Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jul 14, 2009

Claire Hough 12 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi All, I'm sorry I am only just getting around to introducing myself even though I have already posted a couple of times!

My name is Claire, I'm 29, I live in Cheshire and I was diagnosed Type 1 in 1995, a few weeks before my 15th Birthday. I was given lots of help and support at the time by the hospital and the lovely DSN there, but I don't think my head was in the right place to take it all in at the time. I got by for the first 8 years or so by doing my insulin twice a day (often not at the right time, but a few hours later when I got around to it) and burying my head in the sand. I had a few hypos where I ended up in hospital and one case of DKA whilst on holiday in Spain, but knowing what I do know I think I was lucky to have got away with such few consequences of not really managing my Diabetes. When I did show up for my hospital appointments my Hba1c was usually between 9-11 but I didn't really understand what this meant to be honest! I was totally in denial and just wanted to live a 'normal' life.

Aged 23 I went for an eye check up and for the first time they found little spots on the back of my eye and I finally had the wake up call I needed. I got myself to the hospital and talked to the nurses and doctor (getting a little emotional at times) and asked them for help. The doctor put me on the waiting list for a DAFNE course and the nurses changed me onto Novorapid and Levemir, 4 injections a day and 8mm needles, rather than my mixtard pens and 12mm needles (ow - that shows how out of date I was - I am now on 5mm!!). As a result I lost over a stone in weight and my sugar levels improved, but I still wasn't doing my injections on time or many blood tests. It was only the DAFNE course that really got me doing it all properly and that was because it was the first time since I was 14 that everything was explained to me and I was in the right frame of mind to listen. It obviously took me all those years to come to terms with the fact I am diabetic!

After the course my HbA1c came down to 7.5, the best it has ever been. I now test my sugar levels before every meal, have the confidence and knowledge to correct my sugar levels and manage sick days. I now inject (subtley) in public, always carry fresh orange with me in case of hypo (I never used to carry anything with me - how awful!) and use a new needle for each injection (again something I wasn't doing before!!). The course has empowered me and I now take a much greater interest in my results and HbA1c and in Diabetes as a whole. I slipped back into a few bad habits recently and my HbA1c went back up to 8, purely due to laziness on my own part, but now I am more motivated than ever and am on track for my first ever HbA1c below 7 at my next check up, fingers crossed!

I love this site, it is fantastic, especially because I can access it from my phone and no longer have to carry around diaries and Carb books. It is really helping me to manage my diabetes so thanks very much to the guys that set it up.

Jul 14, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hello,

Finally getting round to introducing myself. I'm Paul, age 31, and live in Aberdeenshire with my wife and 2 year old daughter.

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a few weeks before Christmas in 1996 and attended the very first DAFNE course in Aberdeen and it has made the biggest change to the way I manage my diabetes. My BG was all over the place before DAFNE, but on the week of the course they were all spot on. Since the course my BG's weren't so good and my HbA1C went a bit high, but it's now on the way down again.

Really like this site, and all the features it offers and am looking forward to getting to know you all.

Jul 13, 2009

Alzibiff 21 posts

Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs

Having played around with various spreadsheet functions and used a number of meter manufacturers' software over many years, I am a great fan of what I think are described as "time of day modal" graphs. Hope the following makes sense - but please come back at me if not ...

Divide the day into DAFNE type periods: before breakfast, before dinner, before evening meal and then before bed. Now take BG readings over say two weeks for each period and find the modal value for each period - the value which has as many readings above and below it for a particular period - not the average - as the odd very low or very high can make averages meaningless. The modal point of each period is then plotted on the graph and this point is marked with vertical line - representing the range of values associated with it. (Gee - I wish I had an image file to post up at this point).

The idea is that with a graph which shows a time period of one day along the x-axis, you can see how consistent or otherwise the BG readings are at a specific time of the day and also whether there is an underlying trend which will or should enable you to adjust your individual meal or background insulin dose.

The ideal will be a horizonal line (rising slightly at bedtime according to DAFNE rules) and with the vertical lines discussed earlier, non-existent.

Make sense?

Alan

Jul 13, 2009

Jennifer 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

Thanks for your replies. I have just this minute sent an email off to my Dafne nurse asking if she can do that for me! Fingers crossed.

Jul 13, 2009

Jennifer 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi,

My name is Jenni, age 30, living with my partner and son in Aberdeen and getting married next year! (woohoo!)

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in August 2006 and attended the DAFNE course in March 2007. I found it great, it helped me come to terms with my diagnosis as I didn't really know much about how to manage my blood glucose levels. My BG levels were perfect that week but unfortunately not been so great since! I did meet some fab people who shared their experiences as I also don't know many people with diabetes my age.

Generally my BG levels are ok but I am having problems when my BG level has shot up by morning making my HbA1c quite high, seeking advice! I did go through a period of being quite lazy with testing etc...but after having my knuckles rapped at clinic I am getting better!

Jul 13, 2009

ChrisS 12 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

I've always had a Sharps Bin on my prescription since diagnosis in 2003.
I take the full one to the Pharmacy who then dispose of it.

I would just ask your GP to add it to your prescription.

Jul 13, 2009

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs

Hello,

I've made a DAFNE Diary Excel spreadsheet that produces graphs (see screenshot below):

http://www.freewebs.com/nivz78/BG_Graph.jpg

I wondered if you could implement something similar for the Blood Glucose Diaries on the site?

Thanks,

NiVZ

Jul 13, 2009

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

I've only had one bin so far (which I need to go hand in now funnily enough!) and the only reason I started having them was because my DAFNE nurse wrote to my GP and the bins have been added to my prescription list. The needle clipper was also added.

So, from this, my only suggestion would be to contact your DAFNE person and they should be okay to send a letter to your GP. My DAFNE nurse did it for everyone on my group.

Take care Jen. Smile

Jul 13, 2009

Mark Wilcox 6 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read

Hi. I downloaded Opera Mini onto my Nokia 6500 slide, and find the mobile site works perfectly well. Thank you

Jul 12, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

welcome john, there will be a lot more about the DAFNE User Group soon. I attended the 'introductory/training' meeting this friday and saturday and the group is now up and running. However obviously we are at a very early stage and it will take time to acheive our objectives. I will be posting more about this in the user group forum once I receive some write-ups from the meeting. I also recently posted a report on the DAFNE collarobative in that forum that has a paragraph on the dawn effect, sadly its not a solution just more of a realisation of its effect. hopefully more research in the area will produce a means of 'treating' it effectively.
Be careful what you volunteer for :-) , one of our terms of reference in the user group is to allow us to co-opt others to help in certain areas. Although obviously at this stage we have no idea what for. In the meantime I'm sure you you can help others by being active in the forums posting replies to questions.

Jul 12, 2009

John Roscoe 14 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi everyone,
I have just joined DAFNE online after having been told about it at a DAFNE follow up session I did on Friday, so I thought I should introduce myself.
I was diagnosed Type 1 in April 1986 and attended the DAFNE course in October 2007. Although I managed reasonable control for the first 21 years I did suffer badly from severe hypos during the night and also with the dawn effect. Since attending DAFNE the night time hypos have stopped and although I still suffer from the dawn effect I find I am able to manage it better. I really think that DAFNE is the best tool available for the ongoing management of diabetes and things for me have been so much easier as a result. I hope that sites like this and the DAFNE user group help to increase awareness of DAFNE because I strongly believe in it and if I had any criticism it would be that I don't think it has yet had the publicity or the push it deserves (I'll get off my soap box now).
I have quite a bit of experience of managing diabetes and hope that if required I can share this with others hopefully to help them. I also look forward to learning from other folks experience.
I am 56, married with two daughters and two grandchildren.I have been retired for 4 years, I play golf regularly enjoy gardening and watch rugby union (Scotland fan). I visit Italy alot and have recently bought a small house there which after lots of issues is now being refurbished
and I am looking forward to spending more time out there.
Hope this gives a reasaonable overview.
Look forward to talking in the future and feel free to make contact.
Cheers
John

Jul 11, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE Collaborative Report

I get the problem of high BG's in the morning as well, so it interests me too. Unfortunately this theory probably needs further investigation/research especially to find an effective solution. What is needed is an injection of quick acting insulin about 5am, obviously this is not convenient to most people so another solution needs to be found. Perhaps by using a pump, however that would need solid evidence before PCT's could be persuaded to issue pumps.
The collaborative speaker did not have a solution at this time, just an identification of a possible cause of high morning BGs. Like most things medical it takes a while to move from 'theory' to accepted solution.

Jul 11, 2009

Jennifer 11 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE Collaborative Report

Hi marke,

Thanks for that. I have recently been having trouble with really high BGLs in the mornings even when all seems well at night time. I found it really interesting what you mentioned about the Dawn Phenomenon. Perhaps I will have to investigate more!!

Jul 11, 2009

Jennifer 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

Hi everyone,

A few months ago, a friend who has diabetes told me that soon needle bins (like those used in surgeries and hospitals) would be available for all diabetics who inject to get rid of used needles and finger prickers more safely. You would then return them to clinic and they would dispose safely. Has anyone else heard anything? I have asked at clinic but to no avail.

The advice I was given when I was first diagnosed was to clip all needles and put into a container with a lid, tape up & write 'sharps' on the side and dispose of into the bin!

Jul 11, 2009

Jennifer 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public

I completely agree. I also used to go the the toilet in a restaurant to inject but after meeting other diabetics on my Dafne course, I realised that it's nothing to be ashamed of. The pens that you get these days allow you to be really discreet and I wouldn't exactly invite people to watch but I find most of my friends are interested in what I go through every day so it doesn't even bother them and most of the time they don't even notice that i've already injected!

I also have no qualms about testing my blood in public when i'm out, it's an important part of my routine and i'm not going to go and hide away to do it, although I do make sure I let whoever i'm with know i'm doing it so they can look away.

The person who wrote that article in Balance magazine obviously has no idea what we have to do every day just to look after ourselves and should be far more accommodating and sensitive, especially if she is a nurse.

Jul 11, 2009

Jennifer 11 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diaries

I get new Dafne diaries when I attend clinic. Also after our course we were sent them in excel form so we could record our results and send to fellow graduates or Dafne leaders for advice.

Jul 11, 2009

Jennifer 11 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released

Great, will be really handy for when i'm out & about to record BG levels & carb counting. I use Sony Ericsson k660i and it seems to be working fine for me. Thanks a lot!

Jul 10, 2009

Daniel Pizarro 1 post

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released

I thought about developing this myself a year ago when I did dafne - thanks so much for getting this up and running - for me this will change my life and is probably one of the best uses of technology ever. Whoever created it is a legend. I have not even used the mobile device but I am so excited to do so particularly as I am so bad at recording my results in the dafne book. It almost makes diabetes cool! Cannot wait to get started on my blackeberry. The carb counter is soooooooooooooooo good as I always struggle to keep control when out in restuarents and now can just pull out my phone and get the amount of carb for everything I am eating without pulling out the DAFNE book.

Cheers to all involved

Jul 9, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / More forums ?

Hi Aifric,

If you browse the General forum you'll see that other users have raised general Diabetes related issues here, would this meet your needs, or would you prefer to have a more specific forum geared towards health issues?

Our development, as always, is guided by you - the users.

Thanks,

Simon

Jul 9, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read

I also have an iPhone and the mobile version of the site, whilst cut down, displays pretty well on it. If you let us know what features you'd specifically like to access (currently you can search CP lists, view the forums and enter new BG results) via the mobile site then we can work on that, or a native iPhone app.

Thanks,

Simon

Jul 9, 2009

Aifric 2 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read

I have an iPhone and i use a programme called Islet that i downloaded. Its good and easy enough to use.
The only problem is that you cant really see patterns - the graphs suck and when you "email" the data to yourself, it comes in an unreadable mess.
I'd love to see and iPhone application that you could enter the info in and it would sync easily with an application on your desktop....
Maybe....

Jul 9, 2009

Aifric 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / More forums ?

Any chance we could get a forum for how diabetes in general affects everyday health issues. ??
I'd love to see a forum where maybe i can chat to other women who have had babies and how they fared with pregnancies etc....

Jul 8, 2009

PJ 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public

I'd say it's a matter of personal choice and about judging the situation. Of course, as diabetics we are not ashamed by the neccessary paraphenalia that goes along with our condition, and we have the same rights as everyone else to exercise free will. I would definitely make a fuss if I was told to take my injections elsewhere, not because I think toilets are disgusting or unhygenic particularly, but because it's taken me several years to get to the point of self confidence about being diabetic, that I will now do everything in public if I feel like it.
I only take it somewhere private when I feel I can't be bothered with the staring and the curiosity. I'm a quiet, shy sort of person and I don't really want to have to explain to everyone who wants to know, what it is I'm doing.

I think it's about judging the situation in terms of eating at a resteraunt. Of course it's pretty easy to inject discreetly and then pop to the loo to make sure your bloods are ok and you don't need top-ups or something, I might be a little embarrassed about getting out my blood meter and slapping it on the table in front of everyone just because it would appear rather attention seeking. And in my experience it's the blood prick that seems to jar with people the most anyway. Perhaps whipping out a brightly coloured Novopen at a business lunch for new clients might be a little insensitive. But I can't imagine anyone seriously objecting. It's quite obvious that insuin pens and meters are medical and legal and all above board.

It's totally personal preference. I don't think anyone should be forced to inject in a corner, that seems humiliating and unfair. And the nurse who wrote the letter might be more understanding if she did have to inject, if the person who upset her had a habit of announcing her injection and turned it into a regular, gawp fest then I might understand her annoyance. But I'm sure most diabetics simply want it over with asap and discretion is something we're all practising anyway. People who don't like it can always look away or mind their own business.

To be honest I've sat on enough buses smeared with bogeys, fast food grease, cigarette butts and discarded gum and despaired at the way people treat public spaces. I will practise discretion but I will not hide.

PJ

Jul 4, 2009

Alzibiff 21 posts

Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE Collaborative Report

Thank you for that write up Marke. I found the "dawn phenomenon" bit of interest and eagerly await DAFNE guidance for pump users now that I have switched to one of those after 42 years of injections. As said - very much appreciated.

Alan

Jul 3, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

ok, I have just spent a lovely hour or so correcting the online carb counter so that it now matches version 8 of the book. i also corrected some duplicates that somehow crept in. If anyone spots any other errors please let us know !

Jul 14, 2009 Claire Hough 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi All, I'm sorry I am only just getting around to introducing myself even though I have already posted a couple of times! My name is Claire, I'm 29, I live in Cheshire and I was diagnosed Type 1 in 1995, a few weeks before my 15th Birthday. I was given lots of help and support at the time by the hospital and the lovely DSN there, but I don't think my head was in the right place to take it all in at the time. I got by for the first 8 years or so by doing my insulin twice a day (often not at the right time, but a few hours later when I got around to it) and burying my head in the sand. I had a few hypos where I ended up in hospital and one case of DKA whilst on holiday in Spain, but knowing what I do know I think I was lucky to have got away with such few consequences of not really managing my Diabetes. When I did show up for my hospital appointments my Hba1c was usually between 9-11 but I didn't really understand what this meant to be honest! I was totally in denial and just wanted to live a 'normal' life. Aged 23 I went for an eye check up and for the first time they found little spots on the back of my eye and I finally had the wake up call I needed. I got myself to the hospital and talked to the nurses and doctor (getting a little emotional at times) and asked them for help. The doctor put me on the waiting list for a DAFNE course and the nurses changed me onto Novorapid and Levemir, 4 injections a day and 8mm needles, rather than my mixtard pens and 12mm needles (ow - that shows how out of date I was - I am now on 5mm!!). As a result I lost over a stone in weight and my sugar levels improved, but I still wasn't doing my injections on time or many blood tests. It was only the DAFNE course that really got me doing it all properly and that was because it was the first time since I was 14 that everything was explained to me and I was in the right frame of mind to listen. It obviously took me all those years to come to terms with the fact I am diabetic! After the course my HbA1c came down to 7.5, the best it has ever been. I now test my sugar levels before every meal, have the confidence and knowledge to correct my sugar levels and manage sick days. I now inject (subtley) in public, always carry fresh orange with me in case of hypo (I never used to carry anything with me - how awful!) and use a new needle for each injection (again something I wasn't doing before!!). The course has empowered me and I now take a much greater interest in my results and HbA1c and in Diabetes as a whole. I slipped back into a few bad habits recently and my HbA1c went back up to 8, purely due to laziness on my own part, but now I am more motivated than ever and am on track for my first ever HbA1c below 7 at my next check up, fingers crossed! I love this site, it is fantastic, especially because I can access it from my phone and no longer have to carry around diaries and Carb books. It is really helping me to manage my diabetes so thanks very much to the guys that set it up.

Jul 14, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hello, Finally getting round to introducing myself. I'm Paul, age 31, and live in Aberdeenshire with my wife and 2 year old daughter. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a few weeks before Christmas in 1996 and attended the very first DAFNE course in Aberdeen and it has made the biggest change to the way I manage my diabetes. My BG was all over the place before DAFNE, but on the week of the course they were all spot on. Since the course my BG's weren't so good and my HbA1C went a bit high, but it's now on the way down again. Really like this site, and all the features it offers and am looking forward to getting to know you all.

Jul 13, 2009 Alzibiff 21 posts	Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs Having played around with various spreadsheet functions and used a number of meter manufacturers' software over many years, I am a great fan of what I think are described as "time of day modal" graphs. Hope the following makes sense - but please come back at me if not ... Divide the day into DAFNE type periods: before breakfast, before dinner, before evening meal and then before bed. Now take BG readings over say two weeks for each period and find the modal value for each period - the value which has as many readings above and below it for a particular period - not the average - as the odd very low or very high can make averages meaningless. The modal point of each period is then plotted on the graph and this point is marked with vertical line - representing the range of values associated with it. (Gee - I wish I had an image file to post up at this point). The idea is that with a graph which shows a time period of one day along the x-axis, you can see how consistent or otherwise the BG readings are at a specific time of the day and also whether there is an underlying trend which will or should enable you to adjust your individual meal or background insulin dose. The ideal will be a horizonal line (rising slightly at bedtime according to DAFNE rules) and with the vertical lines discussed earlier, non-existent. Make sense? Alan

Jul 13, 2009 Jennifer 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins Thanks for your replies. I have just this minute sent an email off to my Dafne nurse asking if she can do that for me! Fingers crossed.

Jul 13, 2009 Jennifer 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi, My name is Jenni, age 30, living with my partner and son in Aberdeen and getting married next year! (woohoo!) I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in August 2006 and attended the DAFNE course in March 2007. I found it great, it helped me come to terms with my diagnosis as I didn't really know much about how to manage my blood glucose levels. My BG levels were perfect that week but unfortunately not been so great since! I did meet some fab people who shared their experiences as I also don't know many people with diabetes my age. Generally my BG levels are ok but I am having problems when my BG level has shot up by morning making my HbA1c quite high, seeking advice! I did go through a period of being quite lazy with testing etc...but after having my knuckles rapped at clinic I am getting better!

Jul 13, 2009 ChrisS 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins I've always had a Sharps Bin on my prescription since diagnosis in 2003. I take the full one to the Pharmacy who then dispose of it. I would just ask your GP to add it to your prescription.

Jul 13, 2009 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: Site Development / BG Graphs Hello, I've made a DAFNE Diary Excel spreadsheet that produces graphs (see screenshot below): http://www.freewebs.com/nivz78/BG_Graph.jpg I wondered if you could implement something similar for the Blood Glucose Diaries on the site? Thanks, NiVZ

Jul 13, 2009 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins I've only had one bin so far (which I need to go hand in now funnily enough!) and the only reason I started having them was because my DAFNE nurse wrote to my GP and the bins have been added to my prescription list. The needle clipper was also added. So, from this, my only suggestion would be to contact your DAFNE person and they should be okay to send a letter to your GP. My DAFNE nurse did it for everyone on my group. Take care Jen.

Jul 13, 2009 Mark Wilcox 6 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read Hi. I downloaded Opera Mini onto my Nokia 6500 slide, and find the mobile site works perfectly well. Thank you

Jul 12, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions welcome john, there will be a lot more about the DAFNE User Group soon. I attended the 'introductory/training' meeting this friday and saturday and the group is now up and running. However obviously we are at a very early stage and it will take time to acheive our objectives. I will be posting more about this in the user group forum once I receive some write-ups from the meeting. I also recently posted a report on the DAFNE collarobative in that forum that has a paragraph on the dawn effect, sadly its not a solution just more of a realisation of its effect. hopefully more research in the area will produce a means of 'treating' it effectively. Be careful what you volunteer for :-) , one of our terms of reference in the user group is to allow us to co-opt others to help in certain areas. Although obviously at this stage we have no idea what for. In the meantime I'm sure you you can help others by being active in the forums posting replies to questions.

Jul 12, 2009 John Roscoe 14 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi everyone, I have just joined DAFNE online after having been told about it at a DAFNE follow up session I did on Friday, so I thought I should introduce myself. I was diagnosed Type 1 in April 1986 and attended the DAFNE course in October 2007. Although I managed reasonable control for the first 21 years I did suffer badly from severe hypos during the night and also with the dawn effect. Since attending DAFNE the night time hypos have stopped and although I still suffer from the dawn effect I find I am able to manage it better. I really think that DAFNE is the best tool available for the ongoing management of diabetes and things for me have been so much easier as a result. I hope that sites like this and the DAFNE user group help to increase awareness of DAFNE because I strongly believe in it and if I had any criticism it would be that I don't think it has yet had the publicity or the push it deserves (I'll get off my soap box now). I have quite a bit of experience of managing diabetes and hope that if required I can share this with others hopefully to help them. I also look forward to learning from other folks experience. I am 56, married with two daughters and two grandchildren.I have been retired for 4 years, I play golf regularly enjoy gardening and watch rugby union (Scotland fan). I visit Italy alot and have recently bought a small house there which after lots of issues is now being refurbished and I am looking forward to spending more time out there. Hope this gives a reasaonable overview. Look forward to talking in the future and feel free to make contact. Cheers John

Jul 11, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE Collaborative Report I get the problem of high BG's in the morning as well, so it interests me too. Unfortunately this theory probably needs further investigation/research especially to find an effective solution. What is needed is an injection of quick acting insulin about 5am, obviously this is not convenient to most people so another solution needs to be found. Perhaps by using a pump, however that would need solid evidence before PCT's could be persuaded to issue pumps. The collaborative speaker did not have a solution at this time, just an identification of a possible cause of high morning BGs. Like most things medical it takes a while to move from 'theory' to accepted solution.

Jul 11, 2009 Jennifer 11 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE Collaborative Report Hi marke, Thanks for that. I have recently been having trouble with really high BGLs in the mornings even when all seems well at night time. I found it really interesting what you mentioned about the Dawn Phenomenon. Perhaps I will have to investigate more!!

Jul 11, 2009 Jennifer 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins Hi everyone, A few months ago, a friend who has diabetes told me that soon needle bins (like those used in surgeries and hospitals) would be available for all diabetics who inject to get rid of used needles and finger prickers more safely. You would then return them to clinic and they would dispose safely. Has anyone else heard anything? I have asked at clinic but to no avail. The advice I was given when I was first diagnosed was to clip all needles and put into a container with a lid, tape up & write 'sharps' on the side and dispose of into the bin!

Jul 11, 2009 Jennifer 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public I completely agree. I also used to go the the toilet in a restaurant to inject but after meeting other diabetics on my Dafne course, I realised that it's nothing to be ashamed of. The pens that you get these days allow you to be really discreet and I wouldn't exactly invite people to watch but I find most of my friends are interested in what I go through every day so it doesn't even bother them and most of the time they don't even notice that i've already injected! I also have no qualms about testing my blood in public when i'm out, it's an important part of my routine and i'm not going to go and hide away to do it, although I do make sure I let whoever i'm with know i'm doing it so they can look away. The person who wrote that article in Balance magazine obviously has no idea what we have to do every day just to look after ourselves and should be far more accommodating and sensitive, especially if she is a nurse.

Jul 11, 2009 Jennifer 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diaries I get new Dafne diaries when I attend clinic. Also after our course we were sent them in excel form so we could record our results and send to fellow graduates or Dafne leaders for advice.

Jul 11, 2009 Jennifer 11 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released Great, will be really handy for when i'm out & about to record BG levels & carb counting. I use Sony Ericsson k660i and it seems to be working fine for me. Thanks a lot!

Jul 10, 2009 Daniel Pizarro 1 post	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released I thought about developing this myself a year ago when I did dafne - thanks so much for getting this up and running - for me this will change my life and is probably one of the best uses of technology ever. Whoever created it is a legend. I have not even used the mobile device but I am so excited to do so particularly as I am so bad at recording my results in the dafne book. It almost makes diabetes cool! Cannot wait to get started on my blackeberry. The carb counter is soooooooooooooooo good as I always struggle to keep control when out in restuarents and now can just pull out my phone and get the amount of carb for everything I am eating without pulling out the DAFNE book. Cheers to all involved

Jul 9, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / More forums ? Hi Aifric, If you browse the General forum you'll see that other users have raised general Diabetes related issues here, would this meet your needs, or would you prefer to have a more specific forum geared towards health issues? Our development, as always, is guided by you - the users. Thanks, Simon

Jul 9, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read I also have an iPhone and the mobile version of the site, whilst cut down, displays pretty well on it. If you let us know what features you'd specifically like to access (currently you can search CP lists, view the forums and enter new BG results) via the mobile site then we can work on that, or a native iPhone app. Thanks, Simon

Jul 9, 2009 Aifric 2 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Rationale - Please read I have an iPhone and i use a programme called Islet that i downloaded. Its good and easy enough to use. The only problem is that you cant really see patterns - the graphs suck and when you "email" the data to yourself, it comes in an unreadable mess. I'd love to see and iPhone application that you could enter the info in and it would sync easily with an application on your desktop.... Maybe....

Jul 9, 2009 Aifric 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / More forums ? Any chance we could get a forum for how diabetes in general affects everyday health issues. ?? I'd love to see a forum where maybe i can chat to other women who have had babies and how they fared with pregnancies etc....

Jul 8, 2009 PJ 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public I'd say it's a matter of personal choice and about judging the situation. Of course, as diabetics we are not ashamed by the neccessary paraphenalia that goes along with our condition, and we have the same rights as everyone else to exercise free will. I would definitely make a fuss if I was told to take my injections elsewhere, not because I think toilets are disgusting or unhygenic particularly, but because it's taken me several years to get to the point of self confidence about being diabetic, that I will now do everything in public if I feel like it. I only take it somewhere private when I feel I can't be bothered with the staring and the curiosity. I'm a quiet, shy sort of person and I don't really want to have to explain to everyone who wants to know, what it is I'm doing. I think it's about judging the situation in terms of eating at a resteraunt. Of course it's pretty easy to inject discreetly and then pop to the loo to make sure your bloods are ok and you don't need top-ups or something, I might be a little embarrassed about getting out my blood meter and slapping it on the table in front of everyone just because it would appear rather attention seeking. And in my experience it's the blood prick that seems to jar with people the most anyway. Perhaps whipping out a brightly coloured Novopen at a business lunch for new clients might be a little insensitive. But I can't imagine anyone seriously objecting. It's quite obvious that insuin pens and meters are medical and legal and all above board. It's totally personal preference. I don't think anyone should be forced to inject in a corner, that seems humiliating and unfair. And the nurse who wrote the letter might be more understanding if she did have to inject, if the person who upset her had a habit of announcing her injection and turned it into a regular, gawp fest then I might understand her annoyance. But I'm sure most diabetics simply want it over with asap and discretion is something we're all practising anyway. People who don't like it can always look away or mind their own business. To be honest I've sat on enough buses smeared with bogeys, fast food grease, cigarette butts and discarded gum and despaired at the way people treat public spaces. I will practise discretion but I will not hide. PJ

Jul 4, 2009 Alzibiff 21 posts	Topic: DAFNE Graduate Group (DGG) / DAFNE Collaborative Report Thank you for that write up Marke. I found the "dawn phenomenon" bit of interest and eagerly await DAFNE guidance for pump users now that I have switched to one of those after 42 years of injections. As said - very much appreciated. Alan

Jul 3, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter ok, I have just spent a lovely hour or so correcting the online carb counter so that it now matches version 8 of the book. i also corrected some duplicates that somehow crept in. If anyone spots any other errors please let us know !