Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Feb 26, 2010

luisafontana 9 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Correcting high blood glucose levels

Hello, could it be something to do with glucose toxicity?

Feb 26, 2010

sj61angel 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / post meal peaks

Hi Rachel, I think I'll give the exercise thing ago it can't be that bad for my health lol.
Congratulations on the baby I'm glad that it's going well.
It's uplifting to hear news as good as that.

Kind regards

Sarah

Feb 26, 2010

RachelA 10 posts

Topic: Site Development / exporting diary entries

Nivz thanks for that, I had not thought of right clicking on it. I have got it working now.

Rachel

Feb 26, 2010

Karl 83 posts

Topic: Site Development / exporting diary entries

What browser are you using - have had this with Firefox downloading XML before - but it wasn't from here.

Feb 25, 2010

Mike Dagley 12 posts

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

Thanks Jen,
I am a good bit older than you and yet you have 20 years experience already. I am a real L-plate diabetic! I like the idea of working 'with your body'. Good idea. I like the fact that we all should have a much better understanding of how our bodies work. DAFNE is great for that. I am lucky so far and the denial thingy hasn't hit me. I occasionally get those reality checks where I feel a little demoralised when I realise that this is a bit more than a game. The hospital were clear but gentle about my diagnosis last March. They just got me moving very quickly through the learning curve - so I have felt blessed by their great care rather than been left to feel morose and self-pitying. I have surprised myself really. It is a chance to make a fresh start and to deal with my condition properly from the start. A rare experience as you get older. So far so good.
Best of Luck Mike

Feb 25, 2010

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: Site Development / exporting diary entries

Hi Rachel,

Just right click on the 'XML Export of currently displayed results' link and choose 'Save target as' and you should be able to save it as a .xml file.

NiVZ

Feb 25, 2010

vic demain 87 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo recognition.

Interesting points, thanks everyone. For the past week or so I have experienced a lot higher results, until today when I have had two hypos, but both have resulted in good warnings.
Peter, good to hear that others have had a similar experience and Cmac, you could well be right about the contamination.
Thanks again.
Vic.

Feb 25, 2010

RachelA 10 posts

Topic: Site Development / exporting diary entries

Apologies if this has been asked and answered somewhere else already. I have tried to export my diary entries to an xml file using the link in the diary page, but I just get a screen of text appearing which can not be saved as an xml file - any ideas?

Thanks

Rachel

Feb 25, 2010

RachelA 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / post meal peaks

Hi Sarah, I have just about sorted the problem at breakfast by walking 2miles to work after eating which stops the peaks then. Dinner has never been so bad, but I have not sorted the lunchtime problem. I am now having my insulin about 25mins before eating which helps a bit. The family planning is going well - I am now 11 weeks pregnant!!!

Feb 25, 2010

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo recognition.

Further to Cmac's suggestion of contamination: on the DAFNE course I was on, we were told that Carex anti-bacterial handwash can affect blood-glucose tests. Pre DAFNE I used to use Carex, but never noticed anything abnormal. I now use handwashes that are not anti-bacterial - just in case.

Feb 25, 2010

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / How good is dafne

I've definitely found DAFNE to be good thing for me. I was doing something very similar before DAFNE... it was mostly minus the DAFNE CP/QA maths and so I'd regularly make mistakes and when it reached a point where I said to the doctor, "I really need help with this, my old routine doesn't work anymore." and DAFNE was suggested to me to try out considering it was new to the hospital. I pounced on it!

I have no intention to look back and it has been refreshing to meet others going through this as me considering I don't have any relatives that are diabetic and no diabetics I've met have ever become good friends with me. So good to know I'm not alone.

With this very positive experience, whenever I meet a new diabetic - Type 1 or 2 - I recommend DAFNE or DESMOND depending on what Type they are. :3

Feb 25, 2010

JayBee 587 posts

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

Heya Mike,

Slips ups are definitely inevitable - to assume that everything will go smoothly all the time isn't the best way to think about this condition, especially if you're newly diagnosed.

I unfortunately cannot remember how things were when I was first diagnosed. I was 5 years old then and I'm 25 now - but from speaking to my parents, the honeymoon time is one of the most awkward because insulin is still being released. Once it stops, everything will calm down and you'll probably start to feel more in control when it comes to your future.

I hope DAFNE lets you skip the 'denial' phase. I had that during my teens (so double denial was likely) and I just refused to do blood tests. With this, I dread to think how long some of my high sugar levels periods went on for.

Saying that, I am glad I got my diabetes when I was young... has given me time to grow up with it.

I wish I had DAFNE from when I started but that's life for you. I'm sure you'll be okay, you keep up the good work! As many have said so far, it's mostly the long term high sugar levels you should be more concerned about in reference to the complications - as well as general illness in fact!

My doctor told me that if you keep your control reasonably stable, your body will respond to illness in a more 'normal person' standard, which is nice to know with all the flu warnings we get over the winter. Even more incentive to work with your body. Smile

On that note, over the 20 years, I've lost track on how many times I've had to say "please body, just work with me please!" but I think DAFNE will help nip that sort of thing in the bud now. I've learnt so much and I'm sure you will too.

I had no idea about the 50 year medals - I look forward to getting mine in 30 years time! Razz

~Jen

Feb 25, 2010

Cmac 3 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo recognition.

Hi, thanks everyone for joining in this discussion, it's very productive of us! The speed at which the blood glucose drops does affect the resulting symptoms or lack of them as Peter says. This seems to be an individual thing though.
Something that occurred to me for Vic's question is to ask whether there could have been anything on the fingers when testing first, ie the 8 wasn't a true 8 as you were actually hypo then, but the test was contaminated in some way? Any sugary or chemical substance on the skin might affect a result, and I've known some people get an unexpected result, then wash their hands and test again....and get a result closer to what was expected! If you want to try this out, peel an orange and test your blood without washing your hands - it's surprising how something as simple as washing your hands is so important. What do you think?

Feb 24, 2010

tonyd 9 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Red Wine/Tonic Wine

I think with a sweet tonic wine like " Buckfast" is just like a super charged sweet sherry & you'll really need to cover the carbs the same as you would any other sugary drink. Start by covering with a low dose: ratio at the time of day/night you're drinking for those carbs you're drinking and then adjust up until you get a safe dose that gives you the cover you need to limit that rapid rise in glucose. There'll be a dose thats right for your body so you'll just have to try it out and remember youre only trying to take the edge of the rise as you cant control how your body process it and how low your glucose will drop off afterwards.

Drinking 92g of fruit sugar in buckfast will be the same as drinking 92g of other sugar (think of it like drinking an Irn Bru but stronger!!) its just the absorption speed into your blood thats different with a fruit sugar.

Its how you cover that if drinking all night that may be a problem so it may be better to give some gentle correction and decide if you need to cover with any food carbs you are eating before bed as you dont want to have a hypo afterwards.

Its not perfect but it never is with alcohol and Ive found that you may need to reduce your background if taking a dose at night (& for the next day) especially if drinking a lot of alcohol.

You could be doing a service for other DAFNE Buckfast drinkers out here if we can get a carb/dose estimate in the DAFNE Carb counters Booklet with your experiments!!

Good luck, enjoy your drink in moderation and you'll suffer less next day!!! Easier said than done though!

I'm keen to hear your next report

Feb 24, 2010

gjd 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Acquiring a Glucoject Dual S system

What is the recommended method for acquiring one of the Glucoject Dual "reduced pain" stabbers? My fingers have been suffering for some while.
Is this model, and the lancets, available on prescription, or does one need to buy retail?
Best regards to you all
Graeme

Feb 23, 2010

marke 681 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / third meeting

The minutes of the third DUAG meeting are here . There is also an executive summary here .

Feb 23, 2010

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Metformin /Type 1

Hi Paul. David's advice is quite correct, just use the principles to adjust to new insulin doses and background. Actually you may find they don't change much, the amount to which metformin will affect the amount of insulin you will need is very variable.
Simon

Feb 23, 2010

DavidJ 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Tips

Hi,
There is advice in the DAFNE Handbook about crossing time zones under the heading 'Travel'. Someone must have tried it. Enjoy your holiday. Dave.

Feb 26, 2010 luisafontana 9 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Correcting high blood glucose levels Hello, could it be something to do with glucose toxicity?

Feb 26, 2010 sj61angel 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / post meal peaks Hi Rachel, I think I'll give the exercise thing ago it can't be that bad for my health lol. Congratulations on the baby I'm glad that it's going well. It's uplifting to hear news as good as that. Kind regards Sarah

Feb 26, 2010 RachelA 10 posts	Topic: Site Development / exporting diary entries Nivz thanks for that, I had not thought of right clicking on it. I have got it working now. Rachel

Feb 26, 2010 Karl 83 posts	Topic: Site Development / exporting diary entries What browser are you using - have had this with Firefox downloading XML before - but it wasn't from here.

Feb 25, 2010 Mike Dagley 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is life expectancy limited for diabetics? Thanks Jen, I am a good bit older than you and yet you have 20 years experience already. I am a real L-plate diabetic! I like the idea of working 'with your body'. Good idea. I like the fact that we all should have a much better understanding of how our bodies work. DAFNE is great for that. I am lucky so far and the denial thingy hasn't hit me. I occasionally get those reality checks where I feel a little demoralised when I realise that this is a bit more than a game. The hospital were clear but gentle about my diagnosis last March. They just got me moving very quickly through the learning curve - so I have felt blessed by their great care rather than been left to feel morose and self-pitying. I have surprised myself really. It is a chance to make a fresh start and to deal with my condition properly from the start. A rare experience as you get older. So far so good. Best of Luck Mike

Feb 25, 2010 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: Site Development / exporting diary entries Hi Rachel, Just right click on the 'XML Export of currently displayed results' link and choose 'Save target as' and you should be able to save it as a .xml file. NiVZ

Feb 25, 2010 vic demain 87 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo recognition. Interesting points, thanks everyone. For the past week or so I have experienced a lot higher results, until today when I have had two hypos, but both have resulted in good warnings. Peter, good to hear that others have had a similar experience and Cmac, you could well be right about the contamination. Thanks again. Vic.

Feb 25, 2010 RachelA 10 posts	Topic: Site Development / exporting diary entries Apologies if this has been asked and answered somewhere else already. I have tried to export my diary entries to an xml file using the link in the diary page, but I just get a screen of text appearing which can not be saved as an xml file - any ideas? Thanks Rachel

Feb 25, 2010 RachelA 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / post meal peaks Hi Sarah, I have just about sorted the problem at breakfast by walking 2miles to work after eating which stops the peaks then. Dinner has never been so bad, but I have not sorted the lunchtime problem. I am now having my insulin about 25mins before eating which helps a bit. The family planning is going well - I am now 11 weeks pregnant!!!

Feb 25, 2010 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo recognition. Further to Cmac's suggestion of contamination: on the DAFNE course I was on, we were told that Carex anti-bacterial handwash can affect blood-glucose tests. Pre DAFNE I used to use Carex, but never noticed anything abnormal. I now use handwashes that are not anti-bacterial - just in case.

Feb 25, 2010 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / How good is dafne I've definitely found DAFNE to be good thing for me. I was doing something very similar before DAFNE... it was mostly minus the DAFNE CP/QA maths and so I'd regularly make mistakes and when it reached a point where I said to the doctor, "I really need help with this, my old routine doesn't work anymore." and DAFNE was suggested to me to try out considering it was new to the hospital. I pounced on it! I have no intention to look back and it has been refreshing to meet others going through this as me considering I don't have any relatives that are diabetic and no diabetics I've met have ever become good friends with me. So good to know I'm not alone. With this very positive experience, whenever I meet a new diabetic - Type 1 or 2 - I recommend DAFNE or DESMOND depending on what Type they are. :3

Feb 25, 2010 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is life expectancy limited for diabetics? Heya Mike, Slips ups are definitely inevitable - to assume that everything will go smoothly all the time isn't the best way to think about this condition, especially if you're newly diagnosed. I unfortunately cannot remember how things were when I was first diagnosed. I was 5 years old then and I'm 25 now - but from speaking to my parents, the honeymoon time is one of the most awkward because insulin is still being released. Once it stops, everything will calm down and you'll probably start to feel more in control when it comes to your future. I hope DAFNE lets you skip the 'denial' phase. I had that during my teens (so double denial was likely) and I just refused to do blood tests. With this, I dread to think how long some of my high sugar levels periods went on for. Saying that, I am glad I got my diabetes when I was young... has given me time to grow up with it. I wish I had DAFNE from when I started but that's life for you. I'm sure you'll be okay, you keep up the good work! As many have said so far, it's mostly the long term high sugar levels you should be more concerned about in reference to the complications - as well as general illness in fact! My doctor told me that if you keep your control reasonably stable, your body will respond to illness in a more 'normal person' standard, which is nice to know with all the flu warnings we get over the winter. Even more incentive to work with your body. On that note, over the 20 years, I've lost track on how many times I've had to say "please body, just work with me please!" but I think DAFNE will help nip that sort of thing in the bud now. I've learnt so much and I'm sure you will too. I had no idea about the 50 year medals - I look forward to getting mine in 30 years time! ~Jen

Feb 25, 2010 Cmac 3 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo recognition. Hi, thanks everyone for joining in this discussion, it's very productive of us! The speed at which the blood glucose drops does affect the resulting symptoms or lack of them as Peter says. This seems to be an individual thing though. Something that occurred to me for Vic's question is to ask whether there could have been anything on the fingers when testing first, ie the 8 wasn't a true 8 as you were actually hypo then, but the test was contaminated in some way? Any sugary or chemical substance on the skin might affect a result, and I've known some people get an unexpected result, then wash their hands and test again....and get a result closer to what was expected! If you want to try this out, peel an orange and test your blood without washing your hands - it's surprising how something as simple as washing your hands is so important. What do you think?

Feb 24, 2010 tonyd 9 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Red Wine/Tonic Wine I think with a sweet tonic wine like " Buckfast" is just like a super charged sweet sherry & you'll really need to cover the carbs the same as you would any other sugary drink. Start by covering with a low dose: ratio at the time of day/night you're drinking for those carbs you're drinking and then adjust up until you get a safe dose that gives you the cover you need to limit that rapid rise in glucose. There'll be a dose thats right for your body so you'll just have to try it out and remember youre only trying to take the edge of the rise as you cant control how your body process it and how low your glucose will drop off afterwards. Drinking 92g of fruit sugar in buckfast will be the same as drinking 92g of other sugar (think of it like drinking an Irn Bru but stronger!!) its just the absorption speed into your blood thats different with a fruit sugar. Its how you cover that if drinking all night that may be a problem so it may be better to give some gentle correction and decide if you need to cover with any food carbs you are eating before bed as you dont want to have a hypo afterwards. Its not perfect but it never is with alcohol and Ive found that you may need to reduce your background if taking a dose at night (& for the next day) especially if drinking a lot of alcohol. You could be doing a service for other DAFNE Buckfast drinkers out here if we can get a carb/dose estimate in the DAFNE Carb counters Booklet with your experiments!! Good luck, enjoy your drink in moderation and you'll suffer less next day!!! Easier said than done though! I'm keen to hear your next report

Feb 24, 2010 gjd 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Acquiring a Glucoject Dual S system What is the recommended method for acquiring one of the Glucoject Dual "reduced pain" stabbers? My fingers have been suffering for some while. Is this model, and the lancets, available on prescription, or does one need to buy retail? Best regards to you all Graeme

Feb 23, 2010 marke 681 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / third meeting The minutes of the third DUAG meeting are here . There is also an executive summary here .

Feb 23, 2010 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Metformin /Type 1 Hi Paul. David's advice is quite correct, just use the principles to adjust to new insulin doses and background. Actually you may find they don't change much, the amount to which metformin will affect the amount of insulin you will need is very variable. Simon

Feb 23, 2010 DavidJ 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Travelling Tips Hi, There is advice in the DAFNE Handbook about crossing time zones under the heading 'Travel'. Someone must have tried it. Enjoy your holiday. Dave.