Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

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 681 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 18, 2010

Snjstar 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / What meter are you using?

Onetouch Ultra Easy

Mar 17, 2010

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Bayer Contour USB Meter

Nothing really to comment on the changing meter debate - my UltraSmart is looking pretty tired now, but I'd probably just exchange for a new one of them. Though I do like gadgets, so given something more high tech I may change my mind ;)

On Ruby - yes the site is coded in Ruby so both Mark and I have some experience in it. I wonder how we would package a Ruby app - there is an interpreter that needs to be installed before it can be 'run' so would users need to install this to run it? I've not had experience of making Ruby desktop apps so can't comment on that... Yet.

On the Contour USB meter - I'm sure they have some sort of API (Java, Proprietary or Otherwise) to interface with a meter, it's just a matter of getting hold of it (legitimately or otherwise).

Mar 17, 2010

Tracey Bond 14 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Snacks

Hi Carbtastic................................ If you have a snack of more than 1CP an hour of less before your next meal then either take the insulin at the time of snack or with your meal, however if your snack is eaten more than 1 hour before your next meal take the insulin at the time of the snack. Don't have any corrections at meal time if your BG is elevated as the insulinn you had at the time of the snack will account for it. I know it's confusing but it will sink in, I promise.

Mar 17, 2010

Carbtastic 8 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Cherries

I finished Dafne last week and was told that grapefruit and cherries are the only fruit which you dont count! It was news to me but i like it!

Mar 17, 2010

Carbtastic 8 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Indian food and takeways

Me too! I completely gave up eating chinese take aways as every dish just seemed to be full of sugar. The same appears to go for curry, the sauces are always so thick and sweet. It's not even authentic curry! I have found a good one near me which is an exception to this rule and uses very little sugar however, this is rare!

Mar 17, 2010

Carbtastic 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Snacks

Ive just completed Dafne and Im still trying to get my head round all the rules! Im a bit confused about snacks. If for example I have a 3CP Snack at 3pm then have my evening meal at 6pm would I take a correction dose if my BG was high before my meal? As the QA from my snack would still be working I didnt know whether too or not. Can anyone help? Thanks!

Mar 17, 2010

Carbtastic 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Random question!

Does anyone know the carb content of fruit pudding? I had it with my cooked breakfast and didnt even know what I could compare it to!

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 681 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 18, 2010 Snjstar 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / What meter are you using? Onetouch Ultra Easy

Mar 17, 2010 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Bayer Contour USB Meter Nothing really to comment on the changing meter debate - my UltraSmart is looking pretty tired now, but I'd probably just exchange for a new one of them. Though I do like gadgets, so given something more high tech I may change my mind ;) On Ruby - yes the site is coded in Ruby so both Mark and I have some experience in it. I wonder how we would package a Ruby app - there is an interpreter that needs to be installed before it can be 'run' so would users need to install this to run it? I've not had experience of making Ruby desktop apps so can't comment on that... Yet. On the Contour USB meter - I'm sure they have some sort of API (Java, Proprietary or Otherwise) to interface with a meter, it's just a matter of getting hold of it (legitimately or otherwise).

Mar 17, 2010 Tracey Bond 14 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Snacks Hi Carbtastic................................ If you have a snack of more than 1CP an hour of less before your next meal then either take the insulin at the time of snack or with your meal, however if your snack is eaten more than 1 hour before your next meal take the insulin at the time of the snack. Don't have any corrections at meal time if your BG is elevated as the insulinn you had at the time of the snack will account for it. I know it's confusing but it will sink in, I promise.

Mar 17, 2010 Carbtastic 8 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Cherries I finished Dafne last week and was told that grapefruit and cherries are the only fruit which you dont count! It was news to me but i like it!

Mar 17, 2010 Carbtastic 8 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Indian food and takeways Me too! I completely gave up eating chinese take aways as every dish just seemed to be full of sugar. The same appears to go for curry, the sauces are always so thick and sweet. It's not even authentic curry! I have found a good one near me which is an exception to this rule and uses very little sugar however, this is rare!

Mar 17, 2010 Carbtastic 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Snacks Ive just completed Dafne and Im still trying to get my head round all the rules! Im a bit confused about snacks. If for example I have a 3CP Snack at 3pm then have my evening meal at 6pm would I take a correction dose if my BG was high before my meal? As the QA from my snack would still be working I didnt know whether too or not. Can anyone help? Thanks!

Mar 17, 2010 Carbtastic 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Random question! Does anyone know the carb content of fruit pudding? I had it with my cooked breakfast and didnt even know what I could compare it to!