Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Aug 25, 2009

cmturnbull 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Disposal of Humalog Kwikpens

Can we not just put them in normal bins? I use both Kwik pen (Humalog) and Flex pen (Levemir) and can't imagine why this wouldn't be ok! Will continue to follow this thread just in case I am making an error!
Best wishes,
Clare

Aug 25, 2009

cmturnbull 6 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Scales

As I am a recent DAFNE graduate my CP estimation is RUBBISH! I am as a result having to weigh everything. At home it's ok as I have a decent digital scale, what do people use when eating out? My dietitian mentioned that in one of her previous groups somebody had a scale that folded out of a compact mirror. This sounds amazing!
I would be interested to know what/if anyone does about this.
Thanks,
Clare

Aug 25, 2009

MarkB 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Compare notes...

I am a fell runner so the intensity of the exercise can vary but is generally very high. The duration of exercise also varies from about 40 mins to 2-3 hours. I tend to keep my BI the same as a split Lantus dose of 6/6. I plan for my BG to be somewhere around 10 at the start of exercise (although this doesn't always go according to plan).
I find that I need to snack after about 30-40 mins running (dependent on intensity), jelly babies provide the ideal running snack as they are light and small to carry and easy to chew and get down. Each one provides 4.7g of fast carb. I spoke with a fellow runner who is a nutritionist who said that it isn't advisable to take on more than 30g of fast acting carb per hour of exercise (6 jelly babies). Obviously for diabetics this advice can be swiftly ignored if your sugar is low, I don't normally test during runs (in fact I don't take my blood tester!) I know if that my vision goes a bit blurred or I am stumbling over the moors more than usual it is usually low and I quickly eat 4-6 j.b.'s. The main rule is to carry plenty of them, I also take one or two Kelloggs Nutrigrain Elevenses bars which have 15g sugars and 15g slow carbs, they are there as a contingency for if I am out longer than expected. I used to eat all sorts on my runs and got some strange looks when I opened a bag of crisps during a race, or struggled masticating a clump of malt loaf which goes a bit claggy in the mouth!
I am hoping to trial Levemir as a BI which apparently provides more immediate flexibility in controlling BI doses, I don't know if you were told the same thing but I understand Lantus has a 24hour lag when changing doses so can't always cater for the type of irregular exercise pattern which you describe.
As a general principle, if at all possible I try not to exercise too much in the peak period of my Humalog QA insulin although this is often overlooked and in reality is governed by mealtimes and exercise or race times.
It probably sounds from reading this as though I've got it all sussed out but the reality is that I still cope with a lot of hypos during exercise and in the days after exercise, and can get high readings when I overdo it. To compound all this most of the post-run socialising takes place in the pub so the added alcohol factor needs to be considered too. Overall though DAFNE has really helped in making this exercise much more managable than it ever was before.

I've only just logged on to DAFNE online so am just getting to know the website etc. I am happy to candidly share my diaries and experiences with others with the overall aim of improving my own and helping others where possible. MB

Aug 25, 2009

Pedro 2 posts

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

As most of the posters here, I also like the Glucotabs to deal with hypos (although Jelly babies also have their appeal Smile

). When I started with them they were easy to find either at Boots or Superdrug. However, as already mentioned, they seemed to have been dropped by Boots. However, in the Superdrug store I go to, they still have them at the pharmacy counter (including the 50 tablets sized ones). Hope you can get them. Cheers

Aug 25, 2009

Mo44 2 posts

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

Should have said local chemist is a group called Day Lewis

Aug 25, 2009

Mo44 2 posts

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

I too discovered Glucotabs about 3 years ago and had lengthy conversations with the company saying they were great but virtually impossible to find in the South East area. I now get mine from my local chemist following the request for the 50 tab pot to continue replacing the tablets for my handbag sized pack. As I said to the company 3 years ago ..I want shares in the company because they are really a good product and container. Our local supermarkets do not stock the item...Sainsbury, and Tesco. One day maybe ...can I be a rep for the company.

Aug 24, 2009

shirley 9 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Disposal of Humalog Kwikpens

Following on from my DAFNE course I have started using the pre-filled kwik-pens. The 'blurb' that comes with them recommends I dispose of used pens 'as advised by your Healthcare Specialist'. As I am not due to see my consultant for another 6 months can anyone advise how I do this? Is it ok to put them in my sharps bin?

Aug 24, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Jess,

Just got back from holiday and I've got a few spare days before going back to work to look at improving the diaries - I've got a list of things already but will add the setting of your own targets to it - initially we wanted to do this but never got round to it. Now it's been requested it becomes a high priority Smile

You can save maximum 10 entries per day, due to space reasons both in our database and on the screen - if this is proving difficult for you then let us know and we will see about increasing this limit.

Thanks,

Simon

Aug 24, 2009

ruishton 1 post

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

The first time I saw Glucotabs on sale they were on the counter in Boots, but not all branches sell them so I also enquired at a small local pharmacy where they didn't previously stock them and they looked them up in their catalogue and since then there are always some on the shelf. Most small pharmacies are very obliging!

Aug 20, 2009

LizB 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Counter discriptions

Hi

On our DAFNE course our Dietician had plastic sample portion sizes marked with their CP value and I remember the banana was quite small (about the size of one that you'd get in a "junior" pack in Sainsbury's and it was 1 1/2 CP. When I had a banana that lunchtime we peeled and weighed what I would consider to be a "normal" (not too big, not too small) banana and it was 2CP. Having seen these samples I've never forgotten it!

Hopefully this might help a bit, if not maybe your local Diabetes Specialist Dietician or DAFNE Educators could help out?

Aug 20, 2009

LizB 23 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Can anyone put numbers (%) on ideal split between above target, on target and below target BGs?

Marke thanks for coming back on this. I have to admit I'm a bit bemused by your response though becasue my question was in earnest as I thought it would be interesting to see what the HCPs thought about this or if they were even aware of what great tools we've got on this website and the potential they have for providing various different types of target so that more people can find something that works for them. Graphs have certainly made a world of difference to my enthusiasm and as a marker of actual progress that previously I couldn't see and therefore often gave up on. The HCPs do after all give out target ranges for BGs and HBA1Cs already, that we all aim for with varying degrees of success and base our achievable targets in and around those suggested ranges. That's all I'm seeking for the graphs - a target range.

I've done a quick calculation for myself of what the target could be ("as a starter for ten") and based it on what I've picked up from DAFNE information / principles and to be honest, from where my results are at the moment my calculations would give a VERY exacting target so thought I'd seek a professional view.

As you say, we are all different and perfection may not be achievable BUT in order to move closer to the perceived "perfection" it helps to have a target or targets and so that individuals can use the targets that work them.

The calculation I did is shown below and is very much a first and basic calculation and not necessarily recommended or achievable...

DAFNE Recommended number of tests per week is 4 per day x 7 = 28
Number of hypos to expect/acceptable per week is 2 to 3 round up to = 3
After each hypo anticipate a rebound higher reading at the next
scheduled test (before meal/bed), therefore anticipated No. high BGs = 3 , plus
Expect to have 1 to 2 other / unexplained high BGs per week (?), round to = 2

This means:
3 of 28 results might be Below target range = 3/28*100= 10.7%
5 of 28 results might be Above target range = 5/28*100= 17.9%
20 of 28 results might be Within target range = 20/28*100= 71.4%

In theory that is perfection but I'm not sure if that's what DAFNE had in mind when they gave out the advice about number of hypos and unexplained highs. To me that looks VERY exacting so my question I suppose to the HCPs is: Is this a sensible, achievable, good target or would you recommend a range of percentages such as 8-15% Below target, 15-25% Above target and 65% or more Within target.

If there simply isn't an answer at present or they feel it's best not to have one then that's fine, I'm just curious and searching for greater understanding of diabetes (which I consider to have been a particularly annoying "sibling" throughout my life).

Thanks again for all the useful things on this site.

All the best
Liz :0)

Aug 20, 2009

LizB 23 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Another vote of thanks for the recent changes to the on-line diary. These are proving really helpful. Claire, I'm sure you're not lazy, just busy :-)

Aug 20, 2009

Jane White 1 post

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

I buy my Glucotabs from my local Asda - they stock them behind the pharmacy counter where the other controlled drugs are. They do large tubs so you can fill up your smaller tube rady for handbag or pocket. I think they are great as because they are in a tube they dont go powdery or grubby when not in use!

Aug 20, 2009

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo - rebound

I'm not a HCP, just another diabetic patient.

When you've had a hypo, I was told your body is more prone to having another one for the next 24 hours so corrections for hypos are generally not recommended.

I was a diabetic very prone to quick correcting before DAFNE (it has been a hard habit to break) but I have found waiting does work as long as you have a correct for you arrangement with your insulin.

To put it bluntly - your background insulin should be what corrects it - not your quick acting.

Since doing DAFNE and trying to break my habit, I have come to learn that the 'another hypo' really does occur - even if you aim to only put yourself down to 12 BG from say, 21 BG, by injecting 3 units (saying that 1 unit takes you down by 3), it is likely you'll make yourself hypo still.

This is also why DAFNE teaches us to pick how we treat our hypos as well (2 fast CP and 2 slow CP as you may require) - so we don't shoot up our BG a drastic amount. Smile

Take care - and don't be embarrassed about asking - DAFNE is a change of regime so unsureness will happen sometimes. Even I question it sometimes! ^_^

Aug 20, 2009

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Counter discriptions

I know this might make some members laugh, but I have a similar problem with banana sizes.... is there some kind of "by banana" length guideline? I've been told that some large bananas are 2.5 units... so how do you know what's what when you're just looking at them?

Aug 20, 2009

MaryMary 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Carb Counter discriptions

Alongside the weight for melon, the Dafne Carb counter also gives '1 small slice'. Does anyone know whether this is peeled or unpeeled? On most fruits this wouldn't make much difference, but most of the weight of the melon is in the skin. Also can we please have the count for fresh, not tinned pineapple in there please?

Aug 19, 2009

Irenemc 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Giving birth without an insulin/glucose drip

Hi

I gave birth to a beautiful daughter 3 years ago. Diabetes was very well controlled during pregancy and was only induced 2 days prior to due date. She was born the following day and in the end she came so quickly that there was no time for drip etc. just checked blood immediately after birth as i felt little low however all was fine with glucose levels. Baby was fine and i breast feed in delivery unit.

Best of luck with your little bundle

Irene

Aug 19, 2009

Alzibiff 21 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo - rebound

Hope this is in the right part of the forum as I guess that this is one of those questions which DAFNE graduates with a better memory than I could/should be able to answer!

After a hypo and the taking of rapid acting CPs - jelly babies being my preferred option - we don't correct for a high BG reading at the next meal. Why is that exactly? Is is something to do with a rebound effect where the BG rises because of the liver firing out stored glucose? If so, wouldn't we need insulin to get it back again? (Ooooo - feeling embarrassed now it is in writing as I think I should know the answers).

Alan

Aug 19, 2009

Jess 13 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

An observation about the diary - I am testing 2 hours post meal (or trying to) as I'm in pre-pregnancy mode. Would it be possible to be able to add more tests per day (I often do 10) and the ability to put "after" rather than "before" a meal? I appreciate its not a DAFNE thing per se, but it would be useful!

Also, are we able to set our own targets?

Aug 19, 2009

Jess 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

I've never had one! I use a needle clipper, or put the cap back on the pen needles and fill up a can and seal it.

Aug 19, 2009

Jess 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Changes to HbA1c reporting

Yep, read that. There was no clear justification there!

they say:

Laboratories in the UK are about to change the
way in which the HbA1c results are reported.
The International Federation of Clinical
Chemistry (IFCC) has put forward a new
reference measurement method after discussion
with diabetes groups worldwide. This will make
comparing HbA1c results from different
laboratories and from research trials throughout
the world much easier.

But the americans also use %, so we can already compare?

I guess I'm a scientist, and want to know WHY. There is clearly something about the current method that is variable between labs (which is what I remember being told) but it doesn't say why this method is better.

I fear I am wanting to know too much!

Aug 19, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Changes to HbA1c reporting

jess, see this post for links to further details and the rationale for why it is being done.

Aug 19, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Meeting up after the course

interesting points, at the DAFNE Collaborative a few months ago, one of the presentations was about research on post course experiences and its was clear that some people need further support/training and some need something less formal but still need support to help them stay focused on DAFNE Principles. I think this is one of the areas the DAFNE User Action Group
should address (there will be a section on the website for the group, when I work out how to format it) and I will raise it as a discussion point at the next meeting. One of the current DUAG objectives is to find the 'missing' 12,000 DAFNE Graduates who did the course before permission was asked to hold their details centrally. Once we 'find' the missing 12,000 we will need a plan to keep them involved/updated. Since not everyone has, or will have, access to this website having localised meetings for those interested would be a sensible option.

Aug 19, 2009

Jess 13 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

I will have to look into using this! Sounds great. The ability to download to excel will be especially valuable.

Re: paper diaries, I was able to purchase some from DAFNE central a while back, but I have no idea who the contact was, how much they were ext. Could we perhaps have a section on this site detailing how we can get hold of further paper diaries?

Aug 19, 2009

Jess 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Meeting up after the course

Well I did DAFNE 5 years ago now! We met up after 6 or 12 months for a day refresher, which was great, but after a further 4 years I'm definitely struggling with the finer points. I have moved twice since then so have no contact with T1 diabetics. I use a couple of other forums, but most members are american and are pump orientated. I've only just been referred back to a hospital as we are trying for a baby, so for the last few years I've essentially been on my own.

It would be great if we could have some type of meet ups in future from this forum, based on location rather than where you did DAFNE! Maybe not a formal refresher (thoguh I would love one of those) as I appreciate the costs and logistics involved, but just a chance to meet other local (ish) DAFNEites and T1 diabetics.

Aug 25, 2009 cmturnbull 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Disposal of Humalog Kwikpens Can we not just put them in normal bins? I use both Kwik pen (Humalog) and Flex pen (Levemir) and can't imagine why this wouldn't be ok! Will continue to follow this thread just in case I am making an error! Best wishes, Clare

Aug 25, 2009 cmturnbull 6 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Scales As I am a recent DAFNE graduate my CP estimation is RUBBISH! I am as a result having to weigh everything. At home it's ok as I have a decent digital scale, what do people use when eating out? My dietitian mentioned that in one of her previous groups somebody had a scale that folded out of a compact mirror. This sounds amazing! I would be interested to know what/if anyone does about this. Thanks, Clare

Aug 25, 2009 MarkB 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Compare notes... I am a fell runner so the intensity of the exercise can vary but is generally very high. The duration of exercise also varies from about 40 mins to 2-3 hours. I tend to keep my BI the same as a split Lantus dose of 6/6. I plan for my BG to be somewhere around 10 at the start of exercise (although this doesn't always go according to plan). I find that I need to snack after about 30-40 mins running (dependent on intensity), jelly babies provide the ideal running snack as they are light and small to carry and easy to chew and get down. Each one provides 4.7g of fast carb. I spoke with a fellow runner who is a nutritionist who said that it isn't advisable to take on more than 30g of fast acting carb per hour of exercise (6 jelly babies). Obviously for diabetics this advice can be swiftly ignored if your sugar is low, I don't normally test during runs (in fact I don't take my blood tester!) I know if that my vision goes a bit blurred or I am stumbling over the moors more than usual it is usually low and I quickly eat 4-6 j.b.'s. The main rule is to carry plenty of them, I also take one or two Kelloggs Nutrigrain Elevenses bars which have 15g sugars and 15g slow carbs, they are there as a contingency for if I am out longer than expected. I used to eat all sorts on my runs and got some strange looks when I opened a bag of crisps during a race, or struggled masticating a clump of malt loaf which goes a bit claggy in the mouth! I am hoping to trial Levemir as a BI which apparently provides more immediate flexibility in controlling BI doses, I don't know if you were told the same thing but I understand Lantus has a 24hour lag when changing doses so can't always cater for the type of irregular exercise pattern which you describe. As a general principle, if at all possible I try not to exercise too much in the peak period of my Humalog QA insulin although this is often overlooked and in reality is governed by mealtimes and exercise or race times. It probably sounds from reading this as though I've got it all sussed out but the reality is that I still cope with a lot of hypos during exercise and in the days after exercise, and can get high readings when I overdo it. To compound all this most of the post-run socialising takes place in the pub so the added alcohol factor needs to be considered too. Overall though DAFNE has really helped in making this exercise much more managable than it ever was before. I've only just logged on to DAFNE online so am just getting to know the website etc. I am happy to candidly share my diaries and experiences with others with the overall aim of improving my own and helping others where possible. MB

Aug 25, 2009 Pedro 2 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? As most of the posters here, I also like the Glucotabs to deal with hypos (although Jelly babies also have their appeal ). When I started with them they were easy to find either at Boots or Superdrug. However, as already mentioned, they seemed to have been dropped by Boots. However, in the Superdrug store I go to, they still have them at the pharmacy counter (including the 50 tablets sized ones). Hope you can get them. Cheers

Aug 25, 2009 Mo44 2 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? Should have said local chemist is a group called Day Lewis

Aug 25, 2009 Mo44 2 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? I too discovered Glucotabs about 3 years ago and had lengthy conversations with the company saying they were great but virtually impossible to find in the South East area. I now get mine from my local chemist following the request for the 50 tab pot to continue replacing the tablets for my handbag sized pack. As I said to the company 3 years ago ..I want shares in the company because they are really a good product and container. Our local supermarkets do not stock the item...Sainsbury, and Tesco. One day maybe ...can I be a rep for the company.

Aug 24, 2009 shirley 9 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Disposal of Humalog Kwikpens Following on from my DAFNE course I have started using the pre-filled kwik-pens. The 'blurb' that comes with them recommends I dispose of used pens 'as advised by your Healthcare Specialist'. As I am not due to see my consultant for another 6 months can anyone advise how I do this? Is it ok to put them in my sharps bin?

Aug 24, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Jess, Just got back from holiday and I've got a few spare days before going back to work to look at improving the diaries - I've got a list of things already but will add the setting of your own targets to it - initially we wanted to do this but never got round to it. Now it's been requested it becomes a high priority You can save maximum 10 entries per day, due to space reasons both in our database and on the screen - if this is proving difficult for you then let us know and we will see about increasing this limit. Thanks, Simon

Aug 24, 2009 ruishton 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? The first time I saw Glucotabs on sale they were on the counter in Boots, but not all branches sell them so I also enquired at a small local pharmacy where they didn't previously stock them and they looked them up in their catalogue and since then there are always some on the shelf. Most small pharmacies are very obliging!

Aug 20, 2009 LizB 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Counter discriptions Hi On our DAFNE course our Dietician had plastic sample portion sizes marked with their CP value and I remember the banana was quite small (about the size of one that you'd get in a "junior" pack in Sainsbury's and it was 1 1/2 CP. When I had a banana that lunchtime we peeled and weighed what I would consider to be a "normal" (not too big, not too small) banana and it was 2CP. Having seen these samples I've never forgotten it! Hopefully this might help a bit, if not maybe your local Diabetes Specialist Dietician or DAFNE Educators could help out?

Aug 20, 2009 LizB 23 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Can anyone put numbers (%) on ideal split between above target, on target and below target BGs? Marke thanks for coming back on this. I have to admit I'm a bit bemused by your response though becasue my question was in earnest as I thought it would be interesting to see what the HCPs thought about this or if they were even aware of what great tools we've got on this website and the potential they have for providing various different types of target so that more people can find something that works for them. Graphs have certainly made a world of difference to my enthusiasm and as a marker of actual progress that previously I couldn't see and therefore often gave up on. The HCPs do after all give out target ranges for BGs and HBA1Cs already, that we all aim for with varying degrees of success and base our achievable targets in and around those suggested ranges. That's all I'm seeking for the graphs - a target range. I've done a quick calculation for myself of what the target could be ("as a starter for ten") and based it on what I've picked up from DAFNE information / principles and to be honest, from where my results are at the moment my calculations would give a VERY exacting target so thought I'd seek a professional view. As you say, we are all different and perfection may not be achievable BUT in order to move closer to the perceived "perfection" it helps to have a target or targets and so that individuals can use the targets that work them. The calculation I did is shown below and is very much a first and basic calculation and not necessarily recommended or achievable... DAFNE Recommended number of tests per week is 4 per day x 7 = 28 Number of hypos to expect/acceptable per week is 2 to 3 round up to = 3 After each hypo anticipate a rebound higher reading at the next scheduled test (before meal/bed), therefore anticipated No. high BGs = 3 , plus Expect to have 1 to 2 other / unexplained high BGs per week (?), round to = 2 This means: 3 of 28 results might be Below target range = 3/28100= 10.7% 5 of 28 results might be Above target range = 5/28100= 17.9% 20 of 28 results might be Within target range = 20/28*100= 71.4% In theory that is perfection but I'm not sure if that's what DAFNE had in mind when they gave out the advice about number of hypos and unexplained highs. To me that looks VERY exacting so my question I suppose to the HCPs is: Is this a sensible, achievable, good target or would you recommend a range of percentages such as 8-15% Below target, 15-25% Above target and 65% or more Within target. If there simply isn't an answer at present or they feel it's best not to have one then that's fine, I'm just curious and searching for greater understanding of diabetes (which I consider to have been a particularly annoying "sibling" throughout my life). Thanks again for all the useful things on this site. All the best Liz :0)

Aug 20, 2009 LizB 23 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Another vote of thanks for the recent changes to the on-line diary. These are proving really helpful. Claire, I'm sure you're not lazy, just busy :-)

Aug 20, 2009 Jane White 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? I buy my Glucotabs from my local Asda - they stock them behind the pharmacy counter where the other controlled drugs are. They do large tubs so you can fill up your smaller tube rady for handbag or pocket. I think they are great as because they are in a tube they dont go powdery or grubby when not in use!

Aug 20, 2009 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo - rebound I'm not a HCP, just another diabetic patient. When you've had a hypo, I was told your body is more prone to having another one for the next 24 hours so corrections for hypos are generally not recommended. I was a diabetic very prone to quick correcting before DAFNE (it has been a hard habit to break) but I have found waiting does work as long as you have a correct for you arrangement with your insulin. To put it bluntly - your background insulin should be what corrects it - not your quick acting. Since doing DAFNE and trying to break my habit, I have come to learn that the 'another hypo' really does occur - even if you aim to only put yourself down to 12 BG from say, 21 BG, by injecting 3 units (saying that 1 unit takes you down by 3), it is likely you'll make yourself hypo still. This is also why DAFNE teaches us to pick how we treat our hypos as well (2 fast CP and 2 slow CP as you may require) - so we don't shoot up our BG a drastic amount. Take care - and don't be embarrassed about asking - DAFNE is a change of regime so unsureness will happen sometimes. Even I question it sometimes! ^_^

Aug 20, 2009 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Counter discriptions I know this might make some members laugh, but I have a similar problem with banana sizes.... is there some kind of "by banana" length guideline? I've been told that some large bananas are 2.5 units... so how do you know what's what when you're just looking at them?

Aug 20, 2009 MaryMary 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Carb Counter discriptions Alongside the weight for melon, the Dafne Carb counter also gives '1 small slice'. Does anyone know whether this is peeled or unpeeled? On most fruits this wouldn't make much difference, but most of the weight of the melon is in the skin. Also can we please have the count for fresh, not tinned pineapple in there please?

Aug 19, 2009 Irenemc 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Giving birth without an insulin/glucose drip Hi I gave birth to a beautiful daughter 3 years ago. Diabetes was very well controlled during pregancy and was only induced 2 days prior to due date. She was born the following day and in the end she came so quickly that there was no time for drip etc. just checked blood immediately after birth as i felt little low however all was fine with glucose levels. Baby was fine and i breast feed in delivery unit. Best of luck with your little bundle Irene

Aug 19, 2009 Alzibiff 21 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Hypo - rebound Hope this is in the right part of the forum as I guess that this is one of those questions which DAFNE graduates with a better memory than I could/should be able to answer! After a hypo and the taking of rapid acting CPs - jelly babies being my preferred option - we don't correct for a high BG reading at the next meal. Why is that exactly? Is is something to do with a rebound effect where the BG rises because of the liver firing out stored glucose? If so, wouldn't we need insulin to get it back again? (Ooooo - feeling embarrassed now it is in writing as I think I should know the answers). Alan

Aug 19, 2009 Jess 13 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries An observation about the diary - I am testing 2 hours post meal (or trying to) as I'm in pre-pregnancy mode. Would it be possible to be able to add more tests per day (I often do 10) and the ability to put "after" rather than "before" a meal? I appreciate its not a DAFNE thing per se, but it would be useful! Also, are we able to set our own targets?

Aug 19, 2009 Jess 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins I've never had one! I use a needle clipper, or put the cap back on the pen needles and fill up a can and seal it.

Aug 19, 2009 Jess 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Changes to HbA1c reporting Yep, read that. There was no clear justification there! they say: Laboratories in the UK are about to change the way in which the HbA1c results are reported. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) has put forward a new reference measurement method after discussion with diabetes groups worldwide. This will make comparing HbA1c results from different laboratories and from research trials throughout the world much easier. But the americans also use %, so we can already compare? I guess I'm a scientist, and want to know WHY. There is clearly something about the current method that is variable between labs (which is what I remember being told) but it doesn't say why this method is better. I fear I am wanting to know too much!

Aug 19, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Changes to HbA1c reporting jess, see this post for links to further details and the rationale for why it is being done.

Aug 19, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Meeting up after the course interesting points, at the DAFNE Collaborative a few months ago, one of the presentations was about research on post course experiences and its was clear that some people need further support/training and some need something less formal but still need support to help them stay focused on DAFNE Principles. I think this is one of the areas the DAFNE User Action Group should address (there will be a section on the website for the group, when I work out how to format it) and I will raise it as a discussion point at the next meeting. One of the current DUAG objectives is to find the 'missing' 12,000 DAFNE Graduates who did the course before permission was asked to hold their details centrally. Once we 'find' the missing 12,000 we will need a plan to keep them involved/updated. Since not everyone has, or will have, access to this website having localised meetings for those interested would be a sensible option.

Aug 19, 2009 Jess 13 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries I will have to look into using this! Sounds great. The ability to download to excel will be especially valuable. Re: paper diaries, I was able to purchase some from DAFNE central a while back, but I have no idea who the contact was, how much they were ext. Could we perhaps have a section on this site detailing how we can get hold of further paper diaries?

Aug 19, 2009 Jess 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Meeting up after the course Well I did DAFNE 5 years ago now! We met up after 6 or 12 months for a day refresher, which was great, but after a further 4 years I'm definitely struggling with the finer points. I have moved twice since then so have no contact with T1 diabetics. I use a couple of other forums, but most members are american and are pump orientated. I've only just been referred back to a hospital as we are trying for a baby, so for the last few years I've essentially been on my own. It would be great if we could have some type of meet ups in future from this forum, based on location rather than where you did DAFNE! Maybe not a formal refresher (thoguh I would love one of those) as I appreciate the costs and logistics involved, but just a chance to meet other local (ish) DAFNEites and T1 diabetics.