Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

May 11, 2010

ruthhutchinson 39 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Veda bread

Does anyone have any idea how much carbohydrate is in Veda bread. (We eat quite a lot of this in Northern ireland but I'm not sure it exists anywhere else in the world)

May 10, 2010

JayBee 582 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Washing before testing

I will confirm that using those sorts of wipes can make your blood test results ungenuine, however I have heard that if you let your hands dry fully after using them, they may be less of a problem - this is only what I've heard though. It's not recommended to use them generally so this may not be true.

As for any alternative options, you might have to do what I usually end up doing and going out of your way to find somewhere to wash your hands (some cafes or arcades are very helpful), leaving it until when I can test or just going without in some cases.

I look forward to seeing if anyone has a good suggestion that we can both apply. Smile

May 10, 2010

Alan 49 280 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Washing before testing

I always wash my hands before testing, but there are occasions when this is not possible. For example - being on a plane and not being able to get to the loo before the meal is served, or being on a beach somewhere, where there are no washing facilities. In the past, I've always carried Sterets alcohol wipes to cleanse before finger-pricking, but someone told me that the alcohol can effect the test results. Any ideas?

May 7, 2010

LittlePanda 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Weighing scales

Im not sure how small these are but i was thinking of purchasing these

http://www.dietandfitnessresources.co.uk/scales_monitors/salter_1400_nutritional_scale/main.htm

They are a bit pricey but look good and if they do what they say, will be great for carb counting.

Someone also told me there are some Rosemary Conerly scales that do the same sort of thing but i havnt seen any.

May 7, 2010

LittlePanda 6 posts

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

I personally now inject in public, prior to my dafne course i never would but meeting other diabetics who would openly inject made me confident enough to do it. However my father-in-law is diabetic and i have never seen him inject as he always goes to a private place and this makes me do the same. In my opinon if someone doesnt want to look then they dont have to. If they have a problem then just ask. I personally dont see the problem. And for the nurse to say this, she is obviously in the wrong profession!

May 7, 2010

LittlePanda 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

I've tried my Lantus between 25 and 55 and it didnt make any difference. Ive also tried the evening meal ratio 1:1 up to 2.5:1 which also didnt make much difference which is why im now back down to 25 Lantus units and 2.5:1 ration at evening meal now with 500mg of Metformin. I will test 3.00am bg tonight and if i am going hypo im not sure if to reduce evening meal ration (I eat fairly last, at least after 8pm) or my lantus. I think the metformin has had an effect as ive had a few lows today, so i think im also going to have to fiddle with day time ratio's if it continues.

These are my results for today

May 7, 2010

Kentbabe 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Lantus Lasting 24 hours?

Hiya Mark, I am on levmir and have been splitting this in to 2 doses at 10pm and 7am. I am strugling with my morning readings being either in the teans or higher. i have tried 3am blood reading and ive either been low or stuipedly high. Im thinking of asking about being put on lantus to see if this would help my readings. I hope you have sucess with you readings karen

May 7, 2010

Kentbabe 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

hiya i agree with what you are saying about nite time hypos. I have a similar problem in that i can be ok before bed and be sky high in the morning. Ive tried 3am readings and have found that i am really hight (ie 20) which is scary. Are you able to adgust ur nite time ingections? Im still fiddling around with mine.

May 6, 2010

DavidJ 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

When I miss my Metformin it can take upto 24 hours to get everything back on track again. Usually I end up correcting with QA insulin for 2 or 3 meals or I go from above target to below target and then above again. I have the Metformin twice / day, once at breakfast and once at dinner.
Dave

May 6, 2010

diet_79 8 posts

Topic: Questions ? / low blood

Hi Michael,

You can try and miss a meal or choose a CP free meal to determine if your current dose of BI is correct.
Based on Dafne principles you should not need less that 1:1. ? if your doing any activity or acan you see patternes of hypos at particular time of day.
Good luck

May 6, 2010

LittlePanda 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

Does it bring all the BG down or just the one after you take it?

May 6, 2010

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: Questions ? / low blood

Hi Michael,

I did my course in November, having had Type 1 for 30 years and have experienced a very similar result to that you are going through. I have certainly reduced my BI and it need playing with over a period of time to find what works for you. Also I sometimes go down as low as 0.4:1 on the QA. My job is one where I am very active, always walking for miles, could yours be similar? Also I believe, I am sensitive to insulin and don't require that much.
I am not a HCP just a graduate, but I do hope you get advice from the pro's, which could help us all. Unfortunately this learning process goes on. Dafne is great but requires a heck of a lot of work and understanding.
Stick at it and let us know your experiences.
Regards.
Vic.

May 5, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: Questions ? / low blood

it could be BI - have you tried a carb free day - can you post your diary

May 5, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

I personal take Metformin (Metfartin) and agree with David - miss a dose (as we all do) and I can see the difference

May 5, 2010

DavidJ 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

Hi,
I take Metformin and find that my blood glucose rises significantly if I miss a dose. I've spoken with other diabetics who say that it's a waste of time and does nothing for them. Metformin might help you, but the only way to find out if it helps or not is to try it. Karl is right though, there are too many gaps in the diary to make an informed suggestion. Keep the faith, it'll be worth it in the end.
Dave

May 5, 2010

Michael Spy 3 posts

Topic: Questions ? / low blood

I am a new graduate, I think dafne and its concept is great but I am getting a bit frustrated. I feel like since I have been on the course I have been hypo. I have reduced by BI by half since the start of the course, I am sure I am calculating my CP's correctly and I am doing my QA corrections but regardless what I do I am always below target. Am I doing some thing wrong, or do you think I need to go from a 1:1 ratio to 1/2:1 ratio?

May 5, 2010

LittlePanda 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

Thanks, i will try get my BG up a bit before bed. If that fails, i will sleep on th sofa tomorrow so alarm doesnt wake the baby. Do you think i should take the metformin or keep adjusting?

May 5, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

http://dafneonline.co.uk/hbook_topics/36 may help - possibly adjust BI

May 5, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

Could advise more if you filled the rest in - but testing at 3:00 will have to be done (alarm on a mobile phone and headphones ?) - you look at been a bit low last thing at night most days dafne is 6.5-8 but need the dashes filling in - if all else fails 'MY' next step would be get the bedtime readings up a little -

May 5, 2010

laurals11 11 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips

..I usually do the try adding one new thing to a meal ..estimate cp value ,test after 2 hours and adjust next time. I haven't tried roast parsnips but boiled work out at half cp value of potatoes for me probably because of low GI

May 5, 2010

LittlePanda 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help?

I would be really greatful if anyone could help. I gave birth to my daughter 6 months ago and during my pregnancy my lood glucose levels were brilliant until my 8 month where they believed i was having hypos during the night and was waking with blood glucose levels of 15+ This is still happening now and i am being pushed from one doctor to another each telling me different things. My blood glucose levels during the day are a little high but i am most concerened about the morning high.

I visited my diabetic docotor today and he has put me on metformin because i am slightly over weight, which i know will affect my diabetes but i have always been this weight and not had a problem before. I dont particulaly want to start this extra medication if it is not completely necessary.

I have moved away from the area where i learnt dafne and in this city they do not teach it so i have no one to turn to.

I still believe that i may be going hypo during the night does anyone think it would be worth staying up for a whole night and testing (i cant set an alarm because it will wake my baby)? I just dont know what to do anymore

Thanks in advance if anyone replies =]

May 5, 2010

Sam 64 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips

Hi Karl

Got 3cp from looking at the packaging from a bag of asdas parsnips and worked it out. I did take insulin to match them and my result at dinner was 17.2 I did a 1.5:1 went swimming that night so before I started I was 14.2 1 hour later and going to bed I was at 5.7, not sure if that answers the question to taking insulin for parsnips as I did some excercise and it's more than likely the reason.

There seems to be mixed opinions and probably won't eat them until I know for definite.

Sam

May 4, 2010

pallison 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips

I wouldn't count them at all. Very low GI. I've been doing DAFNE now for over 3 years with great success & would view a parsnip as similar to a turnip or carrot.

May 4, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips

Where did you get 3CP for 100g - not in http://dafneonline.co.uk/carb_counting.pdf so I would have not counted them.

Its a big chance to take - if you are on a 1:1 and take 3 units too much !

Time and testing is the best way, but i would not count as you can always give an adjustment later

May 11, 2010 ruthhutchinson 39 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Veda bread Does anyone have any idea how much carbohydrate is in Veda bread. (We eat quite a lot of this in Northern ireland but I'm not sure it exists anywhere else in the world)

May 10, 2010 JayBee 582 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Washing before testing I will confirm that using those sorts of wipes can make your blood test results ungenuine, however I have heard that if you let your hands dry fully after using them, they may be less of a problem - this is only what I've heard though. It's not recommended to use them generally so this may not be true. As for any alternative options, you might have to do what I usually end up doing and going out of your way to find somewhere to wash your hands (some cafes or arcades are very helpful), leaving it until when I can test or just going without in some cases. I look forward to seeing if anyone has a good suggestion that we can both apply.

May 10, 2010 Alan 49 280 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Washing before testing I always wash my hands before testing, but there are occasions when this is not possible. For example - being on a plane and not being able to get to the loo before the meal is served, or being on a beach somewhere, where there are no washing facilities. In the past, I've always carried Sterets alcohol wipes to cleanse before finger-pricking, but someone told me that the alcohol can effect the test results. Any ideas?

May 7, 2010 LittlePanda 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Weighing scales Im not sure how small these are but i was thinking of purchasing these http://www.dietandfitnessresources.co.uk/scales_monitors/salter_1400_nutritional_scale/main.htm They are a bit pricey but look good and if they do what they say, will be great for carb counting. Someone also told me there are some Rosemary Conerly scales that do the same sort of thing but i havnt seen any.

May 7, 2010 LittlePanda 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public I personally now inject in public, prior to my dafne course i never would but meeting other diabetics who would openly inject made me confident enough to do it. However my father-in-law is diabetic and i have never seen him inject as he always goes to a private place and this makes me do the same. In my opinon if someone doesnt want to look then they dont have to. If they have a problem then just ask. I personally dont see the problem. And for the nurse to say this, she is obviously in the wrong profession!

May 7, 2010 LittlePanda 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? I've tried my Lantus between 25 and 55 and it didnt make any difference. Ive also tried the evening meal ratio 1:1 up to 2.5:1 which also didnt make much difference which is why im now back down to 25 Lantus units and 2.5:1 ration at evening meal now with 500mg of Metformin. I will test 3.00am bg tonight and if i am going hypo im not sure if to reduce evening meal ration (I eat fairly last, at least after 8pm) or my lantus. I think the metformin has had an effect as ive had a few lows today, so i think im also going to have to fiddle with day time ratio's if it continues. These are my results for today

May 7, 2010 Kentbabe 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Lantus Lasting 24 hours? Hiya Mark, I am on levmir and have been splitting this in to 2 doses at 10pm and 7am. I am strugling with my morning readings being either in the teans or higher. i have tried 3am blood reading and ive either been low or stuipedly high. Im thinking of asking about being put on lantus to see if this would help my readings. I hope you have sucess with you readings karen

May 7, 2010 Kentbabe 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? hiya i agree with what you are saying about nite time hypos. I have a similar problem in that i can be ok before bed and be sky high in the morning. Ive tried 3am readings and have found that i am really hight (ie 20) which is scary. Are you able to adgust ur nite time ingections? Im still fiddling around with mine.

May 6, 2010 DavidJ 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? When I miss my Metformin it can take upto 24 hours to get everything back on track again. Usually I end up correcting with QA insulin for 2 or 3 meals or I go from above target to below target and then above again. I have the Metformin twice / day, once at breakfast and once at dinner. Dave

May 6, 2010 diet_79 8 posts	Topic: Questions ? / low blood Hi Michael, You can try and miss a meal or choose a CP free meal to determine if your current dose of BI is correct. Based on Dafne principles you should not need less that 1:1. ? if your doing any activity or acan you see patternes of hypos at particular time of day. Good luck

May 6, 2010 LittlePanda 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? Does it bring all the BG down or just the one after you take it?

May 6, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: Questions ? / low blood Hi Michael, I did my course in November, having had Type 1 for 30 years and have experienced a very similar result to that you are going through. I have certainly reduced my BI and it need playing with over a period of time to find what works for you. Also I sometimes go down as low as 0.4:1 on the QA. My job is one where I am very active, always walking for miles, could yours be similar? Also I believe, I am sensitive to insulin and don't require that much. I am not a HCP just a graduate, but I do hope you get advice from the pro's, which could help us all. Unfortunately this learning process goes on. Dafne is great but requires a heck of a lot of work and understanding. Stick at it and let us know your experiences. Regards. Vic.

May 5, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: Questions ? / low blood it could be BI - have you tried a carb free day - can you post your diary

May 5, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? I personal take Metformin (Metfartin) and agree with David - miss a dose (as we all do) and I can see the difference

May 5, 2010 DavidJ 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? Hi, I take Metformin and find that my blood glucose rises significantly if I miss a dose. I've spoken with other diabetics who say that it's a waste of time and does nothing for them. Metformin might help you, but the only way to find out if it helps or not is to try it. Karl is right though, there are too many gaps in the diary to make an informed suggestion. Keep the faith, it'll be worth it in the end. Dave

May 5, 2010 Michael Spy 3 posts	Topic: Questions ? / low blood I am a new graduate, I think dafne and its concept is great but I am getting a bit frustrated. I feel like since I have been on the course I have been hypo. I have reduced by BI by half since the start of the course, I am sure I am calculating my CP's correctly and I am doing my QA corrections but regardless what I do I am always below target. Am I doing some thing wrong, or do you think I need to go from a 1:1 ratio to 1/2:1 ratio?

May 5, 2010 LittlePanda 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? Thanks, i will try get my BG up a bit before bed. If that fails, i will sleep on th sofa tomorrow so alarm doesnt wake the baby. Do you think i should take the metformin or keep adjusting?

May 5, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? http://dafneonline.co.uk/hbook_topics/36 may help - possibly adjust BI

May 5, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? Could advise more if you filled the rest in - but testing at 3:00 will have to be done (alarm on a mobile phone and headphones ?) - you look at been a bit low last thing at night most days dafne is 6.5-8 but need the dashes filling in - if all else fails 'MY' next step would be get the bedtime readings up a little -

May 5, 2010 laurals11 11 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips ..I usually do the try adding one new thing to a meal ..estimate cp value ,test after 2 hours and adjust next time. I haven't tried roast parsnips but boiled work out at half cp value of potatoes for me probably because of low GI

May 5, 2010 LittlePanda 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can anyone please help? I would be really greatful if anyone could help. I gave birth to my daughter 6 months ago and during my pregnancy my lood glucose levels were brilliant until my 8 month where they believed i was having hypos during the night and was waking with blood glucose levels of 15+ This is still happening now and i am being pushed from one doctor to another each telling me different things. My blood glucose levels during the day are a little high but i am most concerened about the morning high. I visited my diabetic docotor today and he has put me on metformin because i am slightly over weight, which i know will affect my diabetes but i have always been this weight and not had a problem before. I dont particulaly want to start this extra medication if it is not completely necessary. I have moved away from the area where i learnt dafne and in this city they do not teach it so i have no one to turn to. I still believe that i may be going hypo during the night does anyone think it would be worth staying up for a whole night and testing (i cant set an alarm because it will wake my baby)? I just dont know what to do anymore Thanks in advance if anyone replies =]

May 5, 2010 Sam 64 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips Hi Karl Got 3cp from looking at the packaging from a bag of asdas parsnips and worked it out. I did take insulin to match them and my result at dinner was 17.2 I did a 1.5:1 went swimming that night so before I started I was 14.2 1 hour later and going to bed I was at 5.7, not sure if that answers the question to taking insulin for parsnips as I did some excercise and it's more than likely the reason. There seems to be mixed opinions and probably won't eat them until I know for definite. Sam

May 4, 2010 pallison 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips I wouldn't count them at all. Very low GI. I've been doing DAFNE now for over 3 years with great success & would view a parsnip as similar to a turnip or carrot.

May 4, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips Where did you get 3CP for 100g - not in http://dafneonline.co.uk/carb_counting.pdf so I would have not counted them. Its a big chance to take - if you are on a 1:1 and take 3 units too much ! Time and testing is the best way, but i would not count as you can always give an adjustment later