Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Dec 24, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: General Discussion / A Very Merry Christmas to all

I second that!! Have a good one everyone!!

Sam x

Dec 24, 2009

Alan 49 280 posts

Topic: General Discussion / A Very Merry Christmas to all

Thanks Simon (and Mark)

Season's Greetings to you and thanks for the good work you've done on the DAFNE website - I find it a great help.

Keep up the good work,

Alan

Dec 24, 2009

Simon 574 posts

Topic: General Discussion / A Very Merry Christmas to all

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick message to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and all the best for the year ahead. It's a difficult time of year for us diabetics, what with the constant temptation of food around every corner (I am most looking forward to a large Christmas dinner with plenty of meat, stuffing and potatoes - maybe some veg as well, with a healthy dose of Christmas Pudding after of course). Thankfully DAFNE gives us the flexibility to eat a bit more and still maintain good blood glucose control via adjusting our insulin dosage. Remember also to take care of yourself if you are ill - at this time of year it seems everyone falls victim to at least the festive sniffles (I can feel them coming on now). If you need to remind yourself of the DAFNE step-wise dose adjustment, or sick day rules you can do so by using the online handbook (see DAFNE Tools to the right once logged in).

Now... as well as Christmas we're also reaching another milestone - DAFNE Online will be a year old on the 29th December! That's right, we launched the site nearly a whole year ago, and it had come on leaps and bounds since we did so. Some statistics for you:

Since we launched the site...
Over 2,120 users have signed up.
These users have created 153 discussion topics
With 951 posts
151 private messages have been sent
And the big one... over 40,000 (yes - forty thousand) blood glucose diary entries have been saved.

These statistics are fantastic - it really shows that we have built up a community around DAFNE. This is in no small part thanks to you - our users. Without you we wouldn't have a site, so give yourselves a pat on the back, you deserve it.

So as we look towards 2010 and DAFNE Online's second year, we will be constantly updating and improving the site, with things that make managing your diabetes easier. If there are features or improvements you'd like to see on the site - please do let us know. You can do so on the Site Development Forum, or by clicking the Contact DAFNE Online link at the bottom of every page.

Again - on behalf of Mark and myself - a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. We'll see you in 2010.

Simon

Dec 23, 2009

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Should I Be On Statins?

Hi Simon. The general guidance is that everyone with diabetes (either Type 1 or Type 2) should start on statins above the age of 40 based on a trial published some years ago which showed the risks of heart attacks and strokes halving over 5 years in people whose cholesterol was above 3.5 in this age group. What we don't know is whether high risk people below this age should start statins earlier but trials are underway. Certainly if people had other problems that might be considered in the over 30s. Simon

Dec 19, 2009

john day 54 posts

Topic: Questions ? / BG Diary at Clinic

Hi Simon ..

Just had a quick peak and print and info looks compact & useful. As well as the immediate BG trends, points like average rise overnight can be assessed and the QC column tells a story all of its own (in my case anyway!).

Will have a closer look tomorrow hopefully .. there are a few presentation suggestions I might have.

Appreciate your work pre xmas .. I was thinking 'sometime in the NY'

Cheers, John

Dec 18, 2009

Simon 574 posts

Topic: Questions ? / BG Diary at Clinic

Hi all,

We've just released an update to the diary summary - moving it to John's 'one line' model above. We've also added the total amount of QA insulin taken as corrective for High BG (or QC for short).

Still to do: The separate ratio and comments table.

Simon

Dec 16, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Lantus Penfill cartridges?

Hi hilda,

Sorry, yes it's a Gold Humapen Luxura I use for the Lantus and I've got A Green Humapen Luxura HD (Half Dose) for my Humalog.

My own diabetes team tell me off for using it, but there are others at my clinic that do this as well. The build quality of the metal Humapen Luxura's is so much better than any of the others, and I've never been a fan of the disposables.

NiVZ - the unsafe diabetic ;)

Dec 15, 2009

fonteyn 4 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Correcting high blood glucose levels

Page 25 of the DAFNE Manual states:
1 unit of quick-acting insulin lowers blood glucose by 2-3 mmol/l. For blood glucose levels above 11 mmol/l this rule does not necessarily apply.

One of my comments at the very start of the DAFNE course was that I found getting high (in the teens) blood glucose levels down once they were up was very difficult.
Now some weeks on from the DAFNE course and trying to quantify so much, I feel that the above Manual statement is spot-on; once I am above 11, 1 unit of insulin only reduces blood glucose by about 1 mmol/l.

The DAFNE doctor at the end of our course could give no scientific back up for the Manual statement. Is there some clear science behind it?

Dec 14, 2009

hankypanky 18 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pump :)

hi there people Smile

just a quick note to ask if anyone else on this forum! uses a pump?? just wandering as i have had my pump for 2 weeks now (cool). any hints? tips? would be appreciated, ( like which is the best place for the insertion and also how do u others wear your pump ( belt, waist band ) ??
i look forward to hearinf from other pump users Smile

Steve H

Dec 14, 2009

Simon Quinnell 16 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Should I Be On Statins?

Hi.

Should I be on statins? A couple of years ago I mentioned this to a diabetes nurse at the hospital and she said "no". However, my GP said an emphatic "yes", and his diabetes nurse said "no" when I saw them recently. My cholesterol is 4.1 without statins.

I'm confused. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Simon.

Dec 14, 2009

hilda 8 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Lantus Penfill cartridges?

Hello

Humapen aint licenced for Lantus alas alas unsafe practice. by the way humapen have been upgraded to luxura pens

have you tried Solostar pen which is disposable for your lantus?

Hilda

Dec 13, 2009

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Rising morning BG knowing the 'Dawn' Phenomenon is not present

Marke, you are quite right, the release of hormones at 2-3 am will start glucose rising at about 4-5 but this effect will last into the day, which is why people who get up at the weekend note that their glucose often goes higher even if they miss breakfast. Add to this that bedtime long-acting insulin, particularly isophane insulins such as Humulin I and Insulatard are running out then it is not surprising that a high blood glucose on waking up is such a common problem for people with Type 1 diabetes. Simon

Dec 11, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Lantus Penfill cartridges?

Hello,

I use Lantus 3ml penfill cartridges, but I hate the Autopen 24 - it's very plasticy and I had two break in the same way when doing an injection (the spring loaded part at the top pinged off when I pressed the button and didn't deliver any insulin!)

Not sure if I should say this, but I put the Lantus prefills into my Humapen (there is a way to do this) as I prefer to use them.

NiVZ

Dec 11, 2009

Eliot 1 post

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released

I've just set it up on my O2 Venn XGA on IE and it works a treat!

Dec 10, 2009

marke 655 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Celebrating Christmas with DAFNE

Hi, I probably shouldn't say this but hey honesty is the best policy. One days high BG is not going to do you any harm, whilst I agree we diabetics need to be careful don't stress on breaking the rules occasionally. Even with the best carb counting in the world and the best management of your BG's occasionally you are going to go slightly off track. My advice would be enjoy xmas !! keep good records of your blood testing and your carb intake then gradually you will learn from your mistakes. We don't complete the DAFNE course as experts in carb counting and BG control, we leave it with the tools to learn to become experts ( one day). The key is building up experience and learning how YOU react to foods of varying amounts.
Sorry I don't have any real tips , apart from enjoy xmas with the knowledge that you are now in control of your condition and you will learn from any mistakes you make !

P.S I will be having xmas pudding even if it does raise my BG :-)

Dec 10, 2009

pam_w 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Celebrating Christmas with DAFNE

Hi Everybody I recently graduated at Pembury Tunbridge Wells and I am looking forward being able to share others experiences.

I posted on the Pembury forum about Christmas. As there aren't many of us on there at the moment it was suggested to me to post on the main board.I've had a quick search on here and haven't seen a previous post on this topic, so sorry if someone has already posted.

I was only diagnosed 2 years ago so last Christmas was my first. I was really careful last year with what I ate and drank and still had high BG. So I would be really interested in others experiences.

Looking forward to some good tips

Pam

Dec 10, 2009

Simon Quinnell 16 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pens

Hi All.

How often should insulin pens be replaced? My current ones still appear to be in good condition after over 2 years of use.

Many thanks,

Simon.

Dec 10, 2009

DavidJ 23 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mushy Peas

I had mushy peas yesterday and decided to ignore the CP's and my blood glucose rose unexpectedly by 5 mmol. Next time I'm going to count them. According to the tin I had 2 CP's of mushy peas and this could easily account for a 5 mmol rise.
Dave

Dec 24, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: General Discussion / A Very Merry Christmas to all I second that!! Have a good one everyone!! Sam x

Dec 24, 2009 Alan 49 280 posts	Topic: General Discussion / A Very Merry Christmas to all Thanks Simon (and Mark) Season's Greetings to you and thanks for the good work you've done on the DAFNE website - I find it a great help. Keep up the good work, Alan

Dec 24, 2009 Simon 574 posts	Topic: General Discussion / A Very Merry Christmas to all Hi Everyone, Just a quick message to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and all the best for the year ahead. It's a difficult time of year for us diabetics, what with the constant temptation of food around every corner (I am most looking forward to a large Christmas dinner with plenty of meat, stuffing and potatoes - maybe some veg as well, with a healthy dose of Christmas Pudding after of course). Thankfully DAFNE gives us the flexibility to eat a bit more and still maintain good blood glucose control via adjusting our insulin dosage. Remember also to take care of yourself if you are ill - at this time of year it seems everyone falls victim to at least the festive sniffles (I can feel them coming on now). If you need to remind yourself of the DAFNE step-wise dose adjustment, or sick day rules you can do so by using the online handbook (see DAFNE Tools to the right once logged in). Now... as well as Christmas we're also reaching another milestone - DAFNE Online will be a year old on the 29th December! That's right, we launched the site nearly a whole year ago, and it had come on leaps and bounds since we did so. Some statistics for you: Since we launched the site... Over 2,120 users have signed up. These users have created 153 discussion topics With 951 posts 151 private messages have been sent And the big one... over 40,000 (yes - forty thousand) blood glucose diary entries have been saved. These statistics are fantastic - it really shows that we have built up a community around DAFNE. This is in no small part thanks to you - our users. Without you we wouldn't have a site, so give yourselves a pat on the back, you deserve it. So as we look towards 2010 and DAFNE Online's second year, we will be constantly updating and improving the site, with things that make managing your diabetes easier. If there are features or improvements you'd like to see on the site - please do let us know. You can do so on the Site Development Forum, or by clicking the Contact DAFNE Online link at the bottom of every page. Again - on behalf of Mark and myself - a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. We'll see you in 2010. Simon

Dec 23, 2009 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Should I Be On Statins? Hi Simon. The general guidance is that everyone with diabetes (either Type 1 or Type 2) should start on statins above the age of 40 based on a trial published some years ago which showed the risks of heart attacks and strokes halving over 5 years in people whose cholesterol was above 3.5 in this age group. What we don't know is whether high risk people below this age should start statins earlier but trials are underway. Certainly if people had other problems that might be considered in the over 30s. Simon

Dec 19, 2009 john day 54 posts	Topic: Questions ? / BG Diary at Clinic Hi Simon .. Just had a quick peak and print and info looks compact & useful. As well as the immediate BG trends, points like average rise overnight can be assessed and the QC column tells a story all of its own (in my case anyway!). Will have a closer look tomorrow hopefully .. there are a few presentation suggestions I might have. Appreciate your work pre xmas .. I was thinking 'sometime in the NY' Cheers, John

Dec 18, 2009 Simon 574 posts	Topic: Questions ? / BG Diary at Clinic Hi all, We've just released an update to the diary summary - moving it to John's 'one line' model above. We've also added the total amount of QA insulin taken as corrective for High BG (or QC for short). Still to do: The separate ratio and comments table. Simon

Dec 16, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Lantus Penfill cartridges? Hi hilda, Sorry, yes it's a Gold Humapen Luxura I use for the Lantus and I've got A Green Humapen Luxura HD (Half Dose) for my Humalog. My own diabetes team tell me off for using it, but there are others at my clinic that do this as well. The build quality of the metal Humapen Luxura's is so much better than any of the others, and I've never been a fan of the disposables. NiVZ - the unsafe diabetic ;)

Dec 15, 2009 fonteyn 4 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Correcting high blood glucose levels Page 25 of the DAFNE Manual states: 1 unit of quick-acting insulin lowers blood glucose by 2-3 mmol/l. For blood glucose levels above 11 mmol/l this rule does not necessarily apply. One of my comments at the very start of the DAFNE course was that I found getting high (in the teens) blood glucose levels down once they were up was very difficult. Now some weeks on from the DAFNE course and trying to quantify so much, I feel that the above Manual statement is spot-on; once I am above 11, 1 unit of insulin only reduces blood glucose by about 1 mmol/l. The DAFNE doctor at the end of our course could give no scientific back up for the Manual statement. Is there some clear science behind it?

Dec 14, 2009 hankypanky 18 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pump :) hi there people just a quick note to ask if anyone else on this forum! uses a pump?? just wandering as i have had my pump for 2 weeks now (cool). any hints? tips? would be appreciated, ( like which is the best place for the insertion and also how do u others wear your pump ( belt, waist band ) ?? i look forward to hearinf from other pump users Steve H

Dec 14, 2009 Simon Quinnell 16 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Should I Be On Statins? Hi. Should I be on statins? A couple of years ago I mentioned this to a diabetes nurse at the hospital and she said "no". However, my GP said an emphatic "yes", and his diabetes nurse said "no" when I saw them recently. My cholesterol is 4.1 without statins. I'm confused. Any ideas? Thanks, Simon.

Dec 14, 2009 hilda 8 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Lantus Penfill cartridges? Hello Humapen aint licenced for Lantus alas alas unsafe practice. by the way humapen have been upgraded to luxura pens have you tried Solostar pen which is disposable for your lantus? Hilda

Dec 13, 2009 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Rising morning BG knowing the 'Dawn' Phenomenon is not present Marke, you are quite right, the release of hormones at 2-3 am will start glucose rising at about 4-5 but this effect will last into the day, which is why people who get up at the weekend note that their glucose often goes higher even if they miss breakfast. Add to this that bedtime long-acting insulin, particularly isophane insulins such as Humulin I and Insulatard are running out then it is not surprising that a high blood glucose on waking up is such a common problem for people with Type 1 diabetes. Simon

Dec 11, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Lantus Penfill cartridges? Hello, I use Lantus 3ml penfill cartridges, but I hate the Autopen 24 - it's very plasticy and I had two break in the same way when doing an injection (the spring loaded part at the top pinged off when I pressed the button and didn't deliver any insulin!) Not sure if I should say this, but I put the Lantus prefills into my Humapen (there is a way to do this) as I prefer to use them. NiVZ

Dec 11, 2009 Eliot 1 post	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released I've just set it up on my O2 Venn XGA on IE and it works a treat!

Dec 10, 2009 marke 655 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Celebrating Christmas with DAFNE Hi, I probably shouldn't say this but hey honesty is the best policy. One days high BG is not going to do you any harm, whilst I agree we diabetics need to be careful don't stress on breaking the rules occasionally. Even with the best carb counting in the world and the best management of your BG's occasionally you are going to go slightly off track. My advice would be enjoy xmas !! keep good records of your blood testing and your carb intake then gradually you will learn from your mistakes. We don't complete the DAFNE course as experts in carb counting and BG control, we leave it with the tools to learn to become experts ( one day). The key is building up experience and learning how YOU react to foods of varying amounts. Sorry I don't have any real tips , apart from enjoy xmas with the knowledge that you are now in control of your condition and you will learn from any mistakes you make ! P.S I will be having xmas pudding even if it does raise my BG :-)

Dec 10, 2009 pam_w 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Celebrating Christmas with DAFNE Hi Everybody I recently graduated at Pembury Tunbridge Wells and I am looking forward being able to share others experiences. I posted on the Pembury forum about Christmas. As there aren't many of us on there at the moment it was suggested to me to post on the main board.I've had a quick search on here and haven't seen a previous post on this topic, so sorry if someone has already posted. I was only diagnosed 2 years ago so last Christmas was my first. I was really careful last year with what I ate and drank and still had high BG. So I would be really interested in others experiences. Looking forward to some good tips Pam

Dec 10, 2009 Simon Quinnell 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin Pens Hi All. How often should insulin pens be replaced? My current ones still appear to be in good condition after over 2 years of use. Many thanks, Simon.

Dec 10, 2009 DavidJ 23 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mushy Peas I had mushy peas yesterday and decided to ignore the CP's and my blood glucose rose unexpectedly by 5 mmol. Next time I'm going to count them. According to the tin I had 2 CP's of mushy peas and this could easily account for a 5 mmol rise. Dave