Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Feb 23, 2009

Simon 574 posts

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

Hi All,

I just wanted to invite some comments on a letter I read in this months Diabetes UK magazine, Balance. It was a response to a letter in a previous issue, and reads:

"I was astounded by the letter from the man whose wife injected herself at a restaurant table while dining with friends ('Injection etiquette', Your health: Dear Richard, Jan/Feb 2009 Balance). How anyone can think this is acceptable is beyond me, but Richard's reply made it seem that anyone who might be upset should look away. Personally, I'd be disgusted if someone at the table did this, and I'm a nurse! I would be angry at that person's lack of consideration for others. The lady may not want to inject in the toilet, but if she is eating at a decent restaurant then they should be perfectly hygenic and a far more suitable place for such and intimate act." - Balance, Mar/April 2009, P.11

Now at first glance I thought this was a joke... But then was a little shocked to read that this person (a nurse) sounded deadly serious about it. I was wondering what other people's thoughts were on this - do you feel comfortable when injecting in public, or do you find somewhere private (e.g. a toilet) to do it?

Simon

Feb 23, 2009

Simon 574 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Emma,

Thanks for the feedback. I agree that this would be a nice feature to have. Unfortunately it's a little more difficult displaying things graphically on the web versus in table format, rest assured though I'll get working on it and update you on progress via this forum post.

Thanks,

Simon

Feb 23, 2009

Em 2 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Simon

Thanks for all the hard work you are putting into this site - its great!

Is it possible that the BG diary could some how have the option to be viewed as a pie chart, as this is helpful to see a percentage of BG on target, under and over??

Thank you.

Kind regards,

Emma

Feb 22, 2009

Simon 574 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Stew,

Thanks for your feedback, I totally agree and have now sorted that out, You can now put decimal numbers plus corrections in the CP,QA and BI fields in a diary entry. For example, these entries:

8, 8+1, 8.5, 8.5+1, 8.5+0.5

Are now allowed in the aforementioned fields.

If you have any more feedback then please don't hesitate to post here or get in touch.

Simon

Feb 22, 2009

Stew B 123 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Simon, I've tried a few entries in the online diary. One issue is that if I make a CP or QA correction I like to show it in my paper diary in the form "8+1" (i.e. 8CPs for the food I am about to eat, plus one CP correction, or 8 units of QA plus one unit for a correction). The on-line diary won't let me do this, it seems to require a single number entry. I guess I could indicate that I have made a correction in the comments box, but I'm also using the comments box to indicate QA ratios etc. Is there any reason why the CP and QA boxes can't be allowed to take an entry in the "8+1" format?

Feb 19, 2009

Simon 574 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Louisa,

Thanks for your post. A lot of your requirements seem to relate to a paper-based diary - is this correct? At the moment I'm just looking at implementing one that you can update via this website, and in the future share your diary (if you want) with other site users. Your paper-based comments do still come in handy though, as I need to define a layout for printing the online diary.

With regard to the 'more columns' request - how many is a good number for you? There has to be a tradeoff here between how many entries you can make into the diary, and how it looks on a page (more entries per day may become confusing).

Please feel free to add more comments, the more user feedback we get the better we can make it!

Thanks,

Simon

Feb 19, 2009

Louisa 1 post

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Simon,

This is of particluar interest to me and I hope you dont mind me sharing my thoughts. I was given three BG diaries when I finished the course and Im but a couple of pages away from the end of my supply! To my great suprise (in my pre-Dafne state, I had avoided writing them down EVER), I now intend to keep this going....until I get a better hobbie anyhow....

The closest thing I found online was a Leceister Hospital own version of the diary, available for download. Not as nice as the Dafne produced one, but when printed was too large. I started to devise my own (my Dafne team dont do an on-going supply). Main features for me are...

* Size, I find the current diary too large and bulky for fitting inside my kitbag
* Preferably, the size of a passport as I would like one that fits a passport holder and get myself a nice protective case (and defer away from my current decoration of spots of blood from my fingers!)
* Somewhere for an indication of ratio's as I differ on working and non-working days
* More colums. I test more than the number of columns if I have hypo'd or been to the gym.

Ive just read that back and I appear to have a lot of requirements for a very small page! Overall, Im happy with the format we have now with the current diary - I just cant get my hands on any!!! An online option would be very useful for me and I look forward to what you come up with.

Cheers
Lou

Feb 14, 2009

marke 655 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Compare notes...

I used to have the same problems with Gym visits. My advice would be, experiment. I don't think there is a good answer because we are
all so different. I tried banana's and chocolate and a few other things. I was sometimes a bit low by not having enough but there was no
set amount since the level of exercise could change from week to week as could my reaction to the carbs and exercise. I would
always keeps some carbs with me though just in case. In fact the biggest issue I had was the next morning when the carb 'demand'
was still higher than normal. Its easy to forget about this when 'planning' exercise.

Feb 11, 2009

Diana 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/ is also very good and includes UK brands. if you go straight to the website i think it's only possible to browse (as opposed to searching) the food categories without becoming a member, but if you google the food you're after and "carbohydrate" it usually comes up...

Feb 11, 2009

Simon 574 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

The team are now looking to implement new features and one requested in the initial meeting was an online blood glucose diary. I'd like to canvas for opinions on what features you'd like to see if such a thing were implemented. First question though - would you want one? There's no point in spending time developing a feature if it wasn't going to be used.

Next - what would you want it to do? Here's some thoughts:

Show BG results that you have input in the same format as the one you receive during DAFNE Week
Allow you to share it with others (optionally) and integrate it with forums in case you wanted to ask for opinions on ratios/trends.
Allow you to set specific targets and show whether each reading is above, in, or below target.
Be printable so you can take it to reviews and doctors appointments

Any thoughts are most welcome.

Thanks,

Simon

Feb 11, 2009

Simon 574 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

Hi,

I found quite a useful site today, at http://caloriecount.about.com. Basically you can search for any food/drink, even branded goods and it will show you the nutrition information for that item, in terms of /100g or per portion. It seems to be a massive database, so might be a good place to look if you are stuck trying to work out the Carbohydrate content of an item.

As an aside, the development team are currently working on a CP list function for the site, and will let you know when that is up and running.

Simon

Feb 10, 2009

Diana 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mulled wine

I wouldn't normally adjust for alcohol but I've found in the past that mulled wine sends my BS a bit high when I don't count it. Also, I wonder if microwaving it zaps the alcohol to some extent? It never goes to my head, whereas the same quantity of red wine would! Anyway, I injected 4.5u and a couple of hours later my BS was 5.6 so 30g CHO/120mls must be about right.

Feb 10, 2009

Widster 23 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

HI,
I'm Paul and aged 38. I was diagnosed with type 1 in Aug 2004. Leicester is one of the leading centre's for DAFNE study and as soon as i found out about the DAFNE course i had my name on the list, about one year from diagnosis. My Hba1c was initially 6.9 but has recently climbed to 7.5 and now down to 7.1. I try to keep on top of things but like everyone other things get in ther way. I sometimes eat the wrong things, forget to inject, take the wrong insulin dose, lazily work out the carbohydrates........ I think it's being human. My main aim is to reduce complications as i work as an Occupational Therapist and i see the results of people who have not, for whatever reason, been able to control their diabetes. I had a recent result of 'background retinopathy' which has caused me to become more focused on my diabetes and has got me over a lazy period where i stopped recording and looking at my results. I think DAFNE is brilliant and i think this forum is just what is needed. I look forward to liaising with others and discussing the the ups and downs of life with diabetes. Well done to those who have made the effort to get this forum started!

Feb 10, 2009

Widster 23 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mulled wine

I didn't think you needed to adjust for wine as the alcohol would bring your blood glucose down after a while. I may be wrong though...

Feb 10, 2009

The Chief 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi
Just signed up and am looking forward to exchanging thoughts and ideas. I contracted Diabetes at the ripe age of 25 (after just one year of marriage. I "coped" with things really until I went on the Daphne course in 2003 at The Leicester Royal Informary. Waht a revelation- freedom to eat what and when I liked and keep my blood sugars under control. I take every opportunity to spread the good word to anyone I know with Diabetes. Now the only invention left for some bright inventor is to make a carbohydrate scanner- point it at the food and get an accurate CHO reading- I HAVE A DREAM!

Feb 10, 2009

Diana 7 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mulled wine

Possibly the wrong time of year for this one(!) but I have some left over from Christmas and it's still cold enough for it...

Anybody know roughly how many carbs are in a glass? (just the supermarket stuff). I just found a website which says 30g CHO for 120mls homemade wine, but that would mean injecting 4.5u on my current ratio of 1.5:1, which goes against my gut instinct...

Feb 10, 2009

Becky 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi!

My name's Becky. I'm 29 & have been type 1 for 21 years. I did the DAFNE course at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral in June 2007. I really enjoyed the course & it's really made me take a more responsible view of my diabetes. I've not been a particularly well behaved diabetic over the years but I've really turned things round since I did DAFNE. My highest HbA1c was nearly 13% but it's now 6.8%. I'm feeling really proud of myself for getting it under control again! Not all of my blood sugars are perfect but most are pretty good.

Unfortunately, I've got a few complications although not as many as some people. After all the messing around I've done with my diabetes there was no way I was ever going to get away scott free! I have neuropathy in both feet & some damage to my eyes. Thankfully I was introduced to DAFNE & I can try to prevent these problems getting any worse. XxX

Feb 10, 2009

Nigel C 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hello,

My name is Nigel, and I'm a 57 year old DAFNE Graduate from the Pennine Acute NHS Trust course which was held in May 2006. I have been diabetic since I was about 16. Since then, I've relied on doctors and dietitians to advise me on insulin dose and diet. I used to make many changes to my insulin dose, but no matter what I did, I could not improve my control.

What a difference DAFNE made! - I didn't think I would get the carbohydrate counting correct, but it soon became fairly simple. I didn't think I would I be able to perform all the blood tests on a regular basis, but I have, and I now l wonder what all the fuss was about.

I no longer see diabetes as an illness, but more of a game - the better I play, the lower my HbA1c! Best of all, I'm in control!

Feb 10, 2009

Diana 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Compare notes...

I find that a bottle of lucozade sport covers me perfectly for a 10k run...

Feb 10, 2009

Treasure_Ire... 1 post

Topic: Site Development / Site attendance

Hi,

I just joined your website today, (recieved an email from the facebook group).

I am a web developer/designer, and a way i recommend of getting top of google, is google analytics. (http://www.google.com/analytics/).

I find this is a good way of viewing your website statistics, and its very detailed.

obviously it will take a few months to take effect like all seo, but its very effective.

Thanks,

Rebecca

Feb 10, 2009

Shelley B 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi All,

Im 25 and have been type one for 6 years this July. I did the DAFNE course 2 years ago and it changed my life for lots of reasons! I feel DAFNE has given me a brilliant understanding of my Diabetes and although you cannot be on top of it 24/7 it provides you with a lot more knowledge on how to deal with it when things go wrong, such as illness and hypos etc!!

I met my good friend Sally on the course, the first diabetic my age I had met! We went on to attend a course through Diabetes UK called 3d and we have since set up a fab group called Circle D, its basically 18-30 yr old diabetics who meet up for support but also we have lots of socials and fun nights out, you can find out more at www.circledrocks.co.uk.

I would urge every diabetic to do DAFNE I think its fantastic!!

Shelley x

Feb 10, 2009

Ruth 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi all
Iâ€™ve had type 1 for 5 years. I guess Iâ€™ve always taken controlling diabetes fairly seriously â€“ maybe too seriously. Iâ€™d taught myself to carb count before doing DAFNE! I suppose its partly because of the way I was diagnosed. I ended of in intensive care, being treated for ketoacidocis, dehydration and shock â€“ not exactly a gentle let in!

Anyway, since then Iâ€™ve struggled on. To be honest DAFNE didnâ€™t change that much for me, but it did allow me to start on a pump (in my area you have to be dafned before you can start pumping) and that has improved things for me.

Feb 9, 2009

Stew B 123 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Compare notes...

Would any graduates out there like to compare notes/tips about DAFNE and exercise? My working and personal lifestyles make it really difficult to plan exercise. I like to run / cycle (weather dependent!) two or three times a week after work, but I can't guarantee that an opportunity will arise, so its difficult to adjust insulin / carbs in advance. I've found a rule of thumb for me is that a mile of running requires 1 CP (I tend to use a mixture of orange juice and/or banana). This is fine for three or four miles, but I'd like to increase this when the lighter evening get here, and I'm wondering what form any carbs should take if I'm going to run for anything up to an hour. Will oj and bananas still do the trick (not sure I could eat that many bananas!)? (ps: not related to the above, but discovering individual microwavable steamed puddings with carbs on the packet has changed my eating life!)

Feb 9, 2009

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Eye photos

Hi Lizzie
When it comes to photos, the research evidence shows that they are better at picking up early and important changes than GPs and even diabetes specialists. However, eye specialists are going to be better than photos which is probably why you were referred. As long as it is a specialist that is checking your eyes you are receiving the right treatment. Sometimes, the specialist arranges special photos involving an injection to cause florescence of the blood vessels but this doesn't seem to have happened in your case. If you are brave enough then you could ask your specialist if you can have photos and he/she might listen. DAFNE doesn't have a policy about photos although the national picture means that everyone with diabetes should now be having photos unless they get referred to an eye specialist.
Simon

Feb 9, 2009

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: Questions ? / Eye photos

I used to have my eyes checked by the diabetic clinic at the hospital. They would photograph them regularly and explain the photos and any changes. A while back they referred me to the main hospital eye department. I have now not had my eyes photographed for over 18 months which really worries me. I questioned this at my last appointment and was told it was normal for a doctor to just look at my eyes and not photograph them. What does DAFNE reccomend about eye photos? Are they necessary? Are my doctors right not to take them? It worries me because I think a machine would be more accurate than a person. And if a photo was taken then any changes could be explained to me and also give the option of second opinions from other doctors. If it is just a doctor looking, then that cuts me out of my own care which is surely against DAFNE principles. I need to be able to see any physical impact or changes which are occurring either to be able to feel proud of improved control or to motivate myself to do better. I am simply not happy with not having photos. Who should I complain to and what should I do?

Feb 23, 2009 Simon 574 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public Hi All, I just wanted to invite some comments on a letter I read in this months Diabetes UK magazine, Balance. It was a response to a letter in a previous issue, and reads: "I was astounded by the letter from the man whose wife injected herself at a restaurant table while dining with friends ('Injection etiquette', Your health: Dear Richard, Jan/Feb 2009 Balance). How anyone can think this is acceptable is beyond me, but Richard's reply made it seem that anyone who might be upset should look away. Personally, I'd be disgusted if someone at the table did this, and I'm a nurse! I would be angry at that person's lack of consideration for others. The lady may not want to inject in the toilet, but if she is eating at a decent restaurant then they should be perfectly hygenic and a far more suitable place for such and intimate act." - Balance, Mar/April 2009, P.11 Now at first glance I thought this was a joke... But then was a little shocked to read that this person (a nurse) sounded deadly serious about it. I was wondering what other people's thoughts were on this - do you feel comfortable when injecting in public, or do you find somewhere private (e.g. a toilet) to do it? Simon

Feb 23, 2009 Simon 574 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Emma, Thanks for the feedback. I agree that this would be a nice feature to have. Unfortunately it's a little more difficult displaying things graphically on the web versus in table format, rest assured though I'll get working on it and update you on progress via this forum post. Thanks, Simon

Feb 23, 2009 Em 2 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Simon Thanks for all the hard work you are putting into this site - its great! Is it possible that the BG diary could some how have the option to be viewed as a pie chart, as this is helpful to see a percentage of BG on target, under and over?? Thank you. Kind regards, Emma

Feb 22, 2009 Simon 574 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Stew, Thanks for your feedback, I totally agree and have now sorted that out, You can now put decimal numbers plus corrections in the CP,QA and BI fields in a diary entry. For example, these entries: 8, 8+1, 8.5, 8.5+1, 8.5+0.5 Are now allowed in the aforementioned fields. If you have any more feedback then please don't hesitate to post here or get in touch. Simon

Feb 22, 2009 Stew B 123 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Simon, I've tried a few entries in the online diary. One issue is that if I make a CP or QA correction I like to show it in my paper diary in the form "8+1" (i.e. 8CPs for the food I am about to eat, plus one CP correction, or 8 units of QA plus one unit for a correction). The on-line diary won't let me do this, it seems to require a single number entry. I guess I could indicate that I have made a correction in the comments box, but I'm also using the comments box to indicate QA ratios etc. Is there any reason why the CP and QA boxes can't be allowed to take an entry in the "8+1" format?

Feb 19, 2009 Simon 574 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Louisa, Thanks for your post. A lot of your requirements seem to relate to a paper-based diary - is this correct? At the moment I'm just looking at implementing one that you can update via this website, and in the future share your diary (if you want) with other site users. Your paper-based comments do still come in handy though, as I need to define a layout for printing the online diary. With regard to the 'more columns' request - how many is a good number for you? There has to be a tradeoff here between how many entries you can make into the diary, and how it looks on a page (more entries per day may become confusing). Please feel free to add more comments, the more user feedback we get the better we can make it! Thanks, Simon

Feb 19, 2009 Louisa 1 post	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Simon, This is of particluar interest to me and I hope you dont mind me sharing my thoughts. I was given three BG diaries when I finished the course and Im but a couple of pages away from the end of my supply! To my great suprise (in my pre-Dafne state, I had avoided writing them down EVER), I now intend to keep this going....until I get a better hobbie anyhow.... The closest thing I found online was a Leceister Hospital own version of the diary, available for download. Not as nice as the Dafne produced one, but when printed was too large. I started to devise my own (my Dafne team dont do an on-going supply). Main features for me are... * Size, I find the current diary too large and bulky for fitting inside my kitbag * Preferably, the size of a passport as I would like one that fits a passport holder and get myself a nice protective case (and defer away from my current decoration of spots of blood from my fingers!) * Somewhere for an indication of ratio's as I differ on working and non-working days * More colums. I test more than the number of columns if I have hypo'd or been to the gym. Ive just read that back and I appear to have a lot of requirements for a very small page! Overall, Im happy with the format we have now with the current diary - I just cant get my hands on any!!! An online option would be very useful for me and I look forward to what you come up with. Cheers Lou

Feb 14, 2009 marke 655 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Compare notes... I used to have the same problems with Gym visits. My advice would be, experiment. I don't think there is a good answer because we are all so different. I tried banana's and chocolate and a few other things. I was sometimes a bit low by not having enough but there was no set amount since the level of exercise could change from week to week as could my reaction to the carbs and exercise. I would always keeps some carbs with me though just in case. In fact the biggest issue I had was the next morning when the carb 'demand' was still higher than normal. Its easy to forget about this when 'planning' exercise.

Feb 11, 2009 Diana 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/ is also very good and includes UK brands. if you go straight to the website i think it's only possible to browse (as opposed to searching) the food categories without becoming a member, but if you google the food you're after and "carbohydrate" it usually comes up...

Feb 11, 2009 Simon 574 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries The team are now looking to implement new features and one requested in the initial meeting was an online blood glucose diary. I'd like to canvas for opinions on what features you'd like to see if such a thing were implemented. First question though - would you want one? There's no point in spending time developing a feature if it wasn't going to be used. Next - what would you want it to do? Here's some thoughts: Show BG results that you have input in the same format as the one you receive during DAFNE Week Allow you to share it with others (optionally) and integrate it with forums in case you wanted to ask for opinions on ratios/trends. Allow you to set specific targets and show whether each reading is above, in, or below target. Be printable so you can take it to reviews and doctors appointments Any thoughts are most welcome. Thanks, Simon

Feb 11, 2009 Simon 574 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs Hi, I found quite a useful site today, at http://caloriecount.about.com. Basically you can search for any food/drink, even branded goods and it will show you the nutrition information for that item, in terms of /100g or per portion. It seems to be a massive database, so might be a good place to look if you are stuck trying to work out the Carbohydrate content of an item. As an aside, the development team are currently working on a CP list function for the site, and will let you know when that is up and running. Simon

Feb 10, 2009 Diana 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mulled wine I wouldn't normally adjust for alcohol but I've found in the past that mulled wine sends my BS a bit high when I don't count it. Also, I wonder if microwaving it zaps the alcohol to some extent? It never goes to my head, whereas the same quantity of red wine would! Anyway, I injected 4.5u and a couple of hours later my BS was 5.6 so 30g CHO/120mls must be about right.

Feb 10, 2009 Widster 23 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions HI, I'm Paul and aged 38. I was diagnosed with type 1 in Aug 2004. Leicester is one of the leading centre's for DAFNE study and as soon as i found out about the DAFNE course i had my name on the list, about one year from diagnosis. My Hba1c was initially 6.9 but has recently climbed to 7.5 and now down to 7.1. I try to keep on top of things but like everyone other things get in ther way. I sometimes eat the wrong things, forget to inject, take the wrong insulin dose, lazily work out the carbohydrates........ I think it's being human. My main aim is to reduce complications as i work as an Occupational Therapist and i see the results of people who have not, for whatever reason, been able to control their diabetes. I had a recent result of 'background retinopathy' which has caused me to become more focused on my diabetes and has got me over a lazy period where i stopped recording and looking at my results. I think DAFNE is brilliant and i think this forum is just what is needed. I look forward to liaising with others and discussing the the ups and downs of life with diabetes. Well done to those who have made the effort to get this forum started!

Feb 10, 2009 Widster 23 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mulled wine I didn't think you needed to adjust for wine as the alcohol would bring your blood glucose down after a while. I may be wrong though...

Feb 10, 2009 The Chief 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi Just signed up and am looking forward to exchanging thoughts and ideas. I contracted Diabetes at the ripe age of 25 (after just one year of marriage. I "coped" with things really until I went on the Daphne course in 2003 at The Leicester Royal Informary. Waht a revelation- freedom to eat what and when I liked and keep my blood sugars under control. I take every opportunity to spread the good word to anyone I know with Diabetes. Now the only invention left for some bright inventor is to make a carbohydrate scanner- point it at the food and get an accurate CHO reading- I HAVE A DREAM!

Feb 10, 2009 Diana 7 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mulled wine Possibly the wrong time of year for this one(!) but I have some left over from Christmas and it's still cold enough for it... Anybody know roughly how many carbs are in a glass? (just the supermarket stuff). I just found a website which says 30g CHO for 120mls homemade wine, but that would mean injecting 4.5u on my current ratio of 1.5:1, which goes against my gut instinct...

Feb 10, 2009 Becky 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi! My name's Becky. I'm 29 & have been type 1 for 21 years. I did the DAFNE course at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral in June 2007. I really enjoyed the course & it's really made me take a more responsible view of my diabetes. I've not been a particularly well behaved diabetic over the years but I've really turned things round since I did DAFNE. My highest HbA1c was nearly 13% but it's now 6.8%. I'm feeling really proud of myself for getting it under control again! Not all of my blood sugars are perfect but most are pretty good. Unfortunately, I've got a few complications although not as many as some people. After all the messing around I've done with my diabetes there was no way I was ever going to get away scott free! I have neuropathy in both feet & some damage to my eyes. Thankfully I was introduced to DAFNE & I can try to prevent these problems getting any worse. XxX

Feb 10, 2009 Nigel C 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hello, My name is Nigel, and I'm a 57 year old DAFNE Graduate from the Pennine Acute NHS Trust course which was held in May 2006. I have been diabetic since I was about 16. Since then, I've relied on doctors and dietitians to advise me on insulin dose and diet. I used to make many changes to my insulin dose, but no matter what I did, I could not improve my control. What a difference DAFNE made! - I didn't think I would get the carbohydrate counting correct, but it soon became fairly simple. I didn't think I would I be able to perform all the blood tests on a regular basis, but I have, and I now l wonder what all the fuss was about. I no longer see diabetes as an illness, but more of a game - the better I play, the lower my HbA1c! Best of all, I'm in control!

Feb 10, 2009 Diana 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Compare notes... I find that a bottle of lucozade sport covers me perfectly for a 10k run...

Feb 10, 2009 Treasure_Ire... 1 post	Topic: Site Development / Site attendance Hi, I just joined your website today, (recieved an email from the facebook group). I am a web developer/designer, and a way i recommend of getting top of google, is google analytics. (http://www.google.com/analytics/). I find this is a good way of viewing your website statistics, and its very detailed. obviously it will take a few months to take effect like all seo, but its very effective. Thanks, Rebecca

Feb 10, 2009 Shelley B 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi All, Im 25 and have been type one for 6 years this July. I did the DAFNE course 2 years ago and it changed my life for lots of reasons! I feel DAFNE has given me a brilliant understanding of my Diabetes and although you cannot be on top of it 24/7 it provides you with a lot more knowledge on how to deal with it when things go wrong, such as illness and hypos etc!! I met my good friend Sally on the course, the first diabetic my age I had met! We went on to attend a course through Diabetes UK called 3d and we have since set up a fab group called Circle D, its basically 18-30 yr old diabetics who meet up for support but also we have lots of socials and fun nights out, you can find out more at www.circledrocks.co.uk. I would urge every diabetic to do DAFNE I think its fantastic!! Shelley x

Feb 10, 2009 Ruth 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi all Iâ€™ve had type 1 for 5 years. I guess Iâ€™ve always taken controlling diabetes fairly seriously â€“ maybe too seriously. Iâ€™d taught myself to carb count before doing DAFNE! I suppose its partly because of the way I was diagnosed. I ended of in intensive care, being treated for ketoacidocis, dehydration and shock â€“ not exactly a gentle let in! Anyway, since then Iâ€™ve struggled on. To be honest DAFNE didnâ€™t change that much for me, but it did allow me to start on a pump (in my area you have to be dafned before you can start pumping) and that has improved things for me.

Feb 9, 2009 Stew B 123 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Compare notes... Would any graduates out there like to compare notes/tips about DAFNE and exercise? My working and personal lifestyles make it really difficult to plan exercise. I like to run / cycle (weather dependent!) two or three times a week after work, but I can't guarantee that an opportunity will arise, so its difficult to adjust insulin / carbs in advance. I've found a rule of thumb for me is that a mile of running requires 1 CP (I tend to use a mixture of orange juice and/or banana). This is fine for three or four miles, but I'd like to increase this when the lighter evening get here, and I'm wondering what form any carbs should take if I'm going to run for anything up to an hour. Will oj and bananas still do the trick (not sure I could eat that many bananas!)? (ps: not related to the above, but discovering individual microwavable steamed puddings with carbs on the packet has changed my eating life!)

Feb 9, 2009 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Eye photos Hi Lizzie When it comes to photos, the research evidence shows that they are better at picking up early and important changes than GPs and even diabetes specialists. However, eye specialists are going to be better than photos which is probably why you were referred. As long as it is a specialist that is checking your eyes you are receiving the right treatment. Sometimes, the specialist arranges special photos involving an injection to cause florescence of the blood vessels but this doesn't seem to have happened in your case. If you are brave enough then you could ask your specialist if you can have photos and he/she might listen. DAFNE doesn't have a policy about photos although the national picture means that everyone with diabetes should now be having photos unless they get referred to an eye specialist. Simon

Feb 9, 2009 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: Questions ? / Eye photos I used to have my eyes checked by the diabetic clinic at the hospital. They would photograph them regularly and explain the photos and any changes. A while back they referred me to the main hospital eye department. I have now not had my eyes photographed for over 18 months which really worries me. I questioned this at my last appointment and was told it was normal for a doctor to just look at my eyes and not photograph them. What does DAFNE reccomend about eye photos? Are they necessary? Are my doctors right not to take them? It worries me because I think a machine would be more accurate than a person. And if a photo was taken then any changes could be explained to me and also give the option of second opinions from other doctors. If it is just a doctor looking, then that cuts me out of my own care which is surely against DAFNE principles. I need to be able to see any physical impact or changes which are occurring either to be able to feel proud of improved control or to motivate myself to do better. I am simply not happy with not having photos. Who should I complain to and what should I do?