Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Apr 19, 2010

laurals11 11 posts

Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development

Congratulations.Apologies not necessary- babies and family are definitely first in priorities, enjoy!
Cheers
Laura
Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow, because babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow. So hush-a-bye cobwebs, dust go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep! â€” Author Unknown.

Apr 19, 2010

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development

Hello,

Sorry I've not been around for a while (my wife just gave birth to our second baby!) but I've not forgotten about this. On my return to work I've now received the UltraSmart technical doc from Lifescan so I'll need to get reading that.

Hopefully it will help me get all the UltraSmart stuff working (including Carbs and Insulin data). Once I'm up to speed I think I'm going to concentrate on just the UltraSmart and make a concerted effort on getting a full program working for this meter only as it seems to be the most popular (and useful) meter for DAFNE users.

Thanks,

NiVZ

Apr 16, 2010

laurals11 11 posts

Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development

Just wondering if this was going to be available soon. I had been using Breeze 2 but got an Ultra Smart as sometimes I'm hopeless at writing everything down. First one I got had a faulty screen but I just got another this week and really like not having to carry /find diary.
I miss the convenience of 10 test disc in Breeze but UltraSmart is best thing I've found since doing DAFNE...
Tried to get DEMO version and got Invalid or deleted file

Apr 16, 2010

JPOTTER 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Advice on sugar levels after exercise

Same works for me playing netball before dinner. The adrenalin rush combined with the fact that you have no QA insulin left in your body (as lunch was more than 4 hours ago) means your BG levels quickly rise.

1-2 units of QA before the match works a treat I've found.

When I play netball after dinner I never have this problem and never have to inject the 1-2 extra units as the dinner injection keeps my BG under control.

Apr 16, 2010

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carb Links section added

Mark

Would it be appropriate to put a link to the Glycaemic Index here?

Apr 15, 2010

marke 681 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Am i counting carbs right

Steve, unfortunately no one can tell you the answer to this question since it depends on you. If when you next test your BG its in the correct
range then you have got it right, if its not you got it wrong. There is no golden answer, yes you are following the right basic principle of carb counting but everyone is different and the combination of foods can affect the rate at which you absorb the carbs in food. To be honest I wouldn't see 14 as a large amount of insulin but then my insulin requirements would not be the same as yours.
For me the most important bit of carb counting is making a note of what I eat and what I inject. I use this as the basis for future carb estimating, i.e I learn from my mistakes and yes I DO make mistakes, I'm sure we all do.

Apr 15, 2010

steve o 5 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Am i counting carbs right

I just need confirmation that i am counting carbs correctly because it seems i am taking a lot of insulin for what i am eating. For example at dinner i had 2 steak and kidney pies i.e. birds eye individual ones and some roast potatoes and a yoghurt after for that i took 14 units of humalog insulin as i am on a ratio of 1 : 1 it just seems a lot of insulin to take i am taking one unit of insulin for every 10 grams of carbohydrate i am looking at the food packets for the carb content so feel i must be doing things right.

Apr 15, 2010

mcmillan 8 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Home Made Meals

We're involved in a lot of home cooking both here and in France. The only "best" solution I have found is to work through a given recipe either doing it myself or watching others, and weighing, measuring or otherwise estimating all the CPs that go into each, then working out how many CPs per tablespoon of the result I serve on to my plate. Then I keep a careful little note in my CP booklet and use that. It seems to work quite well.

Apr 15, 2010

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat.

Hi,
Thanks for the replies.
Karl, I cannot use the ratios at breakfast. I always have 5CP's but if I take more that 3 units QA I will be hypo within 2 hours. Therefore I usually use 0.6:1, not in the book I know but that's what works for me. Guess I should have eaten more but that is a heck of a lot of carbs.
JWo, my BI is something which we have worked hard at, I am lucky in so much as I appear to be sensitive to insulin, so don't need too much. The knock-on effect could have something to do with the fact that I regularly have hypo's and so my reserves may be low. For other meals I normally take 1:1 or slightly above but cannot use this at breakfast.
Pleased to say breakfast result today was 7.0 and I've taken 2 units, so hopefully sorted but fully expect some further repercussions yet.

Many thanks.

Vic.

Apr 14, 2010

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat.

Firstly, I'm not a HCP but I would like to comment.

I've been daft enough to inject BI instead of QA for a meal before. Did lead to unusual results but at least with this sort of thing you have some idea on the possible outcomes thanks to DAFNE. I have to side with Karl's comment considering - as annoying as it is, the most common preventive measure for this sort of situation is to eat to counteract it... however, I am quite surprised by the knock-on effect you've had during the course of today.... how is your BI situation? Do you work by 1 CP to 1 QA meal ratios? Sad

Also, be careful with any adjustments after a hypo (referring to the 4 QA dose at 19.15)... the QA will take you down a lot more than it would for a normal dose. Considering what you've done so far - I would prepare for another hypo if it was me. Sad

Take care and let us know how it gets on. I hope a HCP replies soon to ease your mind.

p.s. You're not a prat - we all make mistakes! ;)

Apr 14, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat.

If you think you did that I would have thought the best measure would be to have the carbs to match. What ratio you on to take 2 for 5 CP's ? .

Apr 14, 2010

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat.

Forget last post, managed to change it.

Apr 14, 2010

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat.

Sorry 19:15 should read 4 units QA not 4 CP's.

Apr 14, 2010

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat.

Meant to take 2 units of QA at breakfast this morning but for some stupid reason ended up taking 12. Tested every hour (4 hypo's) took no insulin with lunch and only early evening did the results start to go up. Still not taken proper amount. Has anyone else been stupid enough to do a similar thing and can pass on experiences or is there an HCP who can offer advice. It's probably covered in the book but not quite with it at the moment to go through it.
Thanks.
Vic.

Apr 14, 2010

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / London Cheese Cake

Does anyone have any idea on what the CPs are for the typical "London Cheese Cake"?

They're not the typical "cheese cake" (nor like Nigella Lawson's incorrectly named London Cheesecake) and I've yet to discover another name that they go by - they look like this.

I'm never sure how much to take whenever I treat myself to one so I've been taking a guess of 4 or 5 QA for them which in turn usually comes across as incorrect.

You'd think you'd find the information online but I've yet to find out what they are per 100g which is very frustrating whenever I treat myself to one with my lunch or something from places like Greggs. I cannot seem to find the infomation anywhere online.

So... does anyone know? Many many thanks in advance if you do. I can't be the only one who loves them lol. Smile

Apr 14, 2010

mcmillan 8 posts

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

A late response to Richard about injecting on planes. I travel internationally a lot, and obviously inject during the flights. Before travelling we should request and carry with us a letter from our diabetic clinic, GP or health authority stating that we are required to carry syringes, insulin and other medical supplies for our diabetic condition. We need to announce this at check in and as we go through security. I have never had a problem, but some airlines and countries may have different policies and practices.... During a long-haul flight I usually measure my blood sugar a bit more often than usual. I try to be discreet about injecting. Sometimes I can do it in my seat or in the back of the aircraft, especially with pen injections. With the BI (I use Lantus with regular syringes) I tend to go to the toilet. You're right - especially these days people in aircraft tend to be a bit more sensitive to anyone behaving "unusually", and whipping out syringes and injecting oneself is probably not "best practice".

As a second late response to the previous emails about the "complaining nurse" - obviously she's got a bit of a problem, that none of us can fix. I also inject when and as I need to, including in restaurants. I try not to make a big deal out of it, but if anyone notices I explain gently but quickly what has happened. It only takes a few seconds and I usually turn away from the table. Most folks are OK with it. However, I did have one colleague faint away at a table in Italy at the sight of a needle !

Apr 14, 2010

mcmillan 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Is life expectancy limited for diabetics?

Hi - just to add my own positive experience about this. Diabetes is really quite a "healthy" disease, in that we learn much more about our bodies and how to take care of them than other people. We don't smoke, eat and drink "reasonably", try to exercise and keep our weight down : we also have all these regular check-ups, examine our feet and eyes and take care of personal hygiene. We're so good ! In my own case I definitely take better care of myself since being diagnosed (>20 years ago : I'm now 55). After many years of working blindly, DAFNE 2 years ago was a revelation - it gave me the first feeling of control over my insulin/sugar/CP count. Now I know what to aim for and most importantly to be able to analyse anomalies as they occur, and not get too worried when they happen. After 2 years out after a back injury I'm running, skiing and playing football again - I get just as sore as before ! Just enjoy life, do all the good things you like to do, keep healthy and maintain the regular blood sugar monitoring, and don't get stressed about possible future complications. With best wishes, Paul

Apr 14, 2010

mcmillan 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Random question!

Can you work out what was in it ? I.e. - how much "fruit" - e.g., 1-2 tablespoons, with everything lumped together ? Anything else ? Try to write it down, then make a decent guess... I have to do the same when my wife makes a fruit tart when we go back to France - I take the CP count of the pastry, plus the number/weight of apples etc on top, and divide it to estimate the CP in what I will eat... (then I keep this as a note in my CP booklet to remind me for next time...).

Apr 14, 2010

mcmillan 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Advice on sugar levels after exercise

Thanks all - this is a question I was going to ask because I have been having the same problem. I run and play soccer 3-4 times a week and was getting frustrated that my BS was high up to 2-3 hours after. Now I have started injecting 1-2 units QA beforehand and it seems to have solved the problem.

Apr 13, 2010

Luggerz 10 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Bubble and Squeek

Does anybody have a carb content for Bubble and Squeek as I'm having trouble counting it.

Cheers
Marc

Apr 12, 2010

steve o 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carbs and cals book

I have been trying to buy a copy of the new book called carbs and cals have been on various websites waterstones wh smiths and amazon and they all say book is unavailable although it was released on 31st March i am very confused has any one had any luck getting a copy. I know it is available on the carbs and cals website but is it available any where else?

Apr 19, 2010 laurals11 11 posts	Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development Congratulations.Apologies not necessary- babies and family are definitely first in priorities, enjoy! Cheers Laura Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow, because babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow. So hush-a-bye cobwebs, dust go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep! â€” Author Unknown.

Apr 19, 2010 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development Hello, Sorry I've not been around for a while (my wife just gave birth to our second baby!) but I've not forgotten about this. On my return to work I've now received the UltraSmart technical doc from Lifescan so I'll need to get reading that. Hopefully it will help me get all the UltraSmart stuff working (including Carbs and Insulin data). Once I'm up to speed I think I'm going to concentrate on just the UltraSmart and make a concerted effort on getting a full program working for this meter only as it seems to be the most popular (and useful) meter for DAFNE users. Thanks, NiVZ

Apr 16, 2010 laurals11 11 posts	Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development Just wondering if this was going to be available soon. I had been using Breeze 2 but got an Ultra Smart as sometimes I'm hopeless at writing everything down. First one I got had a faulty screen but I just got another this week and really like not having to carry /find diary. I miss the convenience of 10 test disc in Breeze but UltraSmart is best thing I've found since doing DAFNE... Tried to get DEMO version and got Invalid or deleted file

Apr 16, 2010 JPOTTER 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Advice on sugar levels after exercise Same works for me playing netball before dinner. The adrenalin rush combined with the fact that you have no QA insulin left in your body (as lunch was more than 4 hours ago) means your BG levels quickly rise. 1-2 units of QA before the match works a treat I've found. When I play netball after dinner I never have this problem and never have to inject the 1-2 extra units as the dinner injection keeps my BG under control.

Apr 16, 2010 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Carb Links section added Mark Would it be appropriate to put a link to the Glycaemic Index here?

Apr 15, 2010 marke 681 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Am i counting carbs right Steve, unfortunately no one can tell you the answer to this question since it depends on you. If when you next test your BG its in the correct range then you have got it right, if its not you got it wrong. There is no golden answer, yes you are following the right basic principle of carb counting but everyone is different and the combination of foods can affect the rate at which you absorb the carbs in food. To be honest I wouldn't see 14 as a large amount of insulin but then my insulin requirements would not be the same as yours. For me the most important bit of carb counting is making a note of what I eat and what I inject. I use this as the basis for future carb estimating, i.e I learn from my mistakes and yes I DO make mistakes, I'm sure we all do.

Apr 15, 2010 steve o 5 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Am i counting carbs right I just need confirmation that i am counting carbs correctly because it seems i am taking a lot of insulin for what i am eating. For example at dinner i had 2 steak and kidney pies i.e. birds eye individual ones and some roast potatoes and a yoghurt after for that i took 14 units of humalog insulin as i am on a ratio of 1 : 1 it just seems a lot of insulin to take i am taking one unit of insulin for every 10 grams of carbohydrate i am looking at the food packets for the carb content so feel i must be doing things right.

Apr 15, 2010 mcmillan 8 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Home Made Meals We're involved in a lot of home cooking both here and in France. The only "best" solution I have found is to work through a given recipe either doing it myself or watching others, and weighing, measuring or otherwise estimating all the CPs that go into each, then working out how many CPs per tablespoon of the result I serve on to my plate. Then I keep a careful little note in my CP booklet and use that. It seems to work quite well.

Apr 15, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat. Hi, Thanks for the replies. Karl, I cannot use the ratios at breakfast. I always have 5CP's but if I take more that 3 units QA I will be hypo within 2 hours. Therefore I usually use 0.6:1, not in the book I know but that's what works for me. Guess I should have eaten more but that is a heck of a lot of carbs. JWo, my BI is something which we have worked hard at, I am lucky in so much as I appear to be sensitive to insulin, so don't need too much. The knock-on effect could have something to do with the fact that I regularly have hypo's and so my reserves may be low. For other meals I normally take 1:1 or slightly above but cannot use this at breakfast. Pleased to say breakfast result today was 7.0 and I've taken 2 units, so hopefully sorted but fully expect some further repercussions yet. Many thanks. Vic.

Apr 14, 2010 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat. Firstly, I'm not a HCP but I would like to comment. I've been daft enough to inject BI instead of QA for a meal before. Did lead to unusual results but at least with this sort of thing you have some idea on the possible outcomes thanks to DAFNE. I have to side with Karl's comment considering - as annoying as it is, the most common preventive measure for this sort of situation is to eat to counteract it... however, I am quite surprised by the knock-on effect you've had during the course of today.... how is your BI situation? Do you work by 1 CP to 1 QA meal ratios? Also, be careful with any adjustments after a hypo (referring to the 4 QA dose at 19.15)... the QA will take you down a lot more than it would for a normal dose. Considering what you've done so far - I would prepare for another hypo if it was me. Take care and let us know how it gets on. I hope a HCP replies soon to ease your mind. p.s. You're not a prat - we all make mistakes! ;)

Apr 14, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat. If you think you did that I would have thought the best measure would be to have the carbs to match. What ratio you on to take 2 for 5 CP's ? .

Apr 14, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat. Forget last post, managed to change it.

Apr 14, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat. Sorry 19:15 should read 4 units QA not 4 CP's.

Apr 14, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Prat. Meant to take 2 units of QA at breakfast this morning but for some stupid reason ended up taking 12. Tested every hour (4 hypo's) took no insulin with lunch and only early evening did the results start to go up. Still not taken proper amount. Has anyone else been stupid enough to do a similar thing and can pass on experiences or is there an HCP who can offer advice. It's probably covered in the book but not quite with it at the moment to go through it. Thanks. Vic.

Apr 14, 2010 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / London Cheese Cake Does anyone have any idea on what the CPs are for the typical "London Cheese Cake"? They're not the typical "cheese cake" (nor like Nigella Lawson's incorrectly named London Cheesecake) and I've yet to discover another name that they go by - they look like this. I'm never sure how much to take whenever I treat myself to one so I've been taking a guess of 4 or 5 QA for them which in turn usually comes across as incorrect. You'd think you'd find the information online but I've yet to find out what they are per 100g which is very frustrating whenever I treat myself to one with my lunch or something from places like Greggs. I cannot seem to find the infomation anywhere online. So... does anyone know? Many many thanks in advance if you do. I can't be the only one who loves them lol.

Apr 14, 2010 mcmillan 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public A late response to Richard about injecting on planes. I travel internationally a lot, and obviously inject during the flights. Before travelling we should request and carry with us a letter from our diabetic clinic, GP or health authority stating that we are required to carry syringes, insulin and other medical supplies for our diabetic condition. We need to announce this at check in and as we go through security. I have never had a problem, but some airlines and countries may have different policies and practices.... During a long-haul flight I usually measure my blood sugar a bit more often than usual. I try to be discreet about injecting. Sometimes I can do it in my seat or in the back of the aircraft, especially with pen injections. With the BI (I use Lantus with regular syringes) I tend to go to the toilet. You're right - especially these days people in aircraft tend to be a bit more sensitive to anyone behaving "unusually", and whipping out syringes and injecting oneself is probably not "best practice". As a second late response to the previous emails about the "complaining nurse" - obviously she's got a bit of a problem, that none of us can fix. I also inject when and as I need to, including in restaurants. I try not to make a big deal out of it, but if anyone notices I explain gently but quickly what has happened. It only takes a few seconds and I usually turn away from the table. Most folks are OK with it. However, I did have one colleague faint away at a table in Italy at the sight of a needle !

Apr 14, 2010 mcmillan 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is life expectancy limited for diabetics? Hi - just to add my own positive experience about this. Diabetes is really quite a "healthy" disease, in that we learn much more about our bodies and how to take care of them than other people. We don't smoke, eat and drink "reasonably", try to exercise and keep our weight down : we also have all these regular check-ups, examine our feet and eyes and take care of personal hygiene. We're so good ! In my own case I definitely take better care of myself since being diagnosed (>20 years ago : I'm now 55). After many years of working blindly, DAFNE 2 years ago was a revelation - it gave me the first feeling of control over my insulin/sugar/CP count. Now I know what to aim for and most importantly to be able to analyse anomalies as they occur, and not get too worried when they happen. After 2 years out after a back injury I'm running, skiing and playing football again - I get just as sore as before ! Just enjoy life, do all the good things you like to do, keep healthy and maintain the regular blood sugar monitoring, and don't get stressed about possible future complications. With best wishes, Paul

Apr 14, 2010 mcmillan 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Random question! Can you work out what was in it ? I.e. - how much "fruit" - e.g., 1-2 tablespoons, with everything lumped together ? Anything else ? Try to write it down, then make a decent guess... I have to do the same when my wife makes a fruit tart when we go back to France - I take the CP count of the pastry, plus the number/weight of apples etc on top, and divide it to estimate the CP in what I will eat... (then I keep this as a note in my CP booklet to remind me for next time...).

Apr 14, 2010 mcmillan 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Advice on sugar levels after exercise Thanks all - this is a question I was going to ask because I have been having the same problem. I run and play soccer 3-4 times a week and was getting frustrated that my BS was high up to 2-3 hours after. Now I have started injecting 1-2 units QA beforehand and it seems to have solved the problem.

Apr 13, 2010 Luggerz 10 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Bubble and Squeek Does anybody have a carb content for Bubble and Squeek as I'm having trouble counting it. Cheers Marc

Apr 12, 2010 steve o 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carbs and cals book I have been trying to buy a copy of the new book called carbs and cals have been on various websites waterstones wh smiths and amazon and they all say book is unavailable although it was released on 31st March i am very confused has any one had any luck getting a copy. I know it is available on the carbs and cals website but is it available any where else?