Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Aug 14, 2009

John Mannion 1 post

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

I am in a similar position in that I am really keen to look at the the course handbook. I have recently completed the BIANCA course at my local hospital (North Hampshire). I would also like to know how to gain access to the handbook.

Thanks

John

Aug 14, 2009

Jess 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hello,

I'm Jess, I was diagnosed in 1993 at the wonderful Stoke Mandeville Diabetes Centre. I did DAFNE a loooong time ago at the QMC (Nottingham). So long ago I can't tell you the year, but I know there were only about 4 DAFNE centres. I left Nottingham 4-5 years ago, sadly.

I have just been referred to the pre-conception clinic, and its the first time I've been back under the care of a hospital for years, its good to be back. Frimley don't do DAFNE but say they do somethign similar so I hope they can help me back on track and low enough to conceive.

Aug 14, 2009

Janys 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Applying DAFNE when hiking

Bob, Thank you for this information, and I think I might try something similar next time. The reductions I tried were OKish but the Lantus reduction was too drastic giving high BGs during the morning. I think next time I will use a mixture of insulin reductions and extra carbs.

I also found that the Lantus reduction was really difficult when our schedule changed and we walked less that planned, so in that sense it was not too flexible. Also I found that for as much as 3 weeks after the holiday I needed to take quite a lot more insulin than I had in the first place (some sort of knock on perhaps).

It sounds as if your walking is a lot more extreme than mine but I probably use as much energy over a day in my own way, so I think your information will be a help to me next time I go away and I can find a level that works for me.

Enjoy your next walk.

Aug 14, 2009

Jess 13 posts

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

Hello! I did DAFNE a long time ago at the QMC, back when there were only about 4 centres in the whole country! I'd really like access to the diary, but I have moved house about 3 times since and am no longer in contact with the QMC team. Have you got any advice on how I can access this?

Aug 14, 2009

Jess 13 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Birth Stories

Hi everyone, I've just joined. I did DAFNE probably about 7 years ago when it was still quite new, I'm glad there is finally an online site!

I've just had my first appointment with the pre-pregnancy diabetes clinic and am trying to get my HbA1c down. Its proving very hard. I don't know if I've forgotten some of the training as it was so long ago, but I'm struggling.

Any tips/support gratfeully received. I am very very nervous about the birth as I am needle-phobic and don't deal with drips very well. I'm sure I'll have other things to worry about but right now that is what is freaking me out.

Aug 14, 2009

lucy 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Birth Stories

Thanks Karen & Fiona, it really helps to hear how others in the same situation got on!
Hi Daisy I bet your HbA1c will come down just by following dafne guidelines & eating healthily, thats what happened for me. Good luck with getting pregnant! Lucy

Aug 14, 2009

Karen Westwood 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Birth Stories

Hi Lucy.

I am type 1 and have had two successful pregnancies . My first pregnancy was induced and I was on a insulin/glucose drip during labour. I also had an epidural so my main problem was that I couldn't walk about during labour I just had to basically lie in my bed attached to 3 different drips. This was over nine years ago so whether things have changed since then I don't know. My baby was born natually at 10lbs 4oz and was absolutely fine after the birth. He was given blood tests for a few hours after the birth to ensure that his blood glucose levels were ok. Just myself left feeling rather uncomfortable (as you can imagine!).

During my second pregnancy I went into labour myself at 36 weeks. As my baby was breach and labour was progressing quite quickly I was taken into theatre for a c-section. I did not have any insulin or glucose drip for this labour. My baby was born already weighing 6lbs 13oz so I was quite grateful that I had not gone any longer as I think he would have been at least the same size as my first. He too was given blood tests to check his glucose levels and thankfully he was absolutely fine and didn't even need to go into special care. In my own experience I actually felt much better in myself after my c-section but then I think everyones experieces will be totally different.

It amazed me how my requirements for insulin reduced back to my pre-pregnancy levels immediately my babies were born.

I really hope that everything goes well for your birth. Don't forget to leave a message on here to let us know how you went on. That's if you can find the time once baby arrives!

Aug 14, 2009

Claire Hough 12 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Thanks Simon, that's great! Having lots of random hypos for some reason this week so have put that option to good use already!!

Aug 14, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Claire,

All done - you can now select the three options you suggested as entry types.

Keep the requests coming!

Thanks,

Simon

Aug 14, 2009

Claire Hough 12 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi guys, Thanks for the online diary, I have been using it for a couple of months now and am finding it really helpful. I was hopeless at keeping my paper diary up to date, but having access to this online and on my mobile is making life so much easier.

Just one improvement I would like to suggest if that's ok? Could we please have 'before exercise', 'after exercise' and 'hypo' options on the drop down list? Just to save me from having to always select 'other' and type in the comments. Yes I am a little lazy, but also I think it would make the diary clearer easier and easier to read.

Thanks for all your hard work, the site is a God-send!!

Aug 13, 2009

LizB 23 posts

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

Ive been using the DAFNE online graphs and wonder if anyone has yet come up with an ideal split for the "BG Targets Chart" (pie chart)?

I started with a split of:
73.5% of my BGs being Above target,
20.5% being On target and
7% below target.
(NB - Each pie chart I do is for tests recorded over 1 week - I analyse the BG Targets Chart every Sunday night to monitor progress)

You can imagine how clear it was to me that I needed to improve the ratios so that more BGs were on target and fewer were above target.

Over the last few weeks I've been working on this, in combination with analysing my daily trends to sort out where in the day I'm getting the most high BGs. The figures have fluctuated a bit during this time but the general trend seems to be toward a "better" split. The "best" so far being:
44.1% of BGs Above target,
35.3% On target and
20.6% Below target.

To my mind this is still not ideal but is at least bringing my longer term averages down.

So, my question is: What should I be aiming for? What is "better" or "best"? Has a view been formed on this yet?

Hope that makes sense. All the best.
Liz

Aug 13, 2009

BobBarnby 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Applying DAFNE when hiking

I do lots of mountain walking. I tend to drop my Lantus by two units (18 to 16) and then breakfast QA by about 20% and lunch QA by 50%. Plus eat plenty of flapjack (without extra insulin) whilst out.

Then make sure I eat plenty in the evening (with my nornal insulin ratio).

I find I can do serveral days consecutively on that regime. Did the GR20 in Corsica last September withoutundue problems - two fairly minor hypos only.

Bob

Aug 13, 2009

JayBee 587 posts

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

Oh my, they sell 50 tablet pots as well?! I've not seen those! I will have to check Boots. Smile

The tubes I use look like this - http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YwLOt93aL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
They are very handy! Fit in my medical kit bag very nicely! ^_^

Aug 13, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

To Shelia and others, it is probably better if you start a new topic to ask questions. This topic now goes on for 6 pages and chances are people will not see your question buried in all the other posts.
You are welcome to ask questions here if you want, its just likely to get a better response as a seperate topic.

Thanks

Aug 13, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE user group first meeting

I totally agree about the re-branding idea, this has come from somewhere 'inside' the DAFNE programme and the reaction of everyone at the meeting was 'whaaatt!!!'. We are all happy with the current branding and don't see a reason for change. Apparently it gives the wrong message that Diabetics can eat what they like and so will eat too much of the wrong stuff, sigh.
Yes I know how crazy that is but unfortunately all too often the drive and ideas behind 'corporate' branding come from those least in touch with the product. Well thats my personal
view anyway (not necessarily shared by the group).
I will check out the reference in 2, thank you.

Aug 12, 2009

LizB 23 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE user group first meeting

Thanks for posting those minutes. It is good to see that this site is part of a properly planned approach to supporting DAFNE graduates and people who might benefit from DAFNE inthe future.

I'm really impressed with the notes and the aims of the DUAG.

Two things leapt out of the paage at me in particular (although it was all good reaading) and they were:
1. why on earth would you/they be considering re-branding something that is incredibly recognisable and (in my area at least) quite newly seeping into the general consciousness. The current brand is bold, distinctive and quite frankly easy to find amongst all the other paper that accumulates! It may just be because of the associated experience of the DAFNE course itself, but I find the DAFNE branding makes me feel very positive and hopeful about my condition.

2. in the section that talked about how the meetings should be run there was reference to some principles that sound familiar - things like listening environment and timed talk and everyone having a chance to have their say. Anyway, if you haven't heard of it, I can thoroughly recommend Time to Think (www.timetothink.com) and Nancy Kline, who is the founder and an inspirational lady.

All the best
Liz

Aug 12, 2009

Fiona 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Birth Stories

I am Type I and have had three pregnancies and births, all of them different! I was induced each time but each labour took its own course. One was quite long, one was reasonable and one was very quick. Interestingly, the type of labour I had reflects the personality of the child now!
I did have a natural birth each time, once with forceps and an epidural, once with pethadine and the last one with just gas and air. So I seem to have tried everything. My conclusion is that as each child is different, each labour will be different. The amazing thing is that once that baby is in your arms, the process of getting it out is soon forgotten!

Aug 12, 2009

Sheila_Kay 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Have played with the BG diary and found the graphs and like the result. Didn't get the housework done though.

Aug 12, 2009

Sheila_Kay 11 posts

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

Hi, I've not heard of the "glucotabs" before, I like the idea of a pot to keep them in. My hand bag gets full of chushed dextrose. I will look out for them and let you know if I find them anywhere else.
Thank you.

Aug 12, 2009

Sheila_Kay 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi,

Everyone keeps talking about how good these graphs are. Where do I find one to try it out?

I am finding dafne helpful but still having troubles mixing it in with shift work. Does anyone have any advise that might help?
Thanks
Sheila

Aug 12, 2009

mandyrobertson9 10 posts

Topic: Site Development / Graphs - now I can really see the difference

Hi

I've only been using this site since completing my course at the beginning of the month and I find the graphs invaluable. They do help to make sense of my readings.
I think being able to view a comparision between weeks would be useful.
I print out my results at the end of the week and store in a file so that I can easily take a week or so to any of my health checks - as my practice nurse finds my records confusing - I write everything in a page a day diary - readings, food, meds etc. So being able to pick a last 7 day time frame would be helpful in that I wouldn't have to enter dates manually.
Thanks for everything that has gone in to making this site so brilliant. I have asked Eileen at Northampton to flag it up with Graduates and will do so myself at our next meeting.

Aug 12, 2009

mandyrobertson9 10 posts

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

I buy them on line from the medical shop. They sell the 50 tab pots as well as the smaller tubes. You can purchase from them over the phone - 0800 731 6959.

I've found them on line at Boots too - so maybe they sell them in store or could get them for you.

Hope this helps - they're my preferred hypo treatment too.

Aug 12, 2009

JayBee 587 posts

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

I've been using the hypo treatment "Glucotabs" since starting my DAFNE regime and I have found them helpful considering they clearly state on the tube "4g per tablet" and they're in a plastic tube that doesn't eventually ruin my tablets and let the powder from them fill the bottom of my bag like lucozade or dexdrose tablets do.

Now I really would like to continue using them but I often find that they're only avaliable at the superstore ASDA, and so here is my query, has anyone seen them being sold anywhere else? Even my local pharmacies doesn't have them!

I generally tend to buy them in bulk because they're so helpful but sometimes ASDA runs out of stock so an alternative shop would be good. I would buy them online but I do not have the option to do this right now (online references would be helpful too anyway on that note).

I look forward to your replies. Thanks in advance! Smile

Aug 11, 2009

Karen Westwood 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi,

My name is Karen and I am 38 years old and have been diabetic for 28 years. I have recently completed a DAFNE course and cannot believe how much it has changed my life. I learnt more in 1 week about my diabetes than I have in the last 28 years. I have taken on board everything that I have learnt and seem to be getting much better results than previously so fingers crossed this will reflect in my next HBA1C.

Stacey, I totally agree that you need to get your HBA1C to a lower level before trying to conceive. I have had two successful pregnancies during my time as diabetic. I know it is really hard work getting your levels correct but it is well worth it. I think that you are lucky to have completed the DAFNE course prior to becoming pregnant as you have a lot more information at your finger tips now. If you were anything like me I felt like I had plodded along for the last 28 years doing lots of guess work. At least now I know that there is a proper formular that actually works!

Good luck

Aug 11, 2009

Daisy1 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi!!

My name is Stacey I am 29 and I have been a diabetic for 28yrs and am so grateful for the DAFNE course it gave
alot of answers to why I was having so many hypos for all those years. I still need alot of help trying to get my
HbA1c down I was doing sooooooooooo well but now it has gone up again:-(, but the hypos have stoppped I
have now not had one for a year!. It is so important for me to try take better control as we are trying for a baby
so any little tips or words of advice will be greatly appreciated.

Aug 14, 2009 John Mannion 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Do you have access to the Online Handbook? I am in a similar position in that I am really keen to look at the the course handbook. I have recently completed the BIANCA course at my local hospital (North Hampshire). I would also like to know how to gain access to the handbook. Thanks John

Aug 14, 2009 Jess 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hello, I'm Jess, I was diagnosed in 1993 at the wonderful Stoke Mandeville Diabetes Centre. I did DAFNE a loooong time ago at the QMC (Nottingham). So long ago I can't tell you the year, but I know there were only about 4 DAFNE centres. I left Nottingham 4-5 years ago, sadly. I have just been referred to the pre-conception clinic, and its the first time I've been back under the care of a hospital for years, its good to be back. Frimley don't do DAFNE but say they do somethign similar so I hope they can help me back on track and low enough to conceive.

Aug 14, 2009 Janys 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Applying DAFNE when hiking Bob, Thank you for this information, and I think I might try something similar next time. The reductions I tried were OKish but the Lantus reduction was too drastic giving high BGs during the morning. I think next time I will use a mixture of insulin reductions and extra carbs. I also found that the Lantus reduction was really difficult when our schedule changed and we walked less that planned, so in that sense it was not too flexible. Also I found that for as much as 3 weeks after the holiday I needed to take quite a lot more insulin than I had in the first place (some sort of knock on perhaps). It sounds as if your walking is a lot more extreme than mine but I probably use as much energy over a day in my own way, so I think your information will be a help to me next time I go away and I can find a level that works for me. Enjoy your next walk.

Aug 14, 2009 Jess 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Do you have access to the Online Handbook? Hello! I did DAFNE a long time ago at the QMC, back when there were only about 4 centres in the whole country! I'd really like access to the diary, but I have moved house about 3 times since and am no longer in contact with the QMC team. Have you got any advice on how I can access this?

Aug 14, 2009 Jess 13 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Birth Stories Hi everyone, I've just joined. I did DAFNE probably about 7 years ago when it was still quite new, I'm glad there is finally an online site! I've just had my first appointment with the pre-pregnancy diabetes clinic and am trying to get my HbA1c down. Its proving very hard. I don't know if I've forgotten some of the training as it was so long ago, but I'm struggling. Any tips/support gratfeully received. I am very very nervous about the birth as I am needle-phobic and don't deal with drips very well. I'm sure I'll have other things to worry about but right now that is what is freaking me out.

Aug 14, 2009 lucy 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Birth Stories Thanks Karen & Fiona, it really helps to hear how others in the same situation got on! Hi Daisy I bet your HbA1c will come down just by following dafne guidelines & eating healthily, thats what happened for me. Good luck with getting pregnant! Lucy

Aug 14, 2009 Karen Westwood 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Birth Stories Hi Lucy. I am type 1 and have had two successful pregnancies . My first pregnancy was induced and I was on a insulin/glucose drip during labour. I also had an epidural so my main problem was that I couldn't walk about during labour I just had to basically lie in my bed attached to 3 different drips. This was over nine years ago so whether things have changed since then I don't know. My baby was born natually at 10lbs 4oz and was absolutely fine after the birth. He was given blood tests for a few hours after the birth to ensure that his blood glucose levels were ok. Just myself left feeling rather uncomfortable (as you can imagine!). During my second pregnancy I went into labour myself at 36 weeks. As my baby was breach and labour was progressing quite quickly I was taken into theatre for a c-section. I did not have any insulin or glucose drip for this labour. My baby was born already weighing 6lbs 13oz so I was quite grateful that I had not gone any longer as I think he would have been at least the same size as my first. He too was given blood tests to check his glucose levels and thankfully he was absolutely fine and didn't even need to go into special care. In my own experience I actually felt much better in myself after my c-section but then I think everyones experieces will be totally different. It amazed me how my requirements for insulin reduced back to my pre-pregnancy levels immediately my babies were born. I really hope that everything goes well for your birth. Don't forget to leave a message on here to let us know how you went on. That's if you can find the time once baby arrives!

Aug 14, 2009 Claire Hough 12 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Thanks Simon, that's great! Having lots of random hypos for some reason this week so have put that option to good use already!!

Aug 14, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Claire, All done - you can now select the three options you suggested as entry types. Keep the requests coming! Thanks, Simon

Aug 14, 2009 Claire Hough 12 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi guys, Thanks for the online diary, I have been using it for a couple of months now and am finding it really helpful. I was hopeless at keeping my paper diary up to date, but having access to this online and on my mobile is making life so much easier. Just one improvement I would like to suggest if that's ok? Could we please have 'before exercise', 'after exercise' and 'hypo' options on the drop down list? Just to save me from having to always select 'other' and type in the comments. Yes I am a little lazy, but also I think it would make the diary clearer easier and easier to read. Thanks for all your hard work, the site is a God-send!!

Aug 13, 2009 LizB 23 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Can anyone put numbers (%) on ideal split between above target, on target and below target BGs? Ive been using the DAFNE online graphs and wonder if anyone has yet come up with an ideal split for the "BG Targets Chart" (pie chart)? I started with a split of: 73.5% of my BGs being Above target, 20.5% being On target and 7% below target. (NB - Each pie chart I do is for tests recorded over 1 week - I analyse the BG Targets Chart every Sunday night to monitor progress) You can imagine how clear it was to me that I needed to improve the ratios so that more BGs were on target and fewer were above target. Over the last few weeks I've been working on this, in combination with analysing my daily trends to sort out where in the day I'm getting the most high BGs. The figures have fluctuated a bit during this time but the general trend seems to be toward a "better" split. The "best" so far being: 44.1% of BGs Above target, 35.3% On target and 20.6% Below target. To my mind this is still not ideal but is at least bringing my longer term averages down. So, my question is: What should I be aiming for? What is "better" or "best"? Has a view been formed on this yet? Hope that makes sense. All the best. Liz

Aug 13, 2009 BobBarnby 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Applying DAFNE when hiking I do lots of mountain walking. I tend to drop my Lantus by two units (18 to 16) and then breakfast QA by about 20% and lunch QA by 50%. Plus eat plenty of flapjack (without extra insulin) whilst out. Then make sure I eat plenty in the evening (with my nornal insulin ratio). I find I can do serveral days consecutively on that regime. Did the GR20 in Corsica last September withoutundue problems - two fairly minor hypos only. Bob

Aug 13, 2009 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? Oh my, they sell 50 tablet pots as well?! I've not seen those! I will have to check Boots. The tubes I use look like this - http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YwLOt93aL._SL500_AA280_.jpg They are very handy! Fit in my medical kit bag very nicely! ^_^

Aug 13, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions To Shelia and others, it is probably better if you start a new topic to ask questions. This topic now goes on for 6 pages and chances are people will not see your question buried in all the other posts. You are welcome to ask questions here if you want, its just likely to get a better response as a seperate topic. Thanks

Aug 13, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE user group first meeting I totally agree about the re-branding idea, this has come from somewhere 'inside' the DAFNE programme and the reaction of everyone at the meeting was 'whaaatt!!!'. We are all happy with the current branding and don't see a reason for change. Apparently it gives the wrong message that Diabetics can eat what they like and so will eat too much of the wrong stuff, sigh. Yes I know how crazy that is but unfortunately all too often the drive and ideas behind 'corporate' branding come from those least in touch with the product. Well thats my personal view anyway (not necessarily shared by the group). I will check out the reference in 2, thank you.

Aug 12, 2009 LizB 23 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE user group first meeting Thanks for posting those minutes. It is good to see that this site is part of a properly planned approach to supporting DAFNE graduates and people who might benefit from DAFNE inthe future. I'm really impressed with the notes and the aims of the DUAG. Two things leapt out of the paage at me in particular (although it was all good reaading) and they were: 1. why on earth would you/they be considering re-branding something that is incredibly recognisable and (in my area at least) quite newly seeping into the general consciousness. The current brand is bold, distinctive and quite frankly easy to find amongst all the other paper that accumulates! It may just be because of the associated experience of the DAFNE course itself, but I find the DAFNE branding makes me feel very positive and hopeful about my condition. 2. in the section that talked about how the meetings should be run there was reference to some principles that sound familiar - things like listening environment and timed talk and everyone having a chance to have their say. Anyway, if you haven't heard of it, I can thoroughly recommend Time to Think (www.timetothink.com) and Nancy Kline, who is the founder and an inspirational lady. All the best Liz

Aug 12, 2009 Fiona 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Diabetic Birth Stories I am Type I and have had three pregnancies and births, all of them different! I was induced each time but each labour took its own course. One was quite long, one was reasonable and one was very quick. Interestingly, the type of labour I had reflects the personality of the child now! I did have a natural birth each time, once with forceps and an epidural, once with pethadine and the last one with just gas and air. So I seem to have tried everything. My conclusion is that as each child is different, each labour will be different. The amazing thing is that once that baby is in your arms, the process of getting it out is soon forgotten!

Aug 12, 2009 Sheila_Kay 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Have played with the BG diary and found the graphs and like the result. Didn't get the housework done though.

Aug 12, 2009 Sheila_Kay 11 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? Hi, I've not heard of the "glucotabs" before, I like the idea of a pot to keep them in. My hand bag gets full of chushed dextrose. I will look out for them and let you know if I find them anywhere else. Thank you.

Aug 12, 2009 Sheila_Kay 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi, Everyone keeps talking about how good these graphs are. Where do I find one to try it out? I am finding dafne helpful but still having troubles mixing it in with shift work. Does anyone have any advise that might help? Thanks Sheila

Aug 12, 2009 mandyrobertson9 10 posts	Topic: Site Development / Graphs - now I can really see the difference Hi I've only been using this site since completing my course at the beginning of the month and I find the graphs invaluable. They do help to make sense of my readings. I think being able to view a comparision between weeks would be useful. I print out my results at the end of the week and store in a file so that I can easily take a week or so to any of my health checks - as my practice nurse finds my records confusing - I write everything in a page a day diary - readings, food, meds etc. So being able to pick a last 7 day time frame would be helpful in that I wouldn't have to enter dates manually. Thanks for everything that has gone in to making this site so brilliant. I have asked Eileen at Northampton to flag it up with Graduates and will do so myself at our next meeting.

Aug 12, 2009 mandyrobertson9 10 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? I buy them on line from the medical shop. They sell the 50 tab pots as well as the smaller tubes. You can purchase from them over the phone - 0800 731 6959. I've found them on line at Boots too - so maybe they sell them in store or could get them for you. Hope this helps - they're my preferred hypo treatment too.

Aug 12, 2009 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Glucotabs: Where they can be found? I've been using the hypo treatment "Glucotabs" since starting my DAFNE regime and I have found them helpful considering they clearly state on the tube "4g per tablet" and they're in a plastic tube that doesn't eventually ruin my tablets and let the powder from them fill the bottom of my bag like lucozade or dexdrose tablets do. Now I really would like to continue using them but I often find that they're only avaliable at the superstore ASDA, and so here is my query, has anyone seen them being sold anywhere else? Even my local pharmacies doesn't have them! I generally tend to buy them in bulk because they're so helpful but sometimes ASDA runs out of stock so an alternative shop would be good. I would buy them online but I do not have the option to do this right now (online references would be helpful too anyway on that note). I look forward to your replies. Thanks in advance!

Aug 11, 2009 Karen Westwood 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi, My name is Karen and I am 38 years old and have been diabetic for 28 years. I have recently completed a DAFNE course and cannot believe how much it has changed my life. I learnt more in 1 week about my diabetes than I have in the last 28 years. I have taken on board everything that I have learnt and seem to be getting much better results than previously so fingers crossed this will reflect in my next HBA1C. Stacey, I totally agree that you need to get your HBA1C to a lower level before trying to conceive. I have had two successful pregnancies during my time as diabetic. I know it is really hard work getting your levels correct but it is well worth it. I think that you are lucky to have completed the DAFNE course prior to becoming pregnant as you have a lot more information at your finger tips now. If you were anything like me I felt like I had plodded along for the last 28 years doing lots of guess work. At least now I know that there is a proper formular that actually works! Good luck

Aug 11, 2009 Daisy1 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi!! My name is Stacey I am 29 and I have been a diabetic for 28yrs and am so grateful for the DAFNE course it gave alot of answers to why I was having so many hypos for all those years. I still need alot of help trying to get my HbA1c down I was doing sooooooooooo well but now it has gone up again:-(, but the hypos have stoppped I have now not had one for a year!. It is so important for me to try take better control as we are trying for a baby so any little tips or words of advice will be greatly appreciated.