Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Nov 19, 2009

Debs Ledger 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Swine Flu

Hi Sam,

I hope it isn't too bad, i've got mine tomorrow 11.30...........

Debs x

Nov 19, 2009

jigme 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE

likewise, Simon - if you want any (non-programming) help with an app, let me know.

Nov 19, 2009

jigme 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE

well i'm no programmer, but at least if we had a DAFNE iPhone app to begin with then it could be later ported to Windows Mobile, Symbian, etc., no? i dont really know how these things work...

amyway, i'd be more than happy to help your friend from the DAFNE/Diabetes side - i can write a "program spec" (assuming this is just a description of the app, with a list of required features, etc.? if it's more specific than that, perhaps you could send me an example/template for me to base it on?), test the app, etc., for example. also, perhaps folk could suggest features here, in this thread?

and that was my conclusion too, re. the advice the app gives (if we go the 'smart' app route) - advice to consult their HCP (plus some disclaimers!) would be helpful without putting them, or the developer, at risk.

please let me know if i can help out.

Nov 19, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Swine Flu

Home 30 mins and my left arm is rather heavy and quite sore. I've been told to expect pain for a few days, too late to go back now but hopefully it does not last too long!!x

Nov 19, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE

Hello,

I agree giving specific advice is a bad idea. For example I would NEVER suggest having something that said "you need to increase or decrease by x amount".

However if patterns are identifiable it seems a shame not to give them a point in the right direction. Something like "You seem to be having a lot of hypos - you should consider speaking to a HealthCare Professional (HCP) about your QI ratio or BI (background insulin)". I think that would be safer (legally speaking)

My friend says if I write a program spec he may create a diabetic app, but as I don't have an iPhone it doesn't really help me I'm afraid Surprised

(

NiVZ

Nov 19, 2009

Claire83 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE

Hi.
I've had a bit of a browse through the apps on my iPhone and found what looks like quite a good one called Log for Life. You can entre your, BG's, CP's, Meds and even exercise. Its free so I might give it a go.
C

Nov 19, 2009

jigme 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE

hi -

thanks for these replies. i'd be very happy to beta-test and then buy any DAFNE log app! (my 'phone's jailbroken, so i can run non-App Store apps for testing) **PLEASE** do work on it! i'm sure that there'd be many DAFNE graduates who'd benefit, now and in future.

i bought an ebook, "iPhone in Action - Introduction to web and SDK development" from Manning eBooks, which is a well-recommended textbook on iPhone development but which i've never used: i'll give it to the first person working on a DAFNE app who messages me for it.

a connection to a DAFNE Online account is a great idea!

wrt a 'smart' app - i thought about that, as opposed to a simple log app, but can see potential problems... i'd be *very* careful! imagine if someone following the app's advice had a serious hypo whilst driving. i would look into the legal implications for the developer of an app that offers medical advice.

and then - how come no manufacturer has come up with a meter that can log this info? seems like a no-brainer to me.

Nov 19, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE

Hello,

These all sound like great ideas - I wondered if it might also be worth considering making a 'smart' application which could identify and advise on certain DAFNE patterns.

eg

If you're always high in the morning consider reducing your Basal Insulin (BI)
If you're always low in the morning consider increasing your Basal insulin (BI)
If you are taking a lot of correction doses then consider increasing your bolus ratio (QI) or increasing your basal (BI)
If you're having a lot of hypos consider lowering your bolus ratio (QI) or reducing your basal (BI)

A complete all-in-one diabetes app could also store your ratio information (for each time of day) as well as a list of common CP values as well.

So many possibilities.

I have a friend who also develops iPhone apps and he says this is all possible (and most of it is quite easy) Pity he doesn't know anything about diabetes ;o)

NiVZ

Nov 19, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Do you have access to the Online Handbook?

Claire, click on the text 'Contact DAFNE Online' at the bottom of any page to send us an email. If you list in the email your maiden name, the dafne centre/hospital you did the course at and the approx time you did the course we can get you verified. Unfortunately DAFNE Central do not have a central register of DAFNE graduates only the DAFNE Centres do. Work is going on to try to change this but graduates need to sign forms to approve this due to Data Protection Laws. To verfiy you, we contact DAFNE Central and they contact your DAFNE Centre to verify with them you did the course. They then feed back to us and we change your account to graduate status this only takes a day or two.

Nov 19, 2009

Claire83 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Do you have access to the Online Handbook?

Hi
I seem to only be classed as a "User" on here too. I did the DAFNE course last year before I got married but I think I may have just moved into my new house so my address should be the same. Is there anyway you could varify me using my maden name/DOB?
Thanks

Nov 18, 2009

john day 54 posts

Topic: Site Development / Recipes

Hi Simon ... thoughts seem to be bubbling here so can you advise how best to use the forum layout capabilitieis to layout(!) a possible example recipe for comment .. just using text is bit difficult, or am I missing something?

Cheers, John

Nov 18, 2009

john day 54 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / BG Diary at Clinic

Hello StewB ..thanks for your comments, I agree entirely â€“ but I have tried 2 or 3 times to encourage my hcp to sign up to DO but without any success, she advises due to short staff time pressure. I also tried emailing a copy but that didâ€™nt work either. At the last review ( 1 hour for 5 people) there also was just not enough time for review of full diaries.

Like you, I also go to review with a query list but itâ€™s obviously based on my own analysis rather than an expert view and we are really looking for guidance on what steps to take to further improve.

As far as any hcp summary is concerned it seems to me that a table of weekly Average BGs' at various key times , Average QA's & BI Dosages, Ratios Used and Our Comments were included as trend indicators and summary of changes already made, then No of Hypos, No of high rdgs etc would serve as indicators of potential problems to an hcp well aware of typical stats on these.

For a 12 week review, perhaps weekly stats so perhaps 20 lines in total. For longer periods monthly would seem the only option.

It seems very important that the Dafne review works effectively as, as at my last Clinic review, the registrar made clear that he was now concerned only with the diabetic effects on the body and would leave BG control to Dafne staff.

But really, as said before, we really need an hcp to specify what info would be timely and effective for them to pre-review in order to initiate any problem resolution at the review. Otherwise we (Simon!) could waste effort producing something which is not what is required. Unless we try the stalking horse approach .. produce something to provoke hcp constructive criticism.

Anybody have a tame hcp (with some free time) to hand?

Nov 18, 2009

Debs Ledger 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Swine Flu

Hi,

I had my letter today Re:Swine flu jab, They say they should be ready for next week! I am still not sure if I am going to have it or not! I am worried either way!

Debs x

Nov 18, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE

With regards to iPhone apps, I think there's one called 'Diabetes Log' or similar. If there isn't I'm currently learning iPhone development so would be happy to attempt creating one. Who knows, in time we could even link it to your DAFNE Online diary... ;)

Simon

Nov 18, 2009

john day 54 posts

Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE

Hi jigme ... have a look at Forum: Site Development> Uploading and posts by NiVZ who is looking at uploading.

Cheers, John

Nov 18, 2009

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Persimmon

I bought a couple of Persimmons from our local supermarket and I couldn't find the CP for these.
They are a Spanish fruit, about the size of a large apple, with a shiny orange skin. They seem like a cross between an apple and a nectarine. The flesh is soft and juicy, there is no core, stone or pips - you eat the whole thing. I recommend them. Any ideas as to the CP for these?

Nov 18, 2009

Nicky 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon

Hi Sam!

So glad that the Humulin I seems to be working for you too!! I've been fine tuning mine (different doses and times) for a few weeks and the last three mornings I have woken up between 4 and 6!! Its so good!

Setting the alarm is a good idea. My BI is actually working a bit better at 12.30am and sometimes I am too tired to stay up til then (although exams coming up means more often than not I'm up anyway!) so I set my alarm too. It's a bit annoying but I have gotton so used to it I'm still half asleep and often don't remember taking it haha!

Hope it continues to work for you, let us know

Nicky Smile

Nov 18, 2009

Debs Ledger 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hi!..... Im New

Hi Sam,
Its great to hear from others who have graduated from DAFNE, I am so happy that I have now got the tools to acheive good control! I have had a few Hypos over the past few days but I now understand why! Today I have updated my online BG diary & have 2 green entries for today! My goal is to have a full 'Green Day' with no Reds or Blues, so fingers crossed. Glad to hear that its working for you too.

Take care
Debs

Nov 18, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon

Guys....so excited changed my BI to Humulin I and wow what a result. I'm still high before bed although it has came down and having to take BI at midnight which means I set my alarm, getting used to it now!! I've went from double figures in the am to single. Still got a lot of experimenting to do but it goes to show the theory works.

So for anyone else out there suffering the Dawn seek about changing your BI, it's worked so far for me. Will post results later just to give you an idea of what I was like before and after!!!

Sam x

Nov 18, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hi!..... Im New

Hi Debs

Hope your enjoying the site and your getting there with your diabetes with the help of oor pal DAFNE. Your so right when you say it doesn't happen over night. Approaching 8 weeks since I done the course and it's taken that length of time to sort me out and my control. Getting there slowly but surely.

If ever you need advice, a moan or just banter join in and say hello!

Sam x

Nov 18, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Swine Flu

Well I'm booked in for the jag on Thursday...not looking forward to it when I've seen the state of peoples arms. Is anyone going for it, had it and how have they felt?

Sam x

Nov 18, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Need a kick up the backside! :(

Hi Derek

Welcome to the site!

I have to say your not the only one out there that goes through a spell of being lazy. It's scary how things can very quickly change. I have been there myself (before DAFNE though) I don't think giving you a lecture is the best approach because it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or tells you it's how you feel about it.

You know what you need to do to achieve good control so you will just need to take baby steps until you get back into a routine.

I sometimes like to have a snack before bed there's no reason why you can't but I take 4 QA units (4's the floor) and that covers me overnight, so that I won't be high in the morning, so you could try that.

This site is really good and there's always someone on here that will answer your question one way or another. I hope you got on okay at your review and know we are all here for a winge if nothing else!!

Good luck and I hope you pull through. From my personal experience I was more frustrated than anything esle because I was fighting high BGs all the time, I suffered from the Dawn and have changed my BI and I have to say what an improvement. It's taken me nearly 2 years to get a decent set of readings a lot of which is patience, so hang in there.

Sam x

Nov 18, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: Site Development / Recipes

Hi Guys

Not had a chance to reply to this post. John...you sound so technical at times I get lost butI have faith in what your saying. I've been using your form at home and it makes it a lot easier to look at the sheet to remeber the CP values of my meals as opposed to re counting each time!!

With regards to adding a feature on here I'm not to fussed how it looks just so long as it's easy to use. Maybe having a section on the Forums page would be better instead of a sticky.

The thing about this form would be for us to add title of recipe, CP value total, ingredients and how to make it.

Everyones portions are differnt so if you have a total CP value that individual can divide by the number of portions he/she gets out of that.

You could take some info from Johns form too to devise the form. Adding a search feature too perhaps ie search chicken and a list of all recipes with chicken come up.

I'm keen to start using and sharing everyones recipes so I guess whenever you guys get the time to do it is the next step.

I suppose you could develope it and test it so we can hava a look and see if there's anything to add remove or change.

Sam x

Nov 19, 2009 Debs Ledger 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Swine Flu Hi Sam, I hope it isn't too bad, i've got mine tomorrow 11.30........... Debs x

Nov 19, 2009 jigme 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE likewise, Simon - if you want any (non-programming) help with an app, let me know.

Nov 19, 2009 jigme 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE well i'm no programmer, but at least if we had a DAFNE iPhone app to begin with then it could be later ported to Windows Mobile, Symbian, etc., no? i dont really know how these things work... amyway, i'd be more than happy to help your friend from the DAFNE/Diabetes side - i can write a "program spec" (assuming this is just a description of the app, with a list of required features, etc.? if it's more specific than that, perhaps you could send me an example/template for me to base it on?), test the app, etc., for example. also, perhaps folk could suggest features here, in this thread? and that was my conclusion too, re. the advice the app gives (if we go the 'smart' app route) - advice to consult their HCP (plus some disclaimers!) would be helpful without putting them, or the developer, at risk. please let me know if i can help out.

Nov 19, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Swine Flu Home 30 mins and my left arm is rather heavy and quite sore. I've been told to expect pain for a few days, too late to go back now but hopefully it does not last too long!!x

Nov 19, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE Hello, I agree giving specific advice is a bad idea. For example I would NEVER suggest having something that said "you need to increase or decrease by x amount". However if patterns are identifiable it seems a shame not to give them a point in the right direction. Something like "You seem to be having a lot of hypos - you should consider speaking to a HealthCare Professional (HCP) about your QI ratio or BI (background insulin)". I think that would be safer (legally speaking) My friend says if I write a program spec he may create a diabetic app, but as I don't have an iPhone it doesn't really help me I'm afraid ( NiVZ

Nov 19, 2009 Claire83 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE Hi. I've had a bit of a browse through the apps on my iPhone and found what looks like quite a good one called Log for Life. You can entre your, BG's, CP's, Meds and even exercise. Its free so I might give it a go. C

Nov 19, 2009 jigme 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE hi - thanks for these replies. i'd be very happy to beta-test and then buy any DAFNE log app! (my 'phone's jailbroken, so i can run non-App Store apps for testing) PLEASE do work on it! i'm sure that there'd be many DAFNE graduates who'd benefit, now and in future. i bought an ebook, "iPhone in Action - Introduction to web and SDK development" from Manning eBooks, which is a well-recommended textbook on iPhone development but which i've never used: i'll give it to the first person working on a DAFNE app who messages me for it. a connection to a DAFNE Online account is a great idea! wrt a 'smart' app - i thought about that, as opposed to a simple log app, but can see potential problems... i'd be very careful! imagine if someone following the app's advice had a serious hypo whilst driving. i would look into the legal implications for the developer of an app that offers medical advice. and then - how come no manufacturer has come up with a meter that can log this info? seems like a no-brainer to me.

Nov 19, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE Hello, These all sound like great ideas - I wondered if it might also be worth considering making a 'smart' application which could identify and advise on certain DAFNE patterns. eg If you're always high in the morning consider reducing your Basal Insulin (BI) If you're always low in the morning consider increasing your Basal insulin (BI) If you are taking a lot of correction doses then consider increasing your bolus ratio (QI) or increasing your basal (BI) If you're having a lot of hypos consider lowering your bolus ratio (QI) or reducing your basal (BI) A complete all-in-one diabetes app could also store your ratio information (for each time of day) as well as a list of common CP values as well. So many possibilities. I have a friend who also develops iPhone apps and he says this is all possible (and most of it is quite easy) Pity he doesn't know anything about diabetes ;o) NiVZ

Nov 19, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Do you have access to the Online Handbook? Claire, click on the text 'Contact DAFNE Online' at the bottom of any page to send us an email. If you list in the email your maiden name, the dafne centre/hospital you did the course at and the approx time you did the course we can get you verified. Unfortunately DAFNE Central do not have a central register of DAFNE graduates only the DAFNE Centres do. Work is going on to try to change this but graduates need to sign forms to approve this due to Data Protection Laws. To verfiy you, we contact DAFNE Central and they contact your DAFNE Centre to verify with them you did the course. They then feed back to us and we change your account to graduate status this only takes a day or two.

Nov 19, 2009 Claire83 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Do you have access to the Online Handbook? Hi I seem to only be classed as a "User" on here too. I did the DAFNE course last year before I got married but I think I may have just moved into my new house so my address should be the same. Is there anyway you could varify me using my maden name/DOB? Thanks

Nov 18, 2009 john day 54 posts	Topic: Site Development / Recipes Hi Simon ... thoughts seem to be bubbling here so can you advise how best to use the forum layout capabilitieis to layout(!) a possible example recipe for comment .. just using text is bit difficult, or am I missing something? Cheers, John

Nov 18, 2009 john day 54 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / BG Diary at Clinic Hello StewB ..thanks for your comments, I agree entirely â€“ but I have tried 2 or 3 times to encourage my hcp to sign up to DO but without any success, she advises due to short staff time pressure. I also tried emailing a copy but that didâ€™nt work either. At the last review ( 1 hour for 5 people) there also was just not enough time for review of full diaries. Like you, I also go to review with a query list but itâ€™s obviously based on my own analysis rather than an expert view and we are really looking for guidance on what steps to take to further improve. As far as any hcp summary is concerned it seems to me that a table of weekly Average BGs' at various key times , Average QA's & BI Dosages, Ratios Used and Our Comments were included as trend indicators and summary of changes already made, then No of Hypos, No of high rdgs etc would serve as indicators of potential problems to an hcp well aware of typical stats on these. For a 12 week review, perhaps weekly stats so perhaps 20 lines in total. For longer periods monthly would seem the only option. It seems very important that the Dafne review works effectively as, as at my last Clinic review, the registrar made clear that he was now concerned only with the diabetic effects on the body and would leave BG control to Dafne staff. But really, as said before, we really need an hcp to specify what info would be timely and effective for them to pre-review in order to initiate any problem resolution at the review. Otherwise we (Simon!) could waste effort producing something which is not what is required. Unless we try the stalking horse approach .. produce something to provoke hcp constructive criticism. Anybody have a tame hcp (with some free time) to hand?

Nov 18, 2009 Debs Ledger 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Swine Flu Hi, I had my letter today Re:Swine flu jab, They say they should be ready for next week! I am still not sure if I am going to have it or not! I am worried either way! Debs x

Nov 18, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE With regards to iPhone apps, I think there's one called 'Diabetes Log' or similar. If there isn't I'm currently learning iPhone development so would be happy to attempt creating one. Who knows, in time we could even link it to your DAFNE Online diary... ;) Simon

Nov 18, 2009 john day 54 posts	Topic: General Discussion / recording, meters, software & DAFNE Hi jigme ... have a look at Forum: Site Development> Uploading and posts by NiVZ who is looking at uploading. Cheers, John

Nov 18, 2009 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Persimmon I bought a couple of Persimmons from our local supermarket and I couldn't find the CP for these. They are a Spanish fruit, about the size of a large apple, with a shiny orange skin. They seem like a cross between an apple and a nectarine. The flesh is soft and juicy, there is no core, stone or pips - you eat the whole thing. I recommend them. Any ideas as to the CP for these?

Nov 18, 2009 Nicky 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon Hi Sam! So glad that the Humulin I seems to be working for you too!! I've been fine tuning mine (different doses and times) for a few weeks and the last three mornings I have woken up between 4 and 6!! Its so good! Setting the alarm is a good idea. My BI is actually working a bit better at 12.30am and sometimes I am too tired to stay up til then (although exams coming up means more often than not I'm up anyway!) so I set my alarm too. It's a bit annoying but I have gotton so used to it I'm still half asleep and often don't remember taking it haha! Hope it continues to work for you, let us know Nicky

Nov 18, 2009 Debs Ledger 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hi!..... Im New Hi Sam, Its great to hear from others who have graduated from DAFNE, I am so happy that I have now got the tools to acheive good control! I have had a few Hypos over the past few days but I now understand why! Today I have updated my online BG diary & have 2 green entries for today! My goal is to have a full 'Green Day' with no Reds or Blues, so fingers crossed. Glad to hear that its working for you too. Take care Debs

Nov 18, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon Guys....so excited changed my BI to Humulin I and wow what a result. I'm still high before bed although it has came down and having to take BI at midnight which means I set my alarm, getting used to it now!! I've went from double figures in the am to single. Still got a lot of experimenting to do but it goes to show the theory works. So for anyone else out there suffering the Dawn seek about changing your BI, it's worked so far for me. Will post results later just to give you an idea of what I was like before and after!!! Sam x

Nov 18, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hi!..... Im New Hi Debs Hope your enjoying the site and your getting there with your diabetes with the help of oor pal DAFNE. Your so right when you say it doesn't happen over night. Approaching 8 weeks since I done the course and it's taken that length of time to sort me out and my control. Getting there slowly but surely. If ever you need advice, a moan or just banter join in and say hello! Sam x

Nov 18, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Swine Flu Well I'm booked in for the jag on Thursday...not looking forward to it when I've seen the state of peoples arms. Is anyone going for it, had it and how have they felt? Sam x

Nov 18, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Need a kick up the backside! :( Hi Derek Welcome to the site! I have to say your not the only one out there that goes through a spell of being lazy. It's scary how things can very quickly change. I have been there myself (before DAFNE though) I don't think giving you a lecture is the best approach because it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or tells you it's how you feel about it. You know what you need to do to achieve good control so you will just need to take baby steps until you get back into a routine. I sometimes like to have a snack before bed there's no reason why you can't but I take 4 QA units (4's the floor) and that covers me overnight, so that I won't be high in the morning, so you could try that. This site is really good and there's always someone on here that will answer your question one way or another. I hope you got on okay at your review and know we are all here for a winge if nothing else!! Good luck and I hope you pull through. From my personal experience I was more frustrated than anything esle because I was fighting high BGs all the time, I suffered from the Dawn and have changed my BI and I have to say what an improvement. It's taken me nearly 2 years to get a decent set of readings a lot of which is patience, so hang in there. Sam x

Nov 18, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: Site Development / Recipes Hi Guys Not had a chance to reply to this post. John...you sound so technical at times I get lost butI have faith in what your saying. I've been using your form at home and it makes it a lot easier to look at the sheet to remeber the CP values of my meals as opposed to re counting each time!! With regards to adding a feature on here I'm not to fussed how it looks just so long as it's easy to use. Maybe having a section on the Forums page would be better instead of a sticky. The thing about this form would be for us to add title of recipe, CP value total, ingredients and how to make it. Everyones portions are differnt so if you have a total CP value that individual can divide by the number of portions he/she gets out of that. You could take some info from Johns form too to devise the form. Adding a search feature too perhaps ie search chicken and a list of all recipes with chicken come up. I'm keen to start using and sharing everyones recipes so I guess whenever you guys get the time to do it is the next step. I suppose you could develope it and test it so we can hava a look and see if there's anything to add remove or change. Sam x