Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jul 28, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

Warwick said:
I've used the clear burns bandages successfully to keep the sensors in place. You need to cut a hole the size of the transmitter, but I've been able to get it to stay attached for weeks.

Hi Warwick, another good option, thanks. Will try that as well.

Jul 27, 2022

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

I've used the clear burns bandages successfully to keep the sensors in place. You need to cut a hole the size of the transmitter, but I've been able to get it to stay attached for weeks.

Jul 26, 2022

Warwick 423 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting?

When I went back to a higher carb diet after being on a low carb diet for a few weeks, I found that I needed far more insulin than I had previously needed for the carbs. My insulin to carb ratios was about double what they had previously been. It took about three days before they returned to normal.

When I intermittently fast, I need less basal, I guess because there is less glycogen in the liver being discharged into the bloodstream.

Jul 26, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

novorapidboi26 said:
Sally Mac said:
Hi All, I am amazed to hear of the inaccuracies that the Libre sensor is giving some people. I have not used it myself as I use a Dexcom G6 which is 100% accurate every time. Have you tried using another sensor @lucy1gus2?
, Hi, I never calibrate the Dexcom G6 sensor, that is the joy of using it.

How often do you need to calibrate the dexcom?

Jul 26, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

Hi, thanks for your reply, novorapidboi26 - Im not using Libre, although I know lots of others are. I think @MichaelJ's help was useful, or it was for me. Have you tried his help?

Jul 26, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / I between blood glucose levels

Providing you ae confident the basal is right as well as your ratios, the way to tackle mid meal spikes is to play about with the pre-bolus timings....so basically increase the time between dosing and eating.....see how that goes, it can potentially be different for each meal time and for certain foods....

With BI adjustment I tend to stick to the facts and what DAFNE taught me......gather the data and make adjustments from it.....if you have adjusted and its still not holding steady you need to keep adjusting until it does....it may only be a small adjustment but could also be very big........the menopause could very well be responsible....

Jul 26, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon

Never really cracked it but a must to tame it is definitely a split dose of basal insulin, preferably Levemir......this allows you to focus solely on the overnight portion of the day, which means you can really push that basal dose to its limit overnight...

I also benifted from taking my overnight basal dose right before bed, as opposed to 12 hours after my morning dose.....this allowed me to have a larger, stronger dose working by the time the liver woke up at 3/4am....I compensated any defecit in the evning with my meal time bolus....no that I noticed any significant issues....

I also broke the fast as quickly as possible as this signals the liver to stop which helps stop the rise in levels throughout the morning....

eventually ended up on the pump....

Jul 26, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting?

From time to time I find my self missing meals due to work commitments, which naturally perform a basal test, whichi is nice......

I dont follow a low carb diet though continously......some people find that following a low carb diet can make you more sensitive to protein and may need to account for this when calculating bolus....

Are you low carbing?

Jul 26, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Baking

I would weigh the whole cake and then weight the portion I want to eat, that would allow a calculation to take place.....

Jul 26, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

Not normally to be honest but recently my Libre has came off within 12 hours of initial application, which is strange as normally my sensors can stay on for 4 weeks..... Very Happy

I got waterproof patches to go over the sensor which has helped.....

I do think though that the real reason is becaue I have applied the sensor on to an area that hasn't been properly cleaned. The marks the Libre leaves are difficult to remove....

Jul 26, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Challenge of hot weather and following DAFNE

Sally Mac said:
Hi all, we are all having this very hot weather at the moment, how do you manage the whole "eating" thing during this very hot weather to the DAFNE guidelines?

For me when it's hot I really do not want to eat, but try my best to follow the advice given, even though a lot of the things I am consuming don't have many carbs in them at all. Never a good idea for someone who lives with Type 1. What are you eating on these hot days?

Definitely esating less carbs, more salads etc......

Fortunately DAFNE is set up to allow you to either have carbs or not......without any significant effect to glucose levels.....

Although the heat does tend to change the insulin resistance and so basal may need to go up or down....

Jul 26, 2022

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

Sally Mac said:
Hi All, I am amazed to hear of the inaccuracies that the Libre sensor is giving some people. I have not used it myself as I use a Dexcom G6 which is 100% accurate every time. Have you tried using another sensor @lucy1gus2?

How often do you need to calibrate the dexcom?

Jul 25, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

Hi Annette, oh gosh. That's weird as I get my Dexcom paid by the NHS along with my pump. I didn't realise that about Freestyle Libre. That would of course explain why there are so many people using it. You learn something every day with Diabetes it seems! Smile

Jul 25, 2022

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

Unfortunately the NHS will only prescribe the Freestyle Libre. Dexcom is too expensive!

Jul 25, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

Hi All, I am amazed to hear of the inaccuracies that the Libre sensor is giving some people. I have not used it myself as I use a Dexcom G6 which is 100% accurate every time. Have you tried using another sensor @lucy1gus2?

Jul 23, 2022

Annette Bell 72 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

With driving you are still required to do a finger prick test. I always try to make sure this is above 7 before I drive so it’s got somewhere to go if it starts to drop. I agree, if you get a low reading but don’t “feel” low then you should double check. Mine is usually not far off.

Jul 23, 2022

RachelClement 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

I have been using Libre 2 for around 18 months, I find the additional information it gives you both useful and worrying. Diabetes has taken over my life where for the past 25 years using a glucose meter I had a good HbA1C but my diabetes did not rule my life.

I recently discovered the Libre readings at the lower end can be very different to BM (which is gold standard). Unfortunately no consistent pattern and often occurs in situations before I have taken corrective action, so not due to delay on Libre. In the past I have corrected unnecessarily resulting in a high glucose reading. As a result I am now checking any low or high reading on the meter! High readings generally match as do normal range, but low glucose readings can be as much as 3 different ie the difference between normal range and a hypo!!
How do we stand for driving? Would the law say we were hypo? It’s a worry and I am quickly loosing faith in the system.

Jul 20, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Course Handbook

There are still lots of requests coming through for access to the course handbook. As @Warwich posted earlier if you look at the right-hand side of your screen you should see the course handbook. If not, we may need to verify that you have attended a DAFNE course either personal or online. Keep us posted if we can help. Best wishes, Sally from the DAFNE Online Admin team - [email protected]

Jul 20, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting?

Hi all, is anyone following the low-carb routine and/or fasting at the same time? I would be interested in hearing from you if you are trying either or both, what things have you learnt? I've learnt that whilst I previously enjoyed eggs with toast for breakfast, I'm waiting to have my breakfast later. This is particularly good in this hot weather but having something more low carb like natural yoghurt and a bit of fruit.

Keep me posted, thanks, Sally

Jul 19, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dexcom G6 and Tandem Control IQ - error messages?

Hi all, I use both of the above technology, is there anyone else on this forum who does as well? I only ask as I have recently had two Tandem Control IQ pumps that have had the same malfunction code, and then died.

Has anyone had the same issue? Id be keen to know? Thanks.

Jul 19, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Challenge of hot weather and following DAFNE

Sally Mac said:
Hi all, we are all having this very hot weather at the moment, how do you manage the whole "eating" thing during this very hot weather to the DAFNE guidelines?

For me when it's hot I really do not want to eat, but try my best to follow the advice given, even though a lot of the things I am consuming don't have many carbs in them at all. Never a good idea for someone who lives with Type 1. What are you eating on these hot days?

Its interesting that a few people have viewed this post but not commented, I wonder why? Are you willing to share your updates?

Jul 18, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: Site Development / Any chance of a "like" button

Hi, is there any chance of having a "like" button for the forum like Facebook, Instagram and Linked in work? It's not a top priority but would be nice to have, it may encourage more traffic to the forums plus a good way of seeing who is active on the site.

Jul 18, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

michaelj said:
Have just this minute had to change my Libra 2 sensor and have found that a thorough cleansing with Antiseptic wipes to get rid of any sweat or moisture and then dry with tissues seems to work. Hasn't fallen off yet, but hope | haven't spoken too soon.

A good tip, thanks MichaelJ, now where did I put those antiseptic wipes, they are there somewhere in my stores I know! Fingers crossed it works for us both.

Jul 18, 2022

michaelj 45 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

Have just this minute had to change my Libra 2 sensor and have found that a thorough cleansing with Antiseptic wipes to get rid of any sweat or moisture and then dry with tissues seems to work. Hasn't fallen off yet, but hope | haven't spoken too soon.

Jul 18, 2022

Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Course Handbook

HI @lustar82, Im hoping you had success in the end and can now see the DAFNE Handbook online? My hardback manual is falling apart unfortunately, so its great to be able to access the online version.

Jul 28, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather? Warwick said: I've used the clear burns bandages successfully to keep the sensors in place. You need to cut a hole the size of the transmitter, but I've been able to get it to stay attached for weeks. Hi Warwick, another good option, thanks. Will try that as well.

Jul 27, 2022 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather? I've used the clear burns bandages successfully to keep the sensors in place. You need to cut a hole the size of the transmitter, but I've been able to get it to stay attached for weeks.

Jul 26, 2022 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting? When I went back to a higher carb diet after being on a low carb diet for a few weeks, I found that I needed far more insulin than I had previously needed for the carbs. My insulin to carb ratios was about double what they had previously been. It took about three days before they returned to normal. When I intermittently fast, I need less basal, I guess because there is less glycogen in the liver being discharged into the bloodstream.

Jul 26, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre novorapidboi26 said: Sally Mac said: Hi All, I am amazed to hear of the inaccuracies that the Libre sensor is giving some people. I have not used it myself as I use a Dexcom G6 which is 100% accurate every time. Have you tried using another sensor @lucy1gus2? , Hi, I never calibrate the Dexcom G6 sensor, that is the joy of using it. How often do you need to calibrate the dexcom?

Jul 26, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather? Hi, thanks for your reply, novorapidboi26 - Im not using Libre, although I know lots of others are. I think @MichaelJ's help was useful, or it was for me. Have you tried his help?

Jul 26, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / I between blood glucose levels Providing you ae confident the basal is right as well as your ratios, the way to tackle mid meal spikes is to play about with the pre-bolus timings....so basically increase the time between dosing and eating.....see how that goes, it can potentially be different for each meal time and for certain foods.... With BI adjustment I tend to stick to the facts and what DAFNE taught me......gather the data and make adjustments from it.....if you have adjusted and its still not holding steady you need to keep adjusting until it does....it may only be a small adjustment but could also be very big........the menopause could very well be responsible....

Jul 26, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon Never really cracked it but a must to tame it is definitely a split dose of basal insulin, preferably Levemir......this allows you to focus solely on the overnight portion of the day, which means you can really push that basal dose to its limit overnight... I also benifted from taking my overnight basal dose right before bed, as opposed to 12 hours after my morning dose.....this allowed me to have a larger, stronger dose working by the time the liver woke up at 3/4am....I compensated any defecit in the evning with my meal time bolus....no that I noticed any significant issues.... I also broke the fast as quickly as possible as this signals the liver to stop which helps stop the rise in levels throughout the morning.... eventually ended up on the pump....

Jul 26, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting? From time to time I find my self missing meals due to work commitments, which naturally perform a basal test, whichi is nice...... I dont follow a low carb diet though continously......some people find that following a low carb diet can make you more sensitive to protein and may need to account for this when calculating bolus.... Are you low carbing?

Jul 26, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Baking I would weigh the whole cake and then weight the portion I want to eat, that would allow a calculation to take place.....

Jul 26, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather? Not normally to be honest but recently my Libre has came off within 12 hours of initial application, which is strange as normally my sensors can stay on for 4 weeks..... I got waterproof patches to go over the sensor which has helped..... I do think though that the real reason is becaue I have applied the sensor on to an area that hasn't been properly cleaned. The marks the Libre leaves are difficult to remove....

Jul 26, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Challenge of hot weather and following DAFNE Sally Mac said: Hi all, we are all having this very hot weather at the moment, how do you manage the whole "eating" thing during this very hot weather to the DAFNE guidelines? For me when it's hot I really do not want to eat, but try my best to follow the advice given, even though a lot of the things I am consuming don't have many carbs in them at all. Never a good idea for someone who lives with Type 1. What are you eating on these hot days? Definitely esating less carbs, more salads etc...... Fortunately DAFNE is set up to allow you to either have carbs or not......without any significant effect to glucose levels..... Although the heat does tend to change the insulin resistance and so basal may need to go up or down....

Jul 26, 2022 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre Sally Mac said: Hi All, I am amazed to hear of the inaccuracies that the Libre sensor is giving some people. I have not used it myself as I use a Dexcom G6 which is 100% accurate every time. Have you tried using another sensor @lucy1gus2? How often do you need to calibrate the dexcom?

Jul 25, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre Hi Annette, oh gosh. That's weird as I get my Dexcom paid by the NHS along with my pump. I didn't realise that about Freestyle Libre. That would of course explain why there are so many people using it. You learn something every day with Diabetes it seems!

Jul 25, 2022 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre Unfortunately the NHS will only prescribe the Freestyle Libre. Dexcom is too expensive!

Jul 25, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre Hi All, I am amazed to hear of the inaccuracies that the Libre sensor is giving some people. I have not used it myself as I use a Dexcom G6 which is 100% accurate every time. Have you tried using another sensor @lucy1gus2?

Jul 23, 2022 Annette Bell 72 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre With driving you are still required to do a finger prick test. I always try to make sure this is above 7 before I drive so it’s got somewhere to go if it starts to drop. I agree, if you get a low reading but don’t “feel” low then you should double check. Mine is usually not far off.

Jul 23, 2022 RachelClement 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre I have been using Libre 2 for around 18 months, I find the additional information it gives you both useful and worrying. Diabetes has taken over my life where for the past 25 years using a glucose meter I had a good HbA1C but my diabetes did not rule my life. I recently discovered the Libre readings at the lower end can be very different to BM (which is gold standard). Unfortunately no consistent pattern and often occurs in situations before I have taken corrective action, so not due to delay on Libre. In the past I have corrected unnecessarily resulting in a high glucose reading. As a result I am now checking any low or high reading on the meter! High readings generally match as do normal range, but low glucose readings can be as much as 3 different ie the difference between normal range and a hypo!! How do we stand for driving? Would the law say we were hypo? It’s a worry and I am quickly loosing faith in the system.

Jul 20, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Course Handbook There are still lots of requests coming through for access to the course handbook. As @Warwich posted earlier if you look at the right-hand side of your screen you should see the course handbook. If not, we may need to verify that you have attended a DAFNE course either personal or online. Keep us posted if we can help. Best wishes, Sally from the DAFNE Online Admin team - [email protected]

Jul 20, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting? Hi all, is anyone following the low-carb routine and/or fasting at the same time? I would be interested in hearing from you if you are trying either or both, what things have you learnt? I've learnt that whilst I previously enjoyed eggs with toast for breakfast, I'm waiting to have my breakfast later. This is particularly good in this hot weather but having something more low carb like natural yoghurt and a bit of fruit. Keep me posted, thanks, Sally

Jul 19, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dexcom G6 and Tandem Control IQ - error messages? Hi all, I use both of the above technology, is there anyone else on this forum who does as well? I only ask as I have recently had two Tandem Control IQ pumps that have had the same malfunction code, and then died. Has anyone had the same issue? Id be keen to know? Thanks.

Jul 19, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Challenge of hot weather and following DAFNE Sally Mac said: Hi all, we are all having this very hot weather at the moment, how do you manage the whole "eating" thing during this very hot weather to the DAFNE guidelines? For me when it's hot I really do not want to eat, but try my best to follow the advice given, even though a lot of the things I am consuming don't have many carbs in them at all. Never a good idea for someone who lives with Type 1. What are you eating on these hot days? Its interesting that a few people have viewed this post but not commented, I wonder why? Are you willing to share your updates?

Jul 18, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: Site Development / Any chance of a "like" button Hi, is there any chance of having a "like" button for the forum like Facebook, Instagram and Linked in work? It's not a top priority but would be nice to have, it may encourage more traffic to the forums plus a good way of seeing who is active on the site.

Jul 18, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather? michaelj said: Have just this minute had to change my Libra 2 sensor and have found that a thorough cleansing with Antiseptic wipes to get rid of any sweat or moisture and then dry with tissues seems to work. Hasn't fallen off yet, but hope \| haven't spoken too soon. A good tip, thanks MichaelJ, now where did I put those antiseptic wipes, they are there somewhere in my stores I know! Fingers crossed it works for us both.

Jul 18, 2022 michaelj 45 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather? Have just this minute had to change my Libra 2 sensor and have found that a thorough cleansing with Antiseptic wipes to get rid of any sweat or moisture and then dry with tissues seems to work. Hasn't fallen off yet, but hope \| haven't spoken too soon.

Jul 18, 2022 Sally Mac 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Course Handbook HI @lustar82, Im hoping you had success in the end and can now see the DAFNE Handbook online? My hardback manual is falling apart unfortunately, so its great to be able to access the online version.