Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 24, 2010

derby28 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course

thanks all for the detailed replies! a great help, and to be honest i dont think its their fault, more when i was younger, i never really went to the centre, guess i didnt take it seriously, and they sent me a letter saying they were passing my care onto the doctors now instead.
At the time i was happier, mainly because my GP had taken extra courses/training in diabetes etc, however i have since moved to another area of derby and had to move to a different doctor, and ive seen him twice but he really doesnt seem to know much about it at all, definatly not to the same levels as my older doctor.
Either way, I have decided id like to take more care of it, and i like the look of DAFNE because i dont really have much idea of things like carb counting etc etc and it would be very useful.

Again, thanks for your time and efforts, will keep you posted, steve.

Mar 24, 2010

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What do you carry your diabetes stuff in?

I am looking for a new bag/case to carry my diabetes stuff in. I have looked online and have seen specific diabetic ones like desang, Joe's Small-In-One, etc, but they all look, well, a bit boring really. I have tried cosmetic bags - I am using one right now, but it is a little too small to fit my DAFNE diary in, and others I have seen are too large to go in my handbag. I also tried a pencil case but it was flimsy and broke quite easily. What do other people use?

Mar 24, 2010

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course

I have to say I'm suprised , but not shocked, Steve. Government policy is to push the treatment of Type 2's into GP surgeries but NOT type 1, NHS Diabetes policy is that Type 1's should be seen by consultants at a hospital Diabetes centre. As Lizzie suggests generally GP's are NOT sufficiently trained to treat Type 1 and its potential complications. You should also be getting eye screening carried out at least once a year ( when they take pictures of your retina for potential damage). If you are covered by the same PCT as the hospital then you ARE eligible for a DAFNE Course, unfortunately you usually need to be referred and thus the 'problem' with not being seen by a Diabetes Consultant who fully understands the issues and necessary treatment.
Can I suggest you contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) here at your local PCT and get them to find out why you are NOT being seen at yuor local hospital by a Diabetes Consultant. Worst case they should be able to put you in contact with the Diabetes Centre at the hospital or even the DAFNE Educator and they should be able to tell you firstly how you get the treatment you are entitled too and secondly how you get onto a DAFNE Course at the hospital. Unfortunately a lot of centres have long waiting lists for the course, but if you are not on the list they you won't get on it !

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Mar 24, 2010

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course

OK. Maybe you have a different setup where you live. But I go to the hospital for just about everything - eyes, consultant, dietitian, nurse, etc. My GP cannot offer this range of services. I would definitely look into getting your care at the hospital. It makes more sense to have everything in one place, so your doctor can see your eye test results and everything else. And in my experience GPs and GP surgery nurses know nothing or very little about diabetes. I think the fact they are generalists means they can't know a lot about every single condition in detail, not enough to help you manage it. And if the hospital are seeing you already, you can get onto the DAFNE course too.

Mar 24, 2010

derby28 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course

Hi,

Yes i mean my GP at local doctors surgery, and for eye tests i goto a optician, and pay for all the additional tests, including the 3D scan thing etc..

Mar 24, 2010

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course

Hi Steve

When you say you are seen by your doctor do you mean your GP? Do you go to the hospital at all, for eye tests or anything?

Mar 23, 2010

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Not sure you can test it as I have to get it approved on the app store, so you can't test until it's available for download, if you see what I mean. The exception to this is getting an 'Enterprise' developer account which costs Â£300 with Apple so it's something I just can't afford. Plus - if it's on the app store it will be advertising for this site.

Let me know what other features you guys need and I'll try and get them in. Those already mentioned seem pretty do-able. In the meantime you are able to access this site's CP list through the browser on your phone, especially formatted for display on small screens (obviously you need an internet connection for this though)

Mar 23, 2010

derby28 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course

just to clarify, i realise that my doctors cannot offer it, but i am very prepared to goto the hospital, if they allow me to do this..

Mar 23, 2010

derby28 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course

Hi, I am 28, have been type one for 10 years now, and to be honest havent really taken it seriously..

my BG are usually in the 8-20range, i tend to go higher to avoid the lows, not best i realise :/

I want to have more control, and the flexibility DAFNE could potentially offer also would be good.

Problem is I am currently seen by my doctor which does not offer DAFNE, i see that the Derby hospital near me does do the course but the dafne site states the following..

If you do not receive your care from a current DAFNE centre you cannot access a DAFNE course. DAFNE can only be offered by a diabetes unit that have DAFNE trained educators and doctors. There are no private DAFNE courses available. However, any diabetes unit can train to become a DAFNE centre.

Does that mean i cannot get a course at the hospital because i dont see them normally?

thanks in advance, Steve.

Mar 23, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

its insulin on the screen - full name is insulin calculator you put in target - corrective factor - carb factor - bg and carbs and it tells you what insulin is needed

Mar 23, 2010

angelaallison 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Hi Karl,

Think I miss read your post, one of those ad days lol. Realised you were trying to help. Claudia's pump works out correction so I only use carbfinder.

Angela

Mar 23, 2010

angelaallison 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Hi Karl,

No it doesn't work out insulin correction dose. However there is another iphone application that does, called insulin calculator. You have to put in target BG, actual BG, corrective ratio and if you have eaten carbs.

Not sure if you have this.

carbfinder just gives approx carbs in food.

Angela

Mar 23, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

insulin for the iphone / touch does the insulin calculation / correction dose

Mar 23, 2010

angelaallison 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Hi Simon,

Also novo nordisk have an application for HbA1a converter, which is useful, maybe someone could combine all the applications.

Can we help with the testing in any way?

Angela.

Mar 23, 2010

angelaallison 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Hi Simon,

Fantastic, I currently use carbfinder application on my iphone. Its helpful but very American!! You can add your own items which is a great feature. It is our 9 year old daughter who has Type1 and she loves using it as it makes her more independant.

Looking forward to your application.

Angela

Mar 23, 2010

Luggerz 10 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps

Ace what about also including something so it can work the amount of Insulin you should take. Ie when you know your ratio is 10 g of carbohydrate to 1.5 units of insulin and also any correction doses etc. Just a thought. But maybe I'm being lazy.

Marc

Mar 23, 2010

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Help

Thanks Laura, I will look into getting those books. I find it hard to talk to doctors since I have this feeling they want me to be perfect and they are disappointed in me. I have not yet met a medical person whether dietitian, nurse, doctor or whatever, who I feel I can talk to. That is probably all in my head. They are very nice but I can't open up to them. Over the years I have finessed the art of smiling and telling them nothing is wrong, just a temporary blip, will do better next time. I will ask if I could see someone at a different clinic though, that's a good idea. There are several hospitals in the local PCT so I will look into attending a different one if they have more flexibility or more staff.

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 578 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 24, 2010 derby28 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course thanks all for the detailed replies! a great help, and to be honest i dont think its their fault, more when i was younger, i never really went to the centre, guess i didnt take it seriously, and they sent me a letter saying they were passing my care onto the doctors now instead. At the time i was happier, mainly because my GP had taken extra courses/training in diabetes etc, however i have since moved to another area of derby and had to move to a different doctor, and ive seen him twice but he really doesnt seem to know much about it at all, definatly not to the same levels as my older doctor. Either way, I have decided id like to take more care of it, and i like the look of DAFNE because i dont really have much idea of things like carb counting etc etc and it would be very useful. Again, thanks for your time and efforts, will keep you posted, steve.

Mar 24, 2010 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What do you carry your diabetes stuff in? I am looking for a new bag/case to carry my diabetes stuff in. I have looked online and have seen specific diabetic ones like desang, Joe's Small-In-One, etc, but they all look, well, a bit boring really. I have tried cosmetic bags - I am using one right now, but it is a little too small to fit my DAFNE diary in, and others I have seen are too large to go in my handbag. I also tried a pencil case but it was flimsy and broke quite easily. What do other people use?

Mar 24, 2010 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course I have to say I'm suprised , but not shocked, Steve. Government policy is to push the treatment of Type 2's into GP surgeries but NOT type 1, NHS Diabetes policy is that Type 1's should be seen by consultants at a hospital Diabetes centre. As Lizzie suggests generally GP's are NOT sufficiently trained to treat Type 1 and its potential complications. You should also be getting eye screening carried out at least once a year ( when they take pictures of your retina for potential damage). If you are covered by the same PCT as the hospital then you ARE eligible for a DAFNE Course, unfortunately you usually need to be referred and thus the 'problem' with not being seen by a Diabetes Consultant who fully understands the issues and necessary treatment. Can I suggest you contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) here at your local PCT and get them to find out why you are NOT being seen at yuor local hospital by a Diabetes Consultant. Worst case they should be able to put you in contact with the Diabetes Centre at the hospital or even the DAFNE Educator and they should be able to tell you firstly how you get the treatment you are entitled too and secondly how you get onto a DAFNE Course at the hospital. Unfortunately a lot of centres have long waiting lists for the course, but if you are not on the list they you won't get on it ! Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Mar 24, 2010 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course OK. Maybe you have a different setup where you live. But I go to the hospital for just about everything - eyes, consultant, dietitian, nurse, etc. My GP cannot offer this range of services. I would definitely look into getting your care at the hospital. It makes more sense to have everything in one place, so your doctor can see your eye test results and everything else. And in my experience GPs and GP surgery nurses know nothing or very little about diabetes. I think the fact they are generalists means they can't know a lot about every single condition in detail, not enough to help you manage it. And if the hospital are seeing you already, you can get onto the DAFNE course too.

Mar 24, 2010 derby28 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course Hi, Yes i mean my GP at local doctors surgery, and for eye tests i goto a optician, and pay for all the additional tests, including the 3D scan thing etc..

Mar 24, 2010 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course Hi Steve When you say you are seen by your doctor do you mean your GP? Do you go to the hospital at all, for eye tests or anything?

Mar 23, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Not sure you can test it as I have to get it approved on the app store, so you can't test until it's available for download, if you see what I mean. The exception to this is getting an 'Enterprise' developer account which costs Â£300 with Apple so it's something I just can't afford. Plus - if it's on the app store it will be advertising for this site. Let me know what other features you guys need and I'll try and get them in. Those already mentioned seem pretty do-able. In the meantime you are able to access this site's CP list through the browser on your phone, especially formatted for display on small screens (obviously you need an internet connection for this though)

Mar 23, 2010 derby28 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course just to clarify, i realise that my doctors cannot offer it, but i am very prepared to goto the hospital, if they allow me to do this..

Mar 23, 2010 derby28 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Want to do DAFNE Course Hi, I am 28, have been type one for 10 years now, and to be honest havent really taken it seriously.. my BG are usually in the 8-20range, i tend to go higher to avoid the lows, not best i realise :/ I want to have more control, and the flexibility DAFNE could potentially offer also would be good. Problem is I am currently seen by my doctor which does not offer DAFNE, i see that the Derby hospital near me does do the course but the dafne site states the following.. If you do not receive your care from a current DAFNE centre you cannot access a DAFNE course. DAFNE can only be offered by a diabetes unit that have DAFNE trained educators and doctors. There are no private DAFNE courses available. However, any diabetes unit can train to become a DAFNE centre. Does that mean i cannot get a course at the hospital because i dont see them normally? thanks in advance, Steve.

Mar 23, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps its insulin on the screen - full name is insulin calculator you put in target - corrective factor - carb factor - bg and carbs and it tells you what insulin is needed

Mar 23, 2010 angelaallison 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Hi Karl, Think I miss read your post, one of those ad days lol. Realised you were trying to help. Claudia's pump works out correction so I only use carbfinder. Angela

Mar 23, 2010 angelaallison 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Hi Karl, No it doesn't work out insulin correction dose. However there is another iphone application that does, called insulin calculator. You have to put in target BG, actual BG, corrective ratio and if you have eaten carbs. Not sure if you have this. carbfinder just gives approx carbs in food. Angela

Mar 23, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps insulin for the iphone / touch does the insulin calculation / correction dose

Mar 23, 2010 angelaallison 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Hi Simon, Also novo nordisk have an application for HbA1a converter, which is useful, maybe someone could combine all the applications. Can we help with the testing in any way? Angela.

Mar 23, 2010 angelaallison 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Hi Simon, Fantastic, I currently use carbfinder application on my iphone. Its helpful but very American!! You can add your own items which is a great feature. It is our 9 year old daughter who has Type1 and she loves using it as it makes her more independant. Looking forward to your application. Angela

Mar 23, 2010 Luggerz 10 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Iphone Apps Ace what about also including something so it can work the amount of Insulin you should take. Ie when you know your ratio is 10 g of carbohydrate to 1.5 units of insulin and also any correction doses etc. Just a thought. But maybe I'm being lazy. Marc

Mar 23, 2010 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Help Thanks Laura, I will look into getting those books. I find it hard to talk to doctors since I have this feeling they want me to be perfect and they are disappointed in me. I have not yet met a medical person whether dietitian, nurse, doctor or whatever, who I feel I can talk to. That is probably all in my head. They are very nice but I can't open up to them. Over the years I have finessed the art of smiling and telling them nothing is wrong, just a temporary blip, will do better next time. I will ask if I could see someone at a different clinic though, that's a good idea. There are several hospitals in the local PCT so I will look into attending a different one if they have more flexibility or more staff.

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 578 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?