Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jul 29, 2009

Derek Brown 32 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Simon

Thanks for your response.

I think another input box for adding it manually would be better, in my opinion anyway.

I'm also unsure if it can be formulated to work out a ratio from 2 CPs and 6+2. I know that this is a 3:1 ratio with a +2 correction but not sure if + - corrections would alter any automatic value?

Thats how I see it working from my circumstances, everyone is different

Thanks

Jul 29, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs

Hi NiVZ,

I've updated the graphs - it now says "No data for selected period" instead of the more obscure error if there are no BG results for the specified time period - I'm assuming there were no BG results in the set of data you were trying to graph when you got this error. If this is not the case then let me know.

Thanks,

Simon

Jul 29, 2009

marke 686 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released

I seem what you mean about the black text on grey background... I thought the grey was much lighter than that, I will get it changed so that its more readable.

Jul 29, 2009

Widster 23 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released

Only one thing i would say.... black text on a dark grey background is difficult to read, particularly on a small screen. I can manage it but it is hard, especially if you had poor eyesight.

Jul 29, 2009

Widster 23 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released

Works fine on my Nokia E71. Very useful. Cheers!

Jul 29, 2009

Widster 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing?

Thanks for the reply. I think my car is about 1500kg so 3.5 tonnes should allow me to tow a caravan no problem. I was a bit worried at first that i would be restricted.

I suppose before i did have the older type of licence (i passed in 198 Cool

but now that it has to be renewed every 3 years they have given me the newer one.

Jul 29, 2009

TerryG 6 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

My experience talking to others is that local arrangements vary. Availability on prescription and return to a GP practice or pharmacy is not uncommon.

Ultimately, I think the local council has legal responsibility for disposal of hazardous household (including medical) waste. In my own area it is the council that collects filled sharps bins and leaves a new bin in its place.

Jul 28, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Derek,

We can certainly look into this - would you like the ratio to be calculated automatically, or added as another input box?

Thanks,

Simon

Jul 28, 2009

Derek Brown 32 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi

Just discovered the website has been updated and it's great!

Messing around with the online diary is good fun, but in a really usefull way. I had mocked up a couple of Excel versions of my Dafne diary but never could get to the stage of working out any bugs or adding needed columns. In short thank you for creating an online version for easy inputting and displaying of my results.

My only gripe is one I mentioned on the Dafne course and that's an added row, in respect of the paper version, between the CP and BG values to show what ratio is being used.

Probably not something everyone else needs, if at all, but at times my maths need a little help and shows any change I've made for it without overflowing the comments box.

Could this be implicated online/ I'm currently putting the ratio on the comment fields but I think would be easier if displayed in each column.

Jul 28, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs

Hi Simon,

Graphs look really good. Very impressed with how quickly you implement all the features. This site is proving to be so useful.

I did notice, I sometimes get an "error in data file" when doing the 7 day trend graph. Seems to be on entries where I've put in a 1CP snack without testing my BG.

NiVZ

Jul 28, 2009

ChrisS 12 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing?

Yes you can tow a caravan. Providing you have a car licence you can tow a trailer regardless of medical restrictions.

The restriction you have now with your licence is you cannot drive over 3.5Tonnes like you probably could before. This is not because of Type-1, but because you have a new licence.
Remember if your car and caravan are over 3.5T combined this is not allowed - but this is unlikely with most outfits including 4x4s.

Jul 27, 2009

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Alzibiff - I wasn't thinking of the HCPs on my course when I said that. There were no doctors there - well one dropped in for about half an hour to answer a few questions, but the hard work was done by a dietitian and a nurse who were and are lovely and always respond to me if I need help. In contrast I have no relationship with any doctor, whether a GP or a diabetes doctor. I see a diabetes doctor for five minutes at my annual review and that's it really, and the next year it is a different doctor.

Jul 26, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Question: Sharing the online diary

As an update, diary viewers can now access your BG Graphs, if you have allowed them access to your diary. This is useful for HCPs to spot trends graphically in your results.

Jul 26, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs

Just added a 'Seven Day' graph to the list of available graphs. It shows you 7 days worth of diary results in a similar way to NiVZ's example above. If you have opted to show graphs for all entries, you will be limited to the last 7 days for this graph type. If you are showing graphs for a specified date range, the 7 days will start from the first date in the date range selection boxes - I hope this makes sense.

Let me know if this is useful, and any updates you would like to it, or indeed any new graph types.

Thanks,

Simon

Jul 26, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs

We've just rolled out a major update to the graphs, so they all have a consistent look and feel. Check it out. They require the Flash player (if you can see the graphs on the diary graphs page, then you have it) - if you don't have it then there is a link to install it on the same page. If you aren't able to install it and want to be able to access the graphs then let us know and we will work on a solution.

Let us know what you think of the new graph features.

Also - still working on your request NiVZ, hope to have it done soon.

Thanks,

Simon

Jul 24, 2009

Jodie 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Dieting

I am booking in for gastric band surgery will cost Â£3000 but i can't bear being fat ny longer. Has anyone had any weight loss surgery? I am worried about treating hypos and what my blood sugars might do.

Jodie

Jul 24, 2009

Widster 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing?

I've now found a useful link that explains it:-

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073

Jul 24, 2009

Widster 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing?

Hi Polly,

Thanks for the advice. I have now found my licence and i have the same categories as you but also A (i took my motorbike test a few years ago) and B1 (not sure what this means but there is a picture of a van i think).

It's a relief that we are able to tow a caravan though. We have a 4 month old and a 2 year old and looking forward to lots of family holidays in the future!

Thanks
Widster

Jul 24, 2009

Polly 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing?

Hi there, my 3 year licence was issued in March 2007. The categories are B, BE, f, k, l, n, p. I checked the DVLA website but it wasn't much help only that the BE category concerns towing. I googled towing a caravan and come up with www.practicalcaravan .com on the home page scroll down to Driving Licences and you will see we are entitled to pull a caravan as long as the caravan doesn't weigh more that the car.

Jul 24, 2009

Widster 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing?

Hi, I have type 1 diabetes (since 2004) and therefore have to reapply for my driving licence every 3 years. I have had no problems with my driving and they always issue my licence for the firther 3 years. Can anyone tell me if my licence will allow me to tow a caravan? I have temporarily misplaced it so i can't have a look at the moment and i am unable to find out from the DVLA website. I am planning to buy a caravan to take my family away next year. Thanks, Widster

Jul 23, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs

Hi Simon,

I remember the very old diaries I used to use when first diagnosed where you put the reading on one half of the page and plotted a line graph on the opposite page. It's probably just familiarity that I like the line graph and made mine as shown in the picture.

I do like the graphs in the Blood Glucose Diary as I can see the benefit of showing readings grouped by time of day to help identify if theres a certain mealtime where you are high low, and it's also easy to see how much you change from bedtime to morning to keep an eye on the basal.

Thanks,

NiVZ

Jul 23, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

I agree that the advice given here may well be useful - we are all living with diabetes, and anything that can help or make that situation more bearable/manageable is a good thing. We have purposefully put users 'levels' underneath their names on the forums so that you can see if the post has come from a Medical Professional (HCP) or DAFNE Graduate, or someone else. That way users can make informed decisions as to whether to follow advice given on the forums or not. It is true that adjustments made by one person with diabetes may not work the same for another person, but it is also true that the same adjustments may work for both people. My thoughts are this - give advice freely - be open about your experiences, that is what forums are about; but use it with care, if you do make changes do them gradually - as things which are too drastic may have severe effects. If something doesn't work for you, don't hold the advice-giver responsible, it's not their fault it didn't work for you - just try something else, or speak with your DAFNE Specialist. This site was created so Graduates could help each other.

Anyway, sermon over Smile

on to the topic in hand... I often find that if I've had a night-time hypo I'll have a headache - even if my BG is 8.3 or something. I remember also on our DAFNE course one of the guys had to do a 3AM test 3 nights out of the 4, and found that he was having night time hypos so reduced his background insulin.

Thanks,

Simon

Jul 22, 2009

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Protein Supplements

Excess protein supplements are generally excreted without causing any real harm. However, in people who have developed kidney damage there is evidence that high protein diets can increase the amount of protein leaking from the kidneys and perhaps increase the rate of deterioration in kidney function, so probably best avoided. Simon H

Jul 22, 2009

Alzibiff 21 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Oops! Hope I haven't offended anyone but I was expressing a personal opinion and please don't forget that this foum is open to the entire public of the world which includes people with diabetes who have and have NOT attended a DAFNE course, their relatives, parents and children.

Not everyone has the DAFNE experience to draw on, not everyone is aware of hypo rebounds, the "dawn phenomenon" and the need for careful monitoring of BG levels. (I have only just stared to take BG monitoring seriously after many many years). I stick to my view that I think it is best to describe experiences and explain reasons for various actions when it comes to dose adjustment rather than to suggest to someone that they "try this". Let others draw on these experiences and apply them to their regime by all means.

Still friends I hope <smiley thing>

Alan

p.s. My experience of the HCP people that ran my DAFNE course is definitely not the same as Lizzie's.

"...all they usually say is 'it could be so-and-so, try doing this and come back in a few weeks' and that is based on reading some books many years ago.."

I have had excellent support - EMails get answered within hours rather than days and they have experience of dealing with many people with diabetes rather than my experience which is dealing with just me!

Jul 22, 2009

Jennifer 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

JWo, that does sound very annoying!! I will bear that in mind when I take mine back!

I ended up having to make an appointment at the surgery to see a doctor & ask if I could get a sharps bin on prescription. Seems a little bit of a waste of an appointment time but....., although my pharmacy had to order it so I haven't actually got it yet!

Jul 29, 2009 Derek Brown 32 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Simon Thanks for your response. I think another input box for adding it manually would be better, in my opinion anyway. I'm also unsure if it can be formulated to work out a ratio from 2 CPs and 6+2. I know that this is a 3:1 ratio with a +2 correction but not sure if + - corrections would alter any automatic value? Thats how I see it working from my circumstances, everyone is different Thanks

Jul 29, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs Hi NiVZ, I've updated the graphs - it now says "No data for selected period" instead of the more obscure error if there are no BG results for the specified time period - I'm assuming there were no BG results in the set of data you were trying to graph when you got this error. If this is not the case then let me know. Thanks, Simon

Jul 29, 2009 marke 686 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released I seem what you mean about the black text on grey background... I thought the grey was much lighter than that, I will get it changed so that its more readable.

Jul 29, 2009 Widster 23 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released Only one thing i would say.... black text on a dark grey background is difficult to read, particularly on a small screen. I can manage it but it is hard, especially if you had poor eyesight.

Jul 29, 2009 Widster 23 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released Works fine on my Nokia E71. Very useful. Cheers!

Jul 29, 2009 Widster 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing? Thanks for the reply. I think my car is about 1500kg so 3.5 tonnes should allow me to tow a caravan no problem. I was a bit worried at first that i would be restricted. I suppose before i did have the older type of licence (i passed in 198 but now that it has to be renewed every 3 years they have given me the newer one.

Jul 29, 2009 TerryG 6 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins My experience talking to others is that local arrangements vary. Availability on prescription and return to a GP practice or pharmacy is not uncommon. Ultimately, I think the local council has legal responsibility for disposal of hazardous household (including medical) waste. In my own area it is the council that collects filled sharps bins and leaves a new bin in its place.

Jul 28, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Derek, We can certainly look into this - would you like the ratio to be calculated automatically, or added as another input box? Thanks, Simon

Jul 28, 2009 Derek Brown 32 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Just discovered the website has been updated and it's great! Messing around with the online diary is good fun, but in a really usefull way. I had mocked up a couple of Excel versions of my Dafne diary but never could get to the stage of working out any bugs or adding needed columns. In short thank you for creating an online version for easy inputting and displaying of my results. My only gripe is one I mentioned on the Dafne course and that's an added row, in respect of the paper version, between the CP and BG values to show what ratio is being used. Probably not something everyone else needs, if at all, but at times my maths need a little help and shows any change I've made for it without overflowing the comments box. Could this be implicated online/ I'm currently putting the ratio on the comment fields but I think would be easier if displayed in each column.

Jul 28, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs Hi Simon, Graphs look really good. Very impressed with how quickly you implement all the features. This site is proving to be so useful. I did notice, I sometimes get an "error in data file" when doing the 7 day trend graph. Seems to be on entries where I've put in a 1CP snack without testing my BG. NiVZ

Jul 28, 2009 ChrisS 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing? Yes you can tow a caravan. Providing you have a car licence you can tow a trailer regardless of medical restrictions. The restriction you have now with your licence is you cannot drive over 3.5Tonnes like you probably could before. This is not because of Type-1, but because you have a new licence. Remember if your car and caravan are over 3.5T combined this is not allowed - but this is unlikely with most outfits including 4x4s.

Jul 27, 2009 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Alzibiff - I wasn't thinking of the HCPs on my course when I said that. There were no doctors there - well one dropped in for about half an hour to answer a few questions, but the hard work was done by a dietitian and a nurse who were and are lovely and always respond to me if I need help. In contrast I have no relationship with any doctor, whether a GP or a diabetes doctor. I see a diabetes doctor for five minutes at my annual review and that's it really, and the next year it is a different doctor.

Jul 26, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Question: Sharing the online diary As an update, diary viewers can now access your BG Graphs, if you have allowed them access to your diary. This is useful for HCPs to spot trends graphically in your results.

Jul 26, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs Just added a 'Seven Day' graph to the list of available graphs. It shows you 7 days worth of diary results in a similar way to NiVZ's example above. If you have opted to show graphs for all entries, you will be limited to the last 7 days for this graph type. If you are showing graphs for a specified date range, the 7 days will start from the first date in the date range selection boxes - I hope this makes sense. Let me know if this is useful, and any updates you would like to it, or indeed any new graph types. Thanks, Simon

Jul 26, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs We've just rolled out a major update to the graphs, so they all have a consistent look and feel. Check it out. They require the Flash player (if you can see the graphs on the diary graphs page, then you have it) - if you don't have it then there is a link to install it on the same page. If you aren't able to install it and want to be able to access the graphs then let us know and we will work on a solution. Let us know what you think of the new graph features. Also - still working on your request NiVZ, hope to have it done soon. Thanks, Simon

Jul 24, 2009 Jodie 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Dieting I am booking in for gastric band surgery will cost Â£3000 but i can't bear being fat ny longer. Has anyone had any weight loss surgery? I am worried about treating hypos and what my blood sugars might do. Jodie

Jul 24, 2009 Widster 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing? I've now found a useful link that explains it:- http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/CaravansTrailersCommercialVehicles/DG_10013073

Jul 24, 2009 Widster 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing? Hi Polly, Thanks for the advice. I have now found my licence and i have the same categories as you but also A (i took my motorbike test a few years ago) and B1 (not sure what this means but there is a picture of a van i think). It's a relief that we are able to tow a caravan though. We have a 4 month old and a 2 year old and looking forward to lots of family holidays in the future! Thanks Widster

Jul 24, 2009 Polly 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing? Hi there, my 3 year licence was issued in March 2007. The categories are B, BE, f, k, l, n, p. I checked the DVLA website but it wasn't much help only that the BE category concerns towing. I googled towing a caravan and come up with www.practicalcaravan .com on the home page scroll down to Driving Licences and you will see we are entitled to pull a caravan as long as the caravan doesn't weigh more that the car.

Jul 24, 2009 Widster 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Caravan towing? Hi, I have type 1 diabetes (since 2004) and therefore have to reapply for my driving licence every 3 years. I have had no problems with my driving and they always issue my licence for the firther 3 years. Can anyone tell me if my licence will allow me to tow a caravan? I have temporarily misplaced it so i can't have a look at the moment and i am unable to find out from the DVLA website. I am planning to buy a caravan to take my family away next year. Thanks, Widster

Jul 23, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs Hi Simon, I remember the very old diaries I used to use when first diagnosed where you put the reading on one half of the page and plotted a line graph on the opposite page. It's probably just familiarity that I like the line graph and made mine as shown in the picture. I do like the graphs in the Blood Glucose Diary as I can see the benefit of showing readings grouped by time of day to help identify if theres a certain mealtime where you are high low, and it's also easy to see how much you change from bedtime to morning to keep an eye on the basal. Thanks, NiVZ

Jul 23, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions I agree that the advice given here may well be useful - we are all living with diabetes, and anything that can help or make that situation more bearable/manageable is a good thing. We have purposefully put users 'levels' underneath their names on the forums so that you can see if the post has come from a Medical Professional (HCP) or DAFNE Graduate, or someone else. That way users can make informed decisions as to whether to follow advice given on the forums or not. It is true that adjustments made by one person with diabetes may not work the same for another person, but it is also true that the same adjustments may work for both people. My thoughts are this - give advice freely - be open about your experiences, that is what forums are about; but use it with care, if you do make changes do them gradually - as things which are too drastic may have severe effects. If something doesn't work for you, don't hold the advice-giver responsible, it's not their fault it didn't work for you - just try something else, or speak with your DAFNE Specialist. This site was created so Graduates could help each other. Anyway, sermon over on to the topic in hand... I often find that if I've had a night-time hypo I'll have a headache - even if my BG is 8.3 or something. I remember also on our DAFNE course one of the guys had to do a 3AM test 3 nights out of the 4, and found that he was having night time hypos so reduced his background insulin. Thanks, Simon

Jul 22, 2009 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Protein Supplements Excess protein supplements are generally excreted without causing any real harm. However, in people who have developed kidney damage there is evidence that high protein diets can increase the amount of protein leaking from the kidneys and perhaps increase the rate of deterioration in kidney function, so probably best avoided. Simon H

Jul 22, 2009 Alzibiff 21 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Oops! Hope I haven't offended anyone but I was expressing a personal opinion and please don't forget that this foum is open to the entire public of the world which includes people with diabetes who have and have NOT attended a DAFNE course, their relatives, parents and children. Not everyone has the DAFNE experience to draw on, not everyone is aware of hypo rebounds, the "dawn phenomenon" and the need for careful monitoring of BG levels. (I have only just stared to take BG monitoring seriously after many many years). I stick to my view that I think it is best to describe experiences and explain reasons for various actions when it comes to dose adjustment rather than to suggest to someone that they "try this". Let others draw on these experiences and apply them to their regime by all means. Still friends I hope <smiley thing> Alan p.s. My experience of the HCP people that ran my DAFNE course is definitely not the same as Lizzie's. "...all they usually say is 'it could be so-and-so, try doing this and come back in a few weeks' and that is based on reading some books many years ago.." I have had excellent support - EMails get answered within hours rather than days and they have experience of dealing with many people with diabetes rather than my experience which is dealing with just me!

Jul 22, 2009 Jennifer 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins JWo, that does sound very annoying!! I will bear that in mind when I take mine back! I ended up having to make an appointment at the surgery to see a doctor & ask if I could get a sharps bin on prescription. Seems a little bit of a waste of an appointment time but....., although my pharmacy had to order it so I haven't actually got it yet!