Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Oct 26, 2009

sphillips 24 posts

Hi. How did it work out when you counted the same as pots? If you count them I'd be tempted to only count half the cp value as they may only have a limited affect on your BG due to their low GI value.

Oct 26, 2009

copperline 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Least painful lancet??

Since being diagnosed nearly 3 years ago I must have performed at least 5000 BG tests - resulting in quite sore fingers. I originally used the lancet system that came with the Bayer Contour meter I was given at diagnosis. This only worked if I used it at is highest setting. I have recently been using an Accu-Chek Multiclix pen (encourages you to use a new lancet for every BG test) but this is quite brutal. I would be interested to hear what other system would be recommended - or maybe I am just soft! Thanks

Oct 26, 2009

Sue R 3 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found?

Hi
Are Glucotabs not available on prescription?

Oct 26, 2009

Sue R 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi
I'm Sue, Diagnosed with Type 1 in April 1979. So have had diabetes for over 30 years with control problems.
Graduated DAFNE course at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in October 2008.
Bi is Lantus - 30 units at 11pm
QA is NovoRapid - on a 2:1 ratio at mealtimes with correction for dawn phenomenon at breakfast.
Last HbA1c was 8.2, down from 9.8 before course (and striving for better!!).
Much happier in myself nowadays because DAFNE highlighted some issues (dawn phenomenon), but now i understand them i can deal with them better.
Looking forward to sharing experiences.
Cheers
Sue

Oct 26, 2009

Sue R 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

Hi all,
Just joined the site, and this seems to be quite an issue for some areas of the country.
I am rather lucky in that i am supplied with a sharps bin by my local surgery and when it's full i hand it back in and they give me another one.
No messing about with local council or having to get one on prescription. Smile

Oct 25, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon

thanks Tracey. I'll certainly give it a go. If it is hypos I'm having what can be done to prevent them, do you know?

29 years is a long time you must have a lot of different experiences behind you and just goes to show all that time and still no steady cures! Maybe one day.

Thanks for the advice.

Sam x

Oct 25, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Wow, sounds complicated - but as long as it works for you that's all that matters! Will look into uploading via CSV/XML and post progress here.

Are there any features in your current setup that you'd like to see in the DAFNE Online diary?

Simon

Oct 25, 2009

Alann 12 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Actually Simon my data is currently backed up / duplicated in four different locations, one on-line, on a pocket-pc device and then backup on two computers. All sync'd from a master source. I see the main reason / aim for using the online diary is to easily share the data with other for support and advice. I know other who use a spreadsheet to record there result.

I haven't written by own software as i don't believe in re-inventing the wheel. I use sidiay (german software) which meets all my needs and more. (this is a personal preference and by no means a recommendation).

Kindest regards,

Alan

Oct 25, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Alan,

Yes the data is stored in an SQL database, and I'm sure we could implement some sort of functionality that could parse an XML file and add the results to your DAFNE Online Diary. I guess I'd have to publish the XML format we needed for you to export from your database (I assume this is Access or similar).

One question on this though - would you want the data duplicated in two places? Obviously there's benefits to both - you don't have to be online to access your own database, and its backed up locally for you, however with the DAFNE Online diary, you can access anywhere, and share with other users, etc. Is there functionality you have set up in your local Database that is missing from DAFNE Online which could be useful to other people? If so we'd like to hear about it with a view to adding it to our Diary/Graphs.

Thanks,

Simon

Oct 25, 2009

Tracey Bond 14 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

Hi Everyone

Sharps bins are now being given out by local authorities. Just telephone the 'Enviornmental Health Department' of your local authority and they will then arrange delivery and collection.

Tracey Bond

Oct 25, 2009

Tracey Bond 14 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon

Hi Sam

I have been diabetic for 29 years and have only just completed my Dafne course In Norwich. I know how frustrating your situation is but I have a suggestion rather than you just inceasing your BI as I don't think it's the cause.

Test your BG AT 03.00 am to see if you are suffering from either 'hypo rebound' or the 'dawn phenomenon'.

It could well be that your BI need increasing but before you do that it is important to rule out all other possibilities first.

Just one other thing 'ratios' are different for everyone, 1:1 is only a starting point for Dafne it is by no means the 'norm', so please don't think it is a place that needs to be attained.

Hope this helps if it doesn't you haven't lost anything.

Tracey x

Oct 25, 2009

Alann 12 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Simon and all,

Not really sure if this is appropriate here for within the thread regarding meter download. But here goes, feel free to move it if you think it would be better placed in the other thread.

As a user who doesn't use a paper diary but a database (much to the disapproval of my HCPs) it's a pain to have constantly entering data in one system then another. The ability to import results via csv, or xml would be an real bonus. I'm assuming the data held on the site is sorted in an SQL database therefore it should not be too complex import from these format.

As an IT professional if I can assist please feel free to contact me.

Kindest regards,

Alan

Oct 24, 2009

hankypanky 18 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Hello!!

hi shazz
lets hope your a1c keeps coming down as mine has improved since the "DAFNE" cool course, i think loads of us are in denial at times but we gotta be strong and live with it Smile

ive been diagnosed since feb 95 and been in denial loads but there are loads of risks etc if you go down that line, thats why im never going there again but me having diabetes since 95 im stilll learning there is loads more stuff that i/we dont know,
good luck with your a1c
take care steve Smile

Oct 24, 2009

Vince 2 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips

Hi

First post. Does anyone know the CP value of roasted parsnips? I've assumed the same as a roast potato but not sure....any ideas please?

Oct 24, 2009

Sam 64 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon

Hi Guys

Just wondering if any of you suffer from the above. I've been diabetic for over 20 months now my ratios are as follows:

Breakfast 3:1 plus 16u BI Levemir
Lunch 2:1
Dinner 2:1 plus 1000mg metformin and 22u BI Levemir

I attended my DAFNE course mid Sept 09, in that my BI was moved from bed time to dinner time as I was high before bed and high when I woke up in the morning. For 2 days the change seemed to have worked however I have been battling against the rise of BG before bed and when I wake up.

I have recently started taking up swimming and cycling to tighten my control as I want to have a 1:1 ratio eventually!

The last couple of days my BG has been within my targets which I have been really excited about. My problem is now I'm having my dinner around 6ish my insulin taken by 630pm and I'm in bed by 10pm. QA is working as it should because for example last night I went to bed with a BG of 6.1 I woke up this morning at 4.30am thinking I was hypo but to my surprise I was 18.7??? I went back to bed and woke up at 10am with my BG at 17.2....I just don't get it.

I remembered reading a paragraph on this site about the Dawn Phenomenon and googled it, I've pasted the link below. I have my 6 week review next week and will discuss with the Consultant however in the meantime I'd be grateful for anyone's thoughts.

I don't know whether to increase my BI 2 units at dinner time but I feel I'm on plenty insulin as it is and really trying to cut back from a weight perspective.

The article makes sense but I would be interested what everyone else thinks!!

Cheers
Sam x

http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/joomla/dawn-phenomenon

Oct 24, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Searches

Hi Alan,

Sounds like a good idea - will start working on it.

Simon

Oct 23, 2009

Karen Westwood 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / New Job

Hi Clare, You seem to be having a bit of a nightmare at the moment.

I remember being told on our DAFNE course that the lowest ratio should be 1:1 so I think that maybe your best bet would be to try and reduce you BI by a bit more than you have already done. If you are having hypos throughout the day and night it seems that you are having too much BI.

With regards to your days off I would first try and get your BI correct on your working days because obviously having so many hypos is not good for you. If you find your BG is higher on your days off maybe you could increase your BI on these days. From what I understand Levemir changes work pretty much straight away so hopefully you might be able to work out what insulin you need on working and non working days.

Good luck!

Karen x

Oct 23, 2009

Tony Quick 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Hello!!

hi shazz, I have just done DAFNE in exeter and feel the same as you, it was great its too early to see if it works but I've learn so much I can't see it failing. good luck let us know when your hba1c is under the magic 7. regards TQ

Oct 23, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development

Hi NiVZ,

Great stuff - I've sent you a message with another email to try - not sure why this one is being blocked.

Simon

Oct 23, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development

Hi Simon,

I've got something ready that can read the dates, times and BG from the UltraEasy meter and display them in a window.

I tried to email it to your dafneonline email address but the .exe attachment keeps getting returned (even when zipped)

Any ideas how I can get it to you?

Cheers,

NiVZ

Oct 23, 2009

Tracey Bond 14 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / any1 know how many cps in a ferra roche

The website 'myfitnesspal.com' allows you to input varying quantities of the chocolates to get an accurate carb value. Now I know exactly what's in them I think I will add them to my Christmas list without any pangs of guilt!!

Oct 23, 2009

Matt S 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Moving overseas

I spent six months in Cambodia last year, and struggled to a) be prescribed enough insulin to last the whole trip, and b) come up with an alternative supply just in case I lost or damaged any. For several years I have questioned how British diabetics have secured supplies overseas, particularly if they move abroad for extended periods.

Any ideas?

Oct 26, 2009 sphillips 24 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips Hi. How did it work out when you counted the same as pots? If you count them I'd be tempted to only count half the cp value as they may only have a limited affect on your BG due to their low GI value.

Oct 26, 2009 copperline 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Least painful lancet?? Since being diagnosed nearly 3 years ago I must have performed at least 5000 BG tests - resulting in quite sore fingers. I originally used the lancet system that came with the Bayer Contour meter I was given at diagnosis. This only worked if I used it at is highest setting. I have recently been using an Accu-Chek Multiclix pen (encourages you to use a new lancet for every BG test) but this is quite brutal. I would be interested to hear what other system would be recommended - or maybe I am just soft! Thanks

Oct 26, 2009 Sue R 3 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? Hi Are Glucotabs not available on prescription?

Oct 26, 2009 Sue R 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi I'm Sue, Diagnosed with Type 1 in April 1979. So have had diabetes for over 30 years with control problems. Graduated DAFNE course at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in October 2008. Bi is Lantus - 30 units at 11pm QA is NovoRapid - on a 2:1 ratio at mealtimes with correction for dawn phenomenon at breakfast. Last HbA1c was 8.2, down from 9.8 before course (and striving for better!!). Much happier in myself nowadays because DAFNE highlighted some issues (dawn phenomenon), but now i understand them i can deal with them better. Looking forward to sharing experiences. Cheers Sue

Oct 26, 2009 Sue R 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins Hi all, Just joined the site, and this seems to be quite an issue for some areas of the country. I am rather lucky in that i am supplied with a sharps bin by my local surgery and when it's full i hand it back in and they give me another one. No messing about with local council or having to get one on prescription.

Oct 25, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon thanks Tracey. I'll certainly give it a go. If it is hypos I'm having what can be done to prevent them, do you know? 29 years is a long time you must have a lot of different experiences behind you and just goes to show all that time and still no steady cures! Maybe one day. Thanks for the advice. Sam x

Oct 25, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Wow, sounds complicated - but as long as it works for you that's all that matters! Will look into uploading via CSV/XML and post progress here. Are there any features in your current setup that you'd like to see in the DAFNE Online diary? Simon

Oct 25, 2009 Alann 12 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Actually Simon my data is currently backed up / duplicated in four different locations, one on-line, on a pocket-pc device and then backup on two computers. All sync'd from a master source. I see the main reason / aim for using the online diary is to easily share the data with other for support and advice. I know other who use a spreadsheet to record there result. I haven't written by own software as i don't believe in re-inventing the wheel. I use sidiay (german software) which meets all my needs and more. (this is a personal preference and by no means a recommendation). Kindest regards, Alan

Oct 25, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Alan, Yes the data is stored in an SQL database, and I'm sure we could implement some sort of functionality that could parse an XML file and add the results to your DAFNE Online Diary. I guess I'd have to publish the XML format we needed for you to export from your database (I assume this is Access or similar). One question on this though - would you want the data duplicated in two places? Obviously there's benefits to both - you don't have to be online to access your own database, and its backed up locally for you, however with the DAFNE Online diary, you can access anywhere, and share with other users, etc. Is there functionality you have set up in your local Database that is missing from DAFNE Online which could be useful to other people? If so we'd like to hear about it with a view to adding it to our Diary/Graphs. Thanks, Simon

Oct 25, 2009 Tracey Bond 14 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins Hi Everyone Sharps bins are now being given out by local authorities. Just telephone the 'Enviornmental Health Department' of your local authority and they will then arrange delivery and collection. Tracey Bond

Oct 25, 2009 Tracey Bond 14 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon Hi Sam I have been diabetic for 29 years and have only just completed my Dafne course In Norwich. I know how frustrating your situation is but I have a suggestion rather than you just inceasing your BI as I don't think it's the cause. Test your BG AT 03.00 am to see if you are suffering from either 'hypo rebound' or the 'dawn phenomenon'. It could well be that your BI need increasing but before you do that it is important to rule out all other possibilities first. Just one other thing 'ratios' are different for everyone, 1:1 is only a starting point for Dafne it is by no means the 'norm', so please don't think it is a place that needs to be attained. Hope this helps if it doesn't you haven't lost anything. Tracey x

Oct 25, 2009 Alann 12 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Simon and all, Not really sure if this is appropriate here for within the thread regarding meter download. But here goes, feel free to move it if you think it would be better placed in the other thread. As a user who doesn't use a paper diary but a database (much to the disapproval of my HCPs) it's a pain to have constantly entering data in one system then another. The ability to import results via csv, or xml would be an real bonus. I'm assuming the data held on the site is sorted in an SQL database therefore it should not be too complex import from these format. As an IT professional if I can assist please feel free to contact me. Kindest regards, Alan

Oct 24, 2009 hankypanky 18 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Hello!! hi shazz lets hope your a1c keeps coming down as mine has improved since the "DAFNE" cool course, i think loads of us are in denial at times but we gotta be strong and live with it ive been diagnosed since feb 95 and been in denial loads but there are loads of risks etc if you go down that line, thats why im never going there again but me having diabetes since 95 im stilll learning there is loads more stuff that i/we dont know, good luck with your a1c take care steve

Oct 24, 2009 Vince 2 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Parsnips Hi First post. Does anyone know the CP value of roasted parsnips? I've assumed the same as a roast potato but not sure....any ideas please?

Oct 24, 2009 Sam 64 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dawn Phenomenon Hi Guys Just wondering if any of you suffer from the above. I've been diabetic for over 20 months now my ratios are as follows: Breakfast 3:1 plus 16u BI Levemir Lunch 2:1 Dinner 2:1 plus 1000mg metformin and 22u BI Levemir I attended my DAFNE course mid Sept 09, in that my BI was moved from bed time to dinner time as I was high before bed and high when I woke up in the morning. For 2 days the change seemed to have worked however I have been battling against the rise of BG before bed and when I wake up. I have recently started taking up swimming and cycling to tighten my control as I want to have a 1:1 ratio eventually! The last couple of days my BG has been within my targets which I have been really excited about. My problem is now I'm having my dinner around 6ish my insulin taken by 630pm and I'm in bed by 10pm. QA is working as it should because for example last night I went to bed with a BG of 6.1 I woke up this morning at 4.30am thinking I was hypo but to my surprise I was 18.7??? I went back to bed and woke up at 10am with my BG at 17.2....I just don't get it. I remembered reading a paragraph on this site about the Dawn Phenomenon and googled it, I've pasted the link below. I have my 6 week review next week and will discuss with the Consultant however in the meantime I'd be grateful for anyone's thoughts. I don't know whether to increase my BI 2 units at dinner time but I feel I'm on plenty insulin as it is and really trying to cut back from a weight perspective. The article makes sense but I would be interested what everyone else thinks!! Cheers Sam x http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/joomla/dawn-phenomenon

Oct 24, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Searches Hi Alan, Sounds like a good idea - will start working on it. Simon

Oct 23, 2009 Karen Westwood 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / New Job Hi Clare, You seem to be having a bit of a nightmare at the moment. I remember being told on our DAFNE course that the lowest ratio should be 1:1 so I think that maybe your best bet would be to try and reduce you BI by a bit more than you have already done. If you are having hypos throughout the day and night it seems that you are having too much BI. With regards to your days off I would first try and get your BI correct on your working days because obviously having so many hypos is not good for you. If you find your BG is higher on your days off maybe you could increase your BI on these days. From what I understand Levemir changes work pretty much straight away so hopefully you might be able to work out what insulin you need on working and non working days. Good luck! Karen x

Oct 23, 2009 Tony Quick 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Hello!! hi shazz, I have just done DAFNE in exeter and feel the same as you, it was great its too early to see if it works but I've learn so much I can't see it failing. good luck let us know when your hba1c is under the magic 7. regards TQ

Oct 23, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development Hi NiVZ, Great stuff - I've sent you a message with another email to try - not sure why this one is being blocked. Simon

Oct 23, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: Site Development / Meter Upload Development Hi Simon, I've got something ready that can read the dates, times and BG from the UltraEasy meter and display them in a window. I tried to email it to your dafneonline email address but the .exe attachment keeps getting returned (even when zipped) Any ideas how I can get it to you? Cheers, NiVZ

Oct 23, 2009 Tracey Bond 14 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / any1 know how many cps in a ferra roche The website 'myfitnesspal.com' allows you to input varying quantities of the chocolates to get an accurate carb value. Now I know exactly what's in them I think I will add them to my Christmas list without any pangs of guilt!!

Oct 23, 2009 Matt S 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Moving overseas I spent six months in Cambodia last year, and struggled to a) be prescribed enough insulin to last the whole trip, and b) come up with an alternative supply just in case I lost or damaged any. For several years I have questioned how British diabetics have secured supplies overseas, particularly if they move abroad for extended periods. Any ideas?