it what does it really bring.... People are saying its changed their control for the better because they can see if their BG is going up and down [you should know what is likely going on] and that their fingers are getting a break.... Are the costs worth that benefit for most.....I don't think so..... What are the thoughts of the rest of you....? Am I being completely irrational.... 
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Jun 26, 2017
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Scattered BG Alcohol? |
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Jun 26, 2017
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / High blood sugar in morning 8.3 isn't bad at all but I can understand you want to get it on target....Have you increased your Lantus dose till you went hypo...? Is that what you mean when you say it doesn't matter how much you have? |
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Jun 26, 2017
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / newbie Welcome aboard.....It really does opens your eyes doesn't it.... |
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Jun 26, 2017
novorapidboi26
1,819 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / CGM / Libre - Employer Tax Break who provide CGM / Libre to employees That link isn't working......I think because there is a space between the c and g in cgm.... So would the employer pay for the meter as well as the transmitters at all times........? If so, why would they willingly pay out money....? Would the employee need to sell the idea that they needed the libre in order to perform his or her duties..? |
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Jun 25, 2017
Simon Quinnell
16 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE Follow-Up Course - No Help? Hi Marke,Thanks for your comments. Just to clarify, I thought the course was run very well I was just surprised that no help was offered. For example, perhaps if the question was opened up to the audience, someone might have offered a solution. At the moment I seem to have got to grips with my diabetes control. On the subject of seeing a consultant, I haven't seen mine for two years. We were told at the start of the course that due to severe staff shortages we won't be seeing him any time soon. |
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Jun 23, 2017
marke
686 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE Follow-Up Course - No Help? Hi,I will feed this back to the DAFNE people, particularly the consultants I'm sure they will be interested in this statement from a DAFNE trained HCP. For me the whole point is that DAFNE does teach you to handle stuff like this and a 'confident' HCP should have been able to help you with this. I think most of us have a varying routine, perhaps NOT as varied as you but its all degrees of the same problem. If we all did no exercise to keep things simple we wouldn't be helping ourselves in the long run would we ;-) Being old school, I agree with Warwick note everything down and build up a picture. You won't get it right all the time even with this information, sorry that's just life but it will help. One of the main principles of DAFNE is to record stuff and look for patterns, even in a lifestyle like yours and that's what they should have told you including adjusting for exercise. This is probably no help but what helped me a lot is going on a pump, but you need a good consultant for that who will refer you ;-) |
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Jun 16, 2017
Simon Quinnell
16 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE Follow-Up Course - No Help? Thanks for your replies!Warwick, what you've suggested is what I'm doing, but as you say it doesn't always work, but it's the best I can do. Jos2, I've tried varying my basal dose however, if I increase it on a Friday for a quiet weekend for example, there's too long a delay before the BI builds up (2-3 days) by that time it's Monday and I need reduced doses again. Also, I'm quite sensitive to insulin so have low BI doses. (Before breakfast 7.5U and 8U before bed). I have two boys in their 20s that have type 1 diabetes too, one has a pump and the other a pump and a CGMS. My diabetes nurse said I don't qualify for a pump because my HBA1C isn't high enough. I do have 33 years of diabetes experience though, of which 10 applying DAFNE principles. I guess I'll have to get my thinking hat on! Simon. |
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Jun 16, 2017
Joanne Oag
3 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / CGM / Libre - Employer Tax Break who provide CGM / Libre to employees HiI am not sure if the details below and the link are widely known to many people. "For adult CGM / Libre users who are employed by helpful employers: there may be a tax break for employers who supply CGM / Libre to their employees. This information is from a professional tax adviser. It should work, but as far as we know it has only been tested by one person (who succeeded in getting CGM provided by their employer)". http://www.inputdiabetes.org.uk/cgm/tax-break/ I use the Libre and find it very helpful in managing my diabetes. I am very fortunate by showing this link to my employer and writing to HMRC that I am now able to have this funded by my employer. My employer also looks at this as a good way to help improve my health and therefore have less sick days etc. Hopefully this will become more widely spread throughout companies willing to help their staff, but it can't hurt to have this discussion with your employer / HR department. |
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Jun 15, 2017
Jos2
8 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE Follow-Up Course - No Help? Warning - writing as a parent of two children with diabetes (diagnosed at 7 and 12, now adults), neither of whom have done DAFNE. Self taught carb counting and insulin dose adjustment 15+ years ago, one currently using an Omnipod pump and Dexcom CGM, the other using MDI.Further to Warwick's excellent suggestion, could you categorise your days and give them labels to help spot patterns and set ratios for each type? So days where you walk 5-6 hours could be type A, meeting days could be type B, etc. How predictable are your days? Do you know in the morning if you will have a type A or B day, for instance? Also, does DAFNE include varying basal insulins? After an active day my son will reduce his night time basal insulin, sometimes the following morning too. If insulin resistance has become an issue, he might increase the basal insulin. If you know you are going to have a type A day and walk lots, would you reduce your basal insulin in the morning? Best wishes, Jos |
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Jun 15, 2017
Warwick
425 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE Follow-Up Course - No Help? Hi Simon,I'd suggest recording your BGLs and CPS, and QA and Basal doses using the BG diary, and then using past history to see what worked and what didn't. This can give some idea of how to adjust for days in the future that are similar to the past. It won't be perfect, as there are always random results, but hopefully it gives some pointers into how to make adjustments. |
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Jun 14, 2017
pjc21
8 posts
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Topic: Site Development / intrusive predictions Thanks for reply. I'm using a MacBook laptop, with OSX 10.7.5. The browser is Safari, version 6.1.6. But I haven't had this problem with any other applications, or documents or attachments. |
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Jun 14, 2017
Simon Quinnell
16 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE Follow-Up Course - No Help? HI Everyone,Yesterday I attended a DAFNE follow-up course at my local hospital. I have been to a number of them since I graduated in 2007. However, on this occasion I was able to participate in the Q&A session at the end of the course. I raised a question about how I can use DAFNE principles to achieve good BG levels with a variable routine. To my surprise one of the DAFNE Diabetes Nurses replied, "Sorry I can't answer that question, because DAFNE principles are not designed for variable routines!" Let me explain my variable routine. I read water meters (Mon-Fri) for a living. That means sometimes I can be walking for up to six hours day. On another occasion I could be walking for three hours and driving for three hours. Also, I could be in a team meeting most of the day, and getting no exercise. If it's the weekend, it changes again, perhaps with some activity Saturday, and a quiet day Sunday. At the moment, I use a combination of ratios (0.5:1, 0.67:1, 1:1, and 1.5:1) and take into account my previous days exercise, and the activity level I anticipate for the day ahead. However, I often select the wrong ratios because I don't know how my body will react to the previous days exercise or lack of it! There are no consistent patterns with my BGs. Sometimes they're high (13-15), sometimes too tight (3-4). I know my lifestyle is complex, but I was surprised that no help was forthcoming. So now I'm thinking, what's the point of using DAFNE principles? I'm just doing a guessing game! Some background info. I have daily injections of Humalog before meals, and Levemir before bed, and before breakfast. Doers anyone have any suggestions as to what I might do? Thanks for your help! Simon. |
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Jun 13, 2017
Peter
109 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Wanted: DAFNE Graduate to participate in professional DAFNE conference As part of the annual healthcare professional DAFNE conference Dr Helen Hopkinson is looking for a DAFNE graduate local to Manchester who would be willing to address the conference for 5 minutes maximum on the topic of the DAFNE insulin regimen and the benefits it has brought for them. In particular she is looking for someone who has switched from once daily to twice daily background insulin either for the start or after the DAFNE course and has some thoughts and experiences to express on the benefits of this. This will be a small slot on the podium as part of a plenary presentation that Dr Hopkinson will be delivering to over 120 attendees entitled "is the DAFNE insulin regimen fit for the future?”The date is Tuesday June 20th 2017. You would be asked to attend the University of Manchester at 9am. Dr Hopkinson's talk begins at 09.40 for 30 minutes, of which part would be your contribution. There are then 10 minutes for questions. You would be free to leave after that, or we would be delighted to host you for the rest of the day if you are interested in staying for the rest of the meeting which will include a number of other presentations and workshops on a variety of topics e.g. the use of Libre in DAFNE. If you are interested, please respond by e-mail to [email protected] including your name, when and where you completed your DAFNE course and a daytime contact phone number to allow Dr Hopkinson to have a telephone chat with you before confirming your participation. Many thanks. |
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Jun 12, 2017
Jos2
8 posts
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Topic: General Discussion / Basal/bolus insulin proportions Hi Marke,Glad to hear that DAFNE were misquoted in the article (may be worth a comment from someone who's done the course), but I've not heard of anything taught in DAFNE that my daughter isn't already doing. She tests basal rates periodically by fasting and sets carb and BG correction ratios through the day in a similar way and matches her insulin to carbs, taking BG, exercise, insulin on board, timing of insulin/food, and insulin resistance into account as necessary. I can see that DAFNE is valuable for someone who stuck with what we were originally taught (mixed insulin with set meal sizes, snacks and times), and also if someone is burnt out and needs a boost through meeting others in a similar situation (been there and benefited from a clinic course), but we've not heard anything yet that convinces my daughter of the need to take a DAFNE course. Thanks though for all the feedback to our previous question kind regards, Jos |