Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 23, 2010

laurals11 11 posts

Hi Lizzie..I'm not a health professional ..I think you need to tell your clinic that things aren't working and you need help because you are aware and scared of the consequences. Could be changes of insulin needed..insulin insensitivity..I find stress plays havoc with BGs..and I know caring for sick relative is stressful. I have had diabetes for 23 years and I managed well onl mixed insulin then it was was discontinued.I feel like a newbie as far as QA and BI goes.
Someone on another forum recently recommended 2 books,
Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin by Gary Scheiner
Diabetes Burnout: Preventing it, Surviving it, Finding Inner Peace by William H. Polonsky
and I'm waiting for my library to get them in.
Both American but thought worth a look.
Tell your clinic of your difficulties with appointment times..they may be able to offer a one off suitable for you.If not ask if they can refer you to another clinic.
Hope you can find a way to better control soon.
Laura

Mar 23, 2010

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Help

Thanks for replying. The thing is, it isn't just the odd day. It seems like a constant struggle. I have had diabetes for 17 years now and have still not got on top of it, and the longer it goes on, the more terrified I am of complications. I thought I had cracked it after DAFNE but it turns out that was a false hope. I feel alone and don't know where to turn.

Mar 23, 2010

Simon 574 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Hi Marc, I'm currently working on an iPhone version of DAFNE Online, which will contain the site's carb list and diary functions - this should be arriving in the next couple of months so watch this space!

Mar 22, 2010

laurals11 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Help

I think we all have times when it's too much. I know I personally find it hard at times..and being down makes me less active and that doesn't help. So small steps I say, firstly you are not bad ..you are finding it difficult to work things out and there are others willing to help..at your clinic..here. I'm not one who naturally stands up and shares but found at DAFNE that others helped because they understood that we all have days when we can't make sense of it.And the only important thing about ratios is to find what is right for you. Hope you can find the first step to make things better for you

Mar 22, 2010

Luggerz 10 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Just wondered if anyone has any good Iphone Apps to help with Carb Counting? I use Track 3 to keep track of my bloods and insulin doses but the food section on that is poor to say the least for UK Peeps.

Marc

Mar 22, 2010

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / shortage of Test Strips

Hello,

Not had any problems getting them. Out of interest as well, has anyone seen or used these test strips?

http://www.onetouchdiabetes.com/ultrateststrips

Not sure how the 'DoubleSure' technology can test the sample twice but more interstingly it appears to require a smaller blood sample.

NiVZ

Mar 22, 2010

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Help

I did my DAFNE course a couple of years ago. I did not make a particular connection with anyone there, although I did learn a lot of useful information. The group I was put with were all thin and active people which I am not. This meant my insulin requirements, ratios, etc were very different from theirs which made me feel a little isolated. Since then, I have not attended any reunions. Due to work changes and my mum's illness, things have gone off track and I am struggling to get back to where I was after DAFNE. I am quite low at the moment and could not bear to share my blood sugars which are not perfect, my weight is also increasing and was not ideal in the first place. I know nobody would criticise me but I am not a person who enjoys standing up in front of lots of people. I have noticed trends creeping back in - I have stopped writing down blood sugars, started to panic with highs and take too much insulin, and started to see blood sugars as personal which was one of the things that messed me up before DAFNE, if I get a high I feel like I have failed or I am 'bad'. I know these things are stupid. I just don't know how to get back on an even keel. There is a therapist attached to my clinic but she is not fulltime and I cannot attend at the limited times she is available. Has anyone else gone off track like this and how did they get back to normal?

Mar 21, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: General Discussion / shortage of Test Strips

Not had a problem - most of the Lifescan range used the same strips

Mar 21, 2010

marke 655 posts

Topic: General Discussion / shortage of Test Strips

The last two prescriptions I have ordered I have had trouble getting the Lifescan test strips for
my Ultra Smart meter. The chemist claims there is a shortage from the manufacturers. Has any one else had any problems getting Lifescan test strips ?

I'm beginning to think I should look at other meters, if getting test strips for the Ultra Smart is going to be a problem.

Mar 20, 2010

laurals11 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor

Thanks for that info John...I will pursue. Does anyone get to try different meters at reviews? I got a One Touch Ultra Smart after checking it out online,thinking it would be great to record CHO ,activity etc without having to carry paper diary...but even at brightest I can't read screen unless in a bright room!

Mar 20, 2010

john day 54 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor

Hi all.. Like Vic I was given one to pre-release trial at a dafne review last October in return for filling a response sheet for Roche.

At first I was not too keen on the meter whilst getting used to applying blood to a not easily visible vertically oriented tape rather than end of a projecting strip. Once practise sorted this (pick up the meter and operate singlehanded) the Mobile was quick and convenient and the result is there before you have put down the meter and picked up your pencil.

The software seems capable, reporting cassettes failing half way through and how many tests remaining so you don't get left short as well as enabling reminders, target ranges etc and has the infamous infra red link to upload data to Roche software.. which I have (of course) now supplanted by dafne online!

It is bulkier(12cm long and 150g) than the Aviva (9cm long and 105g incl strips & pricker) I already used so much so that the Mobile is now for home use and the Aviva, in it's neat bag, for out & about use. I checked and the readings are sufficiently close not to materially affect dosages.

I have been fortunate in that the meter was free and the local GP had no problem with the cassettes, although it took a few phone calls and most of January to get the cassette product code through the NHS procurement database!

I would definitely suggest getting one through your diabetic review process, where you have the best chance of free supply.

Cheers, John

Mar 19, 2010

laurals11 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor

Looks great..but I can't afford to buy so now I have to try to get one from my hospital.I use an Ascensia Breeze which has 10 test disc as handling individual strips is difficult for me and actually impossible if hypo, so that is a good reason for them to get meone. Discovered Multiclix finger pricker when on DAFNE but to have everything together looks brilliant to me.

Mar 19, 2010

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor

Hi Steve,

We were issued them on our course to use as part of a trial. Personally I like it, it is very convenient and saves a bit of hassle. My GP was not happy to change my repeat prescription as he thought it would be too expensive for the NHS. Would say if you can get the discount form off the website and better still if you get someone to get staff discount at Boots, it may be worthwhile. Not sure I would pay the best part of Â£50 for one but then I am a tight old git.

Vic.

Mar 19, 2010

Rachie Wilson 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor

Hi Steve

Yes I have one of the Accu Chek Mobile Meter. I think it is great as every thing is built into it. It is really easy to use. I have been on it since January and would highly recommend it.

Mar 19, 2010

steve o 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor

Does anyone use the new accu chek blood glucose monitor if so are they any good? I am thinking about getting one but would like to hear other peoples views first

Mar 18, 2010

Cameron Lockie 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Tips

Thanks for the useful advice, only 10 days until we go!!

Mar 18, 2010

mcmillan 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What meter are you using?

A very old "One Touch" ultra - big and clunky but works for me....

Mar 18, 2010

mcmillan 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What meter are you using?

A very old "One Touch" ultra - big and clunky but works for me....

Mar 18, 2010

mcmillan 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Tips

I travel between the UK and US a lot (between 4-5 hours and 8-10 hours time differences). I start my trip on "beginning time zone" and keep to regular injection schedules for baseline insulin, but monitor my sugars a bit more frequently during the trip and adjust with QA as necessary (because I'm sitting down - usually in an uncomfortable seat - and often stressed - also eating "unnatural" foods...). Once I get to the US I then try to re-adjust the schedule quickly to the local time zone (but I try to be aware that the first 24 hours might be problematic) - I prefer to go a little "high" and bring that down later rather than risk a serious hypo. (Doing the trip over 2-3 days can be a real hassle !). Main thing is to stay relaxed - DAFNE lets us do that. Make sure you have food/hypo treatments with you. I usually take a sandwich in the plane (airline food can be inedible at times, or sometimes not even offered...) - even if I have to dump it before US customs (I was "caught" with a banana once...). Small oranges or tiny tomatoes are good (and re-hydrating) - also some carrot/celery sticks etc. Make sure you have some sweets/fast sugar - problems can come up quickly while travelling, and planes are not good places to have a severe hypo problem ! (Last little thing - be careful to re-hydrate during the flight - I take a couple of bottles of water (I fill up an empty after passing through security) - and not too much wine with the meal etc.... All good advice for anyone, but we all know that diabetics are more healthy than the general polulation).... Have a great trip !

Mar 18, 2010

ChrisS 12 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What meter are you using?

Optium Xceed

Mar 18, 2010

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Bayer Contour USB Meter

Hello,

The cross-platform idea is an interesting one but there seems to be many routes that could *possibly* work.

The two I've seen that look most promising are Ruby and Mono. Both claim to be OS and Hardware independent and I've found RS232 Serial COM examples for both.

http://ruby-serialport.rubyforge.org/
http://www.mono-project.com/HowToSystemIOPorts

The downside to this is it would require a lot of learning on my part, and as I've only got a PC I could only test Windows and Linux (no access to a MAC)

The big upside of course is that this would mean one source code for an application that could work on all OS's.

The only other big question mark with these two languages is how to access the REST protocols to do the uploading of the data.

NiVZ

P.S We seem to have gone way off track from the Bayer USB - perhaps we should continue this discussion in the Site Development ;)

Mar 23, 2010 laurals11 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Help Hi Lizzie..I'm not a health professional ..I think you need to tell your clinic that things aren't working and you need help because you are aware and scared of the consequences. Could be changes of insulin needed..insulin insensitivity..I find stress plays havoc with BGs..and I know caring for sick relative is stressful. I have had diabetes for 23 years and I managed well onl mixed insulin then it was was discontinued.I feel like a newbie as far as QA and BI goes. Someone on another forum recently recommended 2 books, Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin by Gary Scheiner Diabetes Burnout: Preventing it, Surviving it, Finding Inner Peace by William H. Polonsky and I'm waiting for my library to get them in. Both American but thought worth a look. Tell your clinic of your difficulties with appointment times..they may be able to offer a one off suitable for you.If not ask if they can refer you to another clinic. Hope you can find a way to better control soon. Laura

Mar 23, 2010 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Help Thanks for replying. The thing is, it isn't just the odd day. It seems like a constant struggle. I have had diabetes for 17 years now and have still not got on top of it, and the longer it goes on, the more terrified I am of complications. I thought I had cracked it after DAFNE but it turns out that was a false hope. I feel alone and don't know where to turn.

Mar 23, 2010 Simon 574 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Hi Marc, I'm currently working on an iPhone version of DAFNE Online, which will contain the site's carb list and diary functions - this should be arriving in the next couple of months so watch this space!

Mar 22, 2010 laurals11 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Help I think we all have times when it's too much. I know I personally find it hard at times..and being down makes me less active and that doesn't help. So small steps I say, firstly you are not bad ..you are finding it difficult to work things out and there are others willing to help..at your clinic..here. I'm not one who naturally stands up and shares but found at DAFNE that others helped because they understood that we all have days when we can't make sense of it.And the only important thing about ratios is to find what is right for you. Hope you can find the first step to make things better for you

Mar 22, 2010 Luggerz 10 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Just wondered if anyone has any good Iphone Apps to help with Carb Counting? I use Track 3 to keep track of my bloods and insulin doses but the food section on that is poor to say the least for UK Peeps. Marc

Mar 22, 2010 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / shortage of Test Strips Hello, Not had any problems getting them. Out of interest as well, has anyone seen or used these test strips? http://www.onetouchdiabetes.com/ultrateststrips Not sure how the 'DoubleSure' technology can test the sample twice but more interstingly it appears to require a smaller blood sample. NiVZ

Mar 22, 2010 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Help I did my DAFNE course a couple of years ago. I did not make a particular connection with anyone there, although I did learn a lot of useful information. The group I was put with were all thin and active people which I am not. This meant my insulin requirements, ratios, etc were very different from theirs which made me feel a little isolated. Since then, I have not attended any reunions. Due to work changes and my mum's illness, things have gone off track and I am struggling to get back to where I was after DAFNE. I am quite low at the moment and could not bear to share my blood sugars which are not perfect, my weight is also increasing and was not ideal in the first place. I know nobody would criticise me but I am not a person who enjoys standing up in front of lots of people. I have noticed trends creeping back in - I have stopped writing down blood sugars, started to panic with highs and take too much insulin, and started to see blood sugars as personal which was one of the things that messed me up before DAFNE, if I get a high I feel like I have failed or I am 'bad'. I know these things are stupid. I just don't know how to get back on an even keel. There is a therapist attached to my clinic but she is not fulltime and I cannot attend at the limited times she is available. Has anyone else gone off track like this and how did they get back to normal?

Mar 21, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: General Discussion / shortage of Test Strips Not had a problem - most of the Lifescan range used the same strips

Mar 21, 2010 marke 655 posts	Topic: General Discussion / shortage of Test Strips The last two prescriptions I have ordered I have had trouble getting the Lifescan test strips for my Ultra Smart meter. The chemist claims there is a shortage from the manufacturers. Has any one else had any problems getting Lifescan test strips ? I'm beginning to think I should look at other meters, if getting test strips for the Ultra Smart is going to be a problem.

Mar 20, 2010 laurals11 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor Thanks for that info John...I will pursue. Does anyone get to try different meters at reviews? I got a One Touch Ultra Smart after checking it out online,thinking it would be great to record CHO ,activity etc without having to carry paper diary...but even at brightest I can't read screen unless in a bright room!

Mar 20, 2010 john day 54 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor Hi all.. Like Vic I was given one to pre-release trial at a dafne review last October in return for filling a response sheet for Roche. At first I was not too keen on the meter whilst getting used to applying blood to a not easily visible vertically oriented tape rather than end of a projecting strip. Once practise sorted this (pick up the meter and operate singlehanded) the Mobile was quick and convenient and the result is there before you have put down the meter and picked up your pencil. The software seems capable, reporting cassettes failing half way through and how many tests remaining so you don't get left short as well as enabling reminders, target ranges etc and has the infamous infra red link to upload data to Roche software.. which I have (of course) now supplanted by dafne online! It is bulkier(12cm long and 150g) than the Aviva (9cm long and 105g incl strips & pricker) I already used so much so that the Mobile is now for home use and the Aviva, in it's neat bag, for out & about use. I checked and the readings are sufficiently close not to materially affect dosages. I have been fortunate in that the meter was free and the local GP had no problem with the cassettes, although it took a few phone calls and most of January to get the cassette product code through the NHS procurement database! I would definitely suggest getting one through your diabetic review process, where you have the best chance of free supply. Cheers, John

Mar 19, 2010 laurals11 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor Looks great..but I can't afford to buy so now I have to try to get one from my hospital.I use an Ascensia Breeze which has 10 test disc as handling individual strips is difficult for me and actually impossible if hypo, so that is a good reason for them to get meone. Discovered Multiclix finger pricker when on DAFNE but to have everything together looks brilliant to me.

Mar 19, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor Hi Steve, We were issued them on our course to use as part of a trial. Personally I like it, it is very convenient and saves a bit of hassle. My GP was not happy to change my repeat prescription as he thought it would be too expensive for the NHS. Would say if you can get the discount form off the website and better still if you get someone to get staff discount at Boots, it may be worthwhile. Not sure I would pay the best part of Â£50 for one but then I am a tight old git. Vic.

Mar 19, 2010 Rachie Wilson 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor Hi Steve Yes I have one of the Accu Chek Mobile Meter. I think it is great as every thing is built into it. It is really easy to use. I have been on it since January and would highly recommend it.

Mar 19, 2010 steve o 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Accuchek mobile blood glucose monitor Does anyone use the new accu chek blood glucose monitor if so are they any good? I am thinking about getting one but would like to hear other peoples views first

Mar 18, 2010 Cameron Lockie 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Tips Thanks for the useful advice, only 10 days until we go!!

Mar 18, 2010 mcmillan 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What meter are you using? A very old "One Touch" ultra - big and clunky but works for me....

Mar 18, 2010 mcmillan 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What meter are you using? A very old "One Touch" ultra - big and clunky but works for me....

Mar 18, 2010 mcmillan 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Tips I travel between the UK and US a lot (between 4-5 hours and 8-10 hours time differences). I start my trip on "beginning time zone" and keep to regular injection schedules for baseline insulin, but monitor my sugars a bit more frequently during the trip and adjust with QA as necessary (because I'm sitting down - usually in an uncomfortable seat - and often stressed - also eating "unnatural" foods...). Once I get to the US I then try to re-adjust the schedule quickly to the local time zone (but I try to be aware that the first 24 hours might be problematic) - I prefer to go a little "high" and bring that down later rather than risk a serious hypo. (Doing the trip over 2-3 days can be a real hassle !). Main thing is to stay relaxed - DAFNE lets us do that. Make sure you have food/hypo treatments with you. I usually take a sandwich in the plane (airline food can be inedible at times, or sometimes not even offered...) - even if I have to dump it before US customs (I was "caught" with a banana once...). Small oranges or tiny tomatoes are good (and re-hydrating) - also some carrot/celery sticks etc. Make sure you have some sweets/fast sugar - problems can come up quickly while travelling, and planes are not good places to have a severe hypo problem ! (Last little thing - be careful to re-hydrate during the flight - I take a couple of bottles of water (I fill up an empty after passing through security) - and not too much wine with the meal etc.... All good advice for anyone, but we all know that diabetics are more healthy than the general polulation).... Have a great trip !

Mar 18, 2010 ChrisS 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What meter are you using? Optium Xceed

Mar 18, 2010 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Bayer Contour USB Meter Hello, The cross-platform idea is an interesting one but there seems to be many routes that could possibly work. The two I've seen that look most promising are Ruby and Mono. Both claim to be OS and Hardware independent and I've found RS232 Serial COM examples for both. http://ruby-serialport.rubyforge.org/ http://www.mono-project.com/HowToSystemIOPorts The downside to this is it would require a lot of learning on my part, and as I've only got a PC I could only test Windows and Linux (no access to a MAC) The big upside of course is that this would mean one source code for an application that could work on all OS's. The only other big question mark with these two languages is how to access the REST protocols to do the uploading of the data. NiVZ P.S We seem to have gone way off track from the Bayer USB - perhaps we should continue this discussion in the Site Development ;)