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Aug 23, 2022
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / A new fan of sweet things, any advice

I basically eat anything I want, thanks to DAFNE.......that doesnt mean I nail it everytime though but I dont beat myself up over not having perfect numbers some of the time......enjoying life is more important for the most part.....

I use my fitness pal for all my carb counting needs, a manual search or scan of a barcode and you have the carbs right there in front of you......web based and apps available...
 
Aug 23, 2022
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

I played a round of golf in the very hot weather a couple of weeks ago and it was missing by the time I finished so must have came straight off.

I noticed it itching quite a bit so suspected it might, purely down to the sweat....

I started using waterproof patches befoe that day though as I have been finding the adhesive strength of the libre 2 less than the 1 lately, but didnt have it on that day...

 
Aug 14, 2022
John H 20 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

Hello Folks, Just a brief update on the original post that I made.
The systems perform as individuallly as the people they are fitted to in terms of suitability.
I was able to make the appointment with the DSN at clinic locally, I remained unsure of the system, but it was offered after a short conversation, all was fitted up and the handset was linked to the sensor living on my arm. Had a few questions which were answered by a really knowledgeable nurse who was confident that it will work for me just fine. Within the hour all data was being exchanges and history was being made in the log table. I do have conserns regarding the sensor staying in place due to my work and exercise it involves, but have a skin coloured sweat band type of item to protect the sensor, and I am really well impressed with how this seems to be working for me. The view is that I am likely to be put forward for the Dexcom system due to the siting of the sensor being not ideal for me, but for now it is working really well for me. I also hope that the folks that are going forward with flash/cgm testing get to meet a proper decent DSN who knows their stuff - mine was superb !
Thanks for reading this and the encouragement I was given from this group.
 
Aug 12, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems

Thanks for your query @flash; sorry to hear you have been having so many problems with the Libre. I can't help myself I'm afraid as like @MarkE, I use the Dexcom G6 Sensor.
I did see, though that there are several other people on other posts having Libre issues, namely @AnnetteBell @Warwick @Lucy1gus2, @JohnH, @RachelClement, @novorapidboi26. I'm hoping that you'll hear something from some of these good folk.
 
Aug 12, 2022
flash 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems

Hi everyone. My first time on this forum. I have been using Freestyle Libre system for at least a couple of years since we were first able to justify getting them on prescription. Unfortunately I often have sensors fail when I am changing them. When the needle is punched into my arm it bends through a right angle. I have pictures but can't see here how to post them here sadly. Unfortunately you don't know they are bent until an hour later which is the time period you have to wait before the reader will read the new sensor. So, it is a real pain. I have even had one sensor fall to bits internally (unbeknown to me) and I ended up punching nothing into my arm, again only discovered an hour later. This week I experienced something new. The sensor did work for a couple of days and then failed but I don't know why.
I have always complained to the manufacturer and they will happily replace them but you never get any feedback on how big this problem is and what we can do about it. It's just a call centre at the end of the day. So, as long as I have got sufficient stock I don't bother complaining now. My concern was whether I am doing something wrong but I am very careful wwith site selection and the process of changing sensors in line with instructions. My friend who has type 1 and is a libree user has had no problems until a week ago when he had a failure.

Any of you out there have this problem. Any suggestions, help etc????
 
Aug 12, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Libre sensors - problems

Hi All, it seems as if a number of people are having problems using the Libre sensors at the moment. We have had a few emails sent via the admin email box which is fine except nobody else can see your question or the answers.

I'm sorry for those who are having problems using this device, would you be willing to share your stories so others can learn from your experiences? Perhaps somebody has the answers?

I look forward to seeing new posts about this soon. Have a great day all.
 
Aug 9, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / A new fan of sweet things, any advice

Hi all, for as many years as I can remember I have been a lover of savoury foods, but never sweet foods. For some reason the tables are turning and the thought of having something sweet like an ice cream or cake is so appealing. Perhaps this hot weather has got to me, who knows? If you're a lover of magnum ice creams as an example, do you go with it and indulge or stay well clear?

As long as I follow the DAFNE route and count the carbs I should be ok, she says guessing ... any help gratefully received, thanks.
 
Aug 5, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

Hi, thanks marke, I had heard of that company but never explored them past their front page, but will do now based on your recommendation.
Ah yes, the G7, I'm looking forward to that one coming as well. That will be a test of my patience I suspect somehow. I'll take a look at the over patches available, thanks.
 
Aug 5, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting?

Out of interest, do you have a sweet tooth? I do not thankfully, but Ive discovered something recently that just hits the spot. I know that advertising on this forum isnt strictly allowed, but take a look at bulk.com. They create a number of protein foods for athletes of which I am not, but they have some great sounding and tasting snack bars that are high in protein but low in carbs. Recommend them.
 
Aug 5, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon

Hi@novorapidboi26, I did I have to admit have a bit of an "I can manage on pens quite adequately thanks" when my second pump broke in 8 months of use. Of course how foolish was I? I wouldn't be without it now. As you say it is the last thing to try and for the majority, it works wonders which is all anyone would want.

Out of interest, which pump did you pick or were you given only one choice?
 
Aug 5, 2022
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting?

Sally Mac said:
Are you low carbing?



No, but I acknowedge that a low carb diet works wonders but I just love the carbs......fortunately DAFNE helps with that but its never perfect....
 
Aug 5, 2022
novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon

Sally Mac said:
Hi, it sounds like you were disappointed to now be on a pump. I hope that's not the case.



No, not at all.....I love it.....

Its just that thats the main reason a pump was considered for me, it was the last thing to try.......

I know some people go on pumps for no obvious reason but for me, in Scotland, in 2013, I had to have a good one... Laughing Laughing
 
Aug 5, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

Hi @marke, I didn't realise that it was all about where you lived. I am still shocked to still keep hearing these stories. I would agree about the details of the trends, that's where the sensors come into their own. The good news is that tech is developing at such a rate for Type 1's, I am sure there will be a difference soon, i.e.., in our lifetimes. It can feel like a full-time job sometimes, but I can see that I'm lucky in that I have access to the sensors, a pump and a great hospital, DSN and consultant. I would hate to think how I would manage otherwise.
 
Aug 4, 2022
marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

I also get the Dexcom via NHS funding. Sadly its the old story of post code lottery. I stayed under Guy's hospital in London when I was put on a pump. They have far more resources than my local hospital and they were happy to fund me, my local hospital won't fund Libre's let alone the Dexcom. Hopefully this will change in the coming years when they see the benefits of Diabetics having CGM's and the long term money it will save the NHS.
With regards to the accuracy, even with blood tests the rules state 'Under the new standard, meters will need to meet the accuracy guidelines 95% of the time: Within ± 0.83 mmol/L of laboratory results at concentrations of under 5.6 mmol/L. Within ± 15% of laboratory results at concentrations of 5.6 mmol/L or more' . A Libre or Dexcom measures inter-cell fluid sugar so at best it will be slightly less accurate than BG tests. Sorry but any test like this is never 100% accurate, its a best estimate. The advantage of Libre/Dexcom is the trends it shows i.e a warning you are heading low. Currently you can't use them as your only means of dosing insulin. One day that will change, but who knows how soon
 
Aug 4, 2022
marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Using Sensors in hot weather?

At the risk of advertising a business, I was using patches from www.diabeticsupply.co.uk . These are patches that go over the sensor and provide a bigger sticky part. They work pretty well for me when I put the sensor on my arm. I'm using a Dexcom G6 and tend now to put it on my stomach. I'm waiting for the Dexcom G7 which will be smaller and lower profile. I'm hoping I can put that on my arm without knocking it all the time ! When I had a Libre I lost several sensors that way Sad
 
Jul 28, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Dawn Phenomenon

novorapidboi26 said:
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 benefited 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 3/4 am...I compensated for any deficit in the evening 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...

Hi, it sounds like you were disappointed to now be on a pump. I hope that's not the case.
 
Jul 28, 2022
Sally Mac 27 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low carbing / fasting?

novorapidboi26 said:
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?

Hi, I think like you I am missing meals, but not intentionally. It sounds like you are missing your meals due to work stuff, I am missing mine as its just too darned hot to eat which actually works well. When I do eat though, I do try to keep it as low carb as possible. I have found though that I need a good dose of carbs (30-40g) so I can sleep hypo free throughout the night. Seems to work ok at the mo. I like the low carb approach generally, less carbs, less insulin. However like you say you have to be careful of the protein content. Just when I thought I had it sussed, nearly !!
 
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 425 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 425 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?