Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

May 5, 2009

Dawn 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Does Dafne work?

I have also done a local version of DAFNE, and the principles were the same, using a ratio of carbohydrates to insulin. My own HBA1c hasn't improved very much, although my blood tests results seem generally better overall, so it was a bit of a surprise at my last clinic appointment that it was 8.4.
A specialist diabetes nurse who was involved with the training (now retired) believed that the ups and downs of highs and lows caused more problems than a raised HBA1. I do find that hormones play a huge part in upsetting blood sugars, especially before periods, and now during the menopause. I agree with the person (sorry, I'm new to the site!) who said that the medical staff usually appear to gloss over this issue, but after 50 years of diabetes, I feel it makes a significant difference to results.
Keep up the good work, everyone!

May 4, 2009

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Does Dafne work?

My HBA1c was pretty good before I did my DAFNE course in Norwich in Feb 2007, and it has remained at just below 7 pretty constantly since then. For me the huge benefit of DAFNE has been to get my (and my family's) food life back. I was diagnosed in 1999, when I was 46, and the change for me was pretty radical. I became obsessed with achieving a low HBA1c, and ran my life around my diabetes. I felt that I had lost control, and the impact spread to work and especially to my family. Maybe another sort of structured education might have helped, but for me DAFNE was a revelation - it has given back control and flexibility, to both me and my family. Clearly, achieivng good blood glucose control is important for physical health, but for me the huge improvement in emotional well-being has probably been the biggest direct impact of DAFNE.

May 3, 2009

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Does Dafne work?

Hi,
When you say a 'local version' of DAFNE, what exactly do you mean ? Was it the official DAFNE course or some adaptation of it by the local PCT/hospital. Its is true that HBA1c shows the level of blood sugars over the last three months and in theory you could have a lot of highs and lows thst average out, but I suspect in reality if your control is that un-even you wouldn't get a good HBA1c. I don't believe that there is any other test that gives an indication of blood sugar control.
The idea of DAFNE is you DONT have to be so careful about carbs because you match your insulin too the carbs you eat. The only variables are how much background insulin and how much fast acting insulin to take, although I agree the best way is to keep testing and adjusting to get it right.
I think that your group is like mine, they are being too harsh on themselves and not focusing enough on the positives. Some in my group were concerned that their HBA1c had not imporved by much, however after a group discussion it was clear that prior to DAFNE they had seldom tested their blood sugar. Post DAFNE they were still regularly blood testing and that was a big improvement on before. So there was no miracle improvement BUT they had made some progress and we helped them to focus on this as a way of continuing to improve their HBA1c and stay on track.
There is no easy solution to stay on track. I would say the help of others is the best way, which is one of the reasons for this website existing to help DAFNE graduates communicate and support each other. So keep working at it and focus on the positives and changes you have already made. Hopefully this will help you keep on track.

May 3, 2009

Nicole 3 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Does Dafne work?

I live in Epsom and have done a local version of DAFNE. I have found this very useful because it has brought me in touch with other type 1 diabetics from whom I gain lots of moral support and inspiration. We meet up monthly and that is all well and good but the general feedback from the group seems to be that their actual HBA1c results are not particularly improved. I wondered what long term improvements others have noticed and whether there are any other ways of measuring it than the HBA1c? (I have also heard that because its a mean average of your blood sugars its possible to be badly controlled, with extreme highs and lows, but get a good result).
I am pro DAFNE because its given me the tools i need to fit diabetes into a normal life but I am aware that if I am to bring down my blood sugars I've got to be pretty careful about carbs and insulin and all the other variables. In other words it only works if you keep trying, testing and building on your self knowledge.
How do you keep yourself focussed and on track? What support do you get from HCPs and other diabetics? BTW in the interests of openess my HBA1c is 8.4 so I could do better!

May 2, 2009

Becky 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

I have recieved the following response from somebody at Wirral PCT.

Dear Mrs Nicholls

Thank you for your email dated 20th April 2009 concerning the decision towithdraw funding for the DAFNE course.

I apologise for the delay in responding to you. Owing to a misunderstandingI was under then impression that the matter was alreday being dealt with.Please accept my apologies for the lack of communication from ourselves.

I can confirm that your concerns have been passed to the Assistant GeneralManager for Medicine and that I have asked for a full response to theissues that you have raised. I will contact you as soon as this has beenreceived.

In the meantime, thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I wasvery sorry to learn that a course that you have found so helpful andconstructive is to end and I hope that the Trust will be able offer you assatisfactory alternative. Again, I shall contact you as soon as I have anyfurther news.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Eke
Complaints Manager
Risk Management Department
Wirral University Teaching Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust
Tel: 0151 678 5111 Ext: 2615
Direct Line: 0151 604 7660
Fax: 0151 604 7041

May 1, 2009

digth 19 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

Hi Clare

Its a shame that after all your trouble to ensure that you continued to get a quality service from the Arrowe Park team you are now having to accept a situation where you no longer get support of DAFNE trained staff.

Perhaps a letter to the the Cheif Executive at Arrowe Park, letting him know that you are now considering moving your care elsewhere as DAFNE is no longer available would be help to highlight the situation further.

May 1, 2009

Claire Hough 12 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

I have actually moved slightly out of the area from Arrowe Park now, but caused a bit of a fuss with my new doctors and the hospital by refusing to change from the care of Arrowe because of DAFNE - which they don't do in Chester. I guess if they do withdraw DAFNE I may as well just change to being under the care of my doctor's surgery, which is how they care for Diabetics in my new area, and carry on following DAFNE on my own. Seems a shame to have to go it alone but at least I will have this forum and my good friend Becky to help me!

Apr 30, 2009

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

You are right at least the PCT has been made aware of this issue. I'm told the trust wants to issue a statement to put on this website, we await it with anticipation. I am interested to know what 'whistle' is, sadly google can't help which I suspect tells me all I need to know.
I'm sure we all want to see Diabetes Structured education available, however without knowing the details of whistle its hard to say how it compares with DAFNE.
If anyone gets a letter of response from the Trust please let us know so we can co-ordinate a response.

Apr 30, 2009

marke 686 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house

hey, good news!! let us know how it goes. Hopefully you can continue to get DAFNE support from them and this site. I used to
live in that part of the country and still miss it....

Apr 30, 2009

natv25 2 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house

Many thanks for all your contributions.

I phoned the DAFNE clinic at SALisbury and have got an appointment in a few weeks time. On their advise I went back to the doctor and told them this and gave them the address so they could refer me aswell, they didin't have much choice once I told them I had already got an appointment booked.

Thanks again to you all.

Apr 30, 2009

digth 19 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house

Hi

Simon Heller is correct that DAFNE centres are very thin on the ground on the south coast.

As marke has pointed DAFNE is delivered at Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury and also the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guilford; next closest would be in London.

I'm not sure if Salisbury or Guilford are options for you , but good luck and I hope you get the some support.

Gill Thompson

Apr 30, 2009

digth 19 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

Hi Everyone

I need to correct the original information that I supplied that started this initial debate.

I have been informed that technically the PCT did not withdraw funding at Arrowe Park Hospital, as they have never funded DAFNE in the first place. Apparently the DAFNE Programme at Arrowe Park has always been funded by 'soft money' from a Drs endowment fund, this funding came to an end and the Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust (covering Arrowe Park Hospital and Clatterbridge General Hospital) decided to put a bid together for the PCT for structured Type 1 education for the Trust.

Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust decided not to favour DAFNE, but to go with an alternative programme delivered at Clatterbridge Hospital called Whistle, which is based upon another type 1 education programme. It was this alternative programme that Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust has recommended for funding rather that DAFNE.

However the actual outcome remains the same, people living on the Wirral no longer have access to DAFNE.

Therefore any letters of complaint need to be redirected to the Chief Executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust, Len Richards, at the following address:

Arrowe Park Hospital
Arrowe Park Road
Upton
Wirral
CH49 5PE

I understand that the PCT have forwarded all letters of complaint received from DAFNE Graduates to date to Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust complaints department.

So Iâ€™m sorry for providing you all with slightly incorrect initial information in the first place; however I suspect the fact that the PCT have been altered to your concerns isn't a bad thing. Letâ€™s see how the Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust responds.

Apr 29, 2009

Emma Dietitian 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mulled wine

I have checked this recently (despite the unseasonal timing) and it is 2 1/2 CPs per 100 ml, so you're spot on with your guess. Traditionally, demerera sugar is added, so this makes sense.
I would still use DAFNE principles of 1/2 unit QA per CP and a snack afterwards of you do enjoy more than a glass or 2 though!

Apr 28, 2009

Carl 5 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released

Wow, this works really well. I've just made my first "mobile" diary entry on my Nokia E51. This is going to be so convenient when out and about.

The mobile home page, diary and carb counter look good on the E51 using IE and Opera Mini.

Smile

Thanks for all your hard work!

Apr 28, 2009

Becky 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

I have sent an e-mail to both e-mail addresses & I also copied in my local MP. He said that once I hear back from the complaints team he'll see how he can help.

Apr 28, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

Although I did the course in Sheffield I now live under the care of Arrowe Park so have sent them a letter of complaint - here's hoping they realise that the DAFNE Course is an important tool in the care of people with Type 1 like ourselves. If I hear anything back I'll let you know...

Apr 28, 2009

Becky 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

Woo Claire - you go girl! xXx

Apr 28, 2009

Claire Hough 12 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral

Hi guys, I have emailed them as well - will let you know if I get a response.

Can't believe they're going to withdraw funding - why would they do that? DAFNE is brilliant and every type 1 should go on it!

Apr 27, 2009

Crispo 5 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Simon,

Many thanks for the update mate. Loving the online diary action!!!

Cheers,
Paul

Apr 25, 2009

Simon Heller 46 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house

There are some GPs who know a lot about diabetes (although few who are DAFNE trained) and who could support DAFNE graduates but I agree with marke, that the remark that 'young and healthy' people don't need to see a specialist doesn't suggest that this GP is one of them. I think there are relatively few DAFNE clinics on the South coast but Salisbury is not too far away and Gill Thompson, national clinical director of the DAFNE collaborative may give you a list. I think you have a right to politely but firmly insist that you seek specialist support, particularly as you recognise the need to optimise your glycaemic control prior to becoming pregnant. Any GP will realise that this alone needs specialist support.

Apr 25, 2009

Simon 578 posts

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

Well it seems the rest of Balance readers share our shock and dismay at this nurses views on injecting in public. 2 pages of this months letters section are devoted to people's reactions to the letter mentioned at the top of this post, and I am pleased to say that not one of them supports the point of view expressed by this nurse.

Apr 25, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter

It seems that we share the views of the vast majority of the balance-reading population. This months letters section, for the most part, highlights the strengths of the DAFNE course, and how much of a positive impact it has had on people's lives - both during and after the week itself.

Very encouraging!

Apr 24, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Hi Paul,

I've just added this functionality for you now - you can now add negative corrections to QA, BI and CP field.

Thanks,

Simon

Apr 23, 2009

marke 686 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house

moving diabetes care to primary care pah ! Whoops better be careful what I say, I might upset somw HCP's ;-) I'm not a HCP in case you hadn't guessed that already but I totally agree that the approach that you are 'young and healthly' so don't need to see a specialist is rubbish. you won't stay healthly without help, although the 'young' bit I'm afraid you can't do anything about.
It would be nice if you could link up with another DAFNE centre, however there aren't any on our list, DAFNE Central would know better and hopefully someone from there will answer. You don't say where in Hampshire, its a big county. There is a Centre in Salisbury and there
are ones in London that may be not too far if you are in North Hampshire. At the very least I think you should be seen by a Diabetes Care team at your local hospital. There is definitely one in Southampton because I was under there before I moved.
You can always email us using the contact link at the bottom of pages on the website with your address and we can pass this on to DAFNE
Central to see if they can help.

Apr 23, 2009

natv25 2 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house

I have recently moved from London (where I atended a DAFNE course at the Central Middlesex Hospital in Jan 07)to Hampshire and have registered with a Doctor here. I gave my DAFNE notes to the DR which included a recommendation that I attend the DAFNE clinics at a nearby hsopital. My doctor told me that because I was "young and Healthy" I did not need to see a specialist. I am not happy with this response.

Before moving to the area my HbA1c was 7.9% and I am hoping to start a family with in the next 2 years. I know my HbA1c needs to be lower and therfore want to attend a clinic regularly.

Does anyone know any way I can attend a DAFNe clinic? Can I contact the hospital myslef or I do I need to be referred by my Doctor?

May 5, 2009 Dawn 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Does Dafne work? I have also done a local version of DAFNE, and the principles were the same, using a ratio of carbohydrates to insulin. My own HBA1c hasn't improved very much, although my blood tests results seem generally better overall, so it was a bit of a surprise at my last clinic appointment that it was 8.4. A specialist diabetes nurse who was involved with the training (now retired) believed that the ups and downs of highs and lows caused more problems than a raised HBA1. I do find that hormones play a huge part in upsetting blood sugars, especially before periods, and now during the menopause. I agree with the person (sorry, I'm new to the site!) who said that the medical staff usually appear to gloss over this issue, but after 50 years of diabetes, I feel it makes a significant difference to results. Keep up the good work, everyone!

May 4, 2009 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Does Dafne work? My HBA1c was pretty good before I did my DAFNE course in Norwich in Feb 2007, and it has remained at just below 7 pretty constantly since then. For me the huge benefit of DAFNE has been to get my (and my family's) food life back. I was diagnosed in 1999, when I was 46, and the change for me was pretty radical. I became obsessed with achieving a low HBA1c, and ran my life around my diabetes. I felt that I had lost control, and the impact spread to work and especially to my family. Maybe another sort of structured education might have helped, but for me DAFNE was a revelation - it has given back control and flexibility, to both me and my family. Clearly, achieivng good blood glucose control is important for physical health, but for me the huge improvement in emotional well-being has probably been the biggest direct impact of DAFNE.

May 3, 2009 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Does Dafne work? Hi, When you say a 'local version' of DAFNE, what exactly do you mean ? Was it the official DAFNE course or some adaptation of it by the local PCT/hospital. Its is true that HBA1c shows the level of blood sugars over the last three months and in theory you could have a lot of highs and lows thst average out, but I suspect in reality if your control is that un-even you wouldn't get a good HBA1c. I don't believe that there is any other test that gives an indication of blood sugar control. The idea of DAFNE is you DONT have to be so careful about carbs because you match your insulin too the carbs you eat. The only variables are how much background insulin and how much fast acting insulin to take, although I agree the best way is to keep testing and adjusting to get it right. I think that your group is like mine, they are being too harsh on themselves and not focusing enough on the positives. Some in my group were concerned that their HBA1c had not imporved by much, however after a group discussion it was clear that prior to DAFNE they had seldom tested their blood sugar. Post DAFNE they were still regularly blood testing and that was a big improvement on before. So there was no miracle improvement BUT they had made some progress and we helped them to focus on this as a way of continuing to improve their HBA1c and stay on track. There is no easy solution to stay on track. I would say the help of others is the best way, which is one of the reasons for this website existing to help DAFNE graduates communicate and support each other. So keep working at it and focus on the positives and changes you have already made. Hopefully this will help you keep on track.

May 3, 2009 Nicole 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Does Dafne work? I live in Epsom and have done a local version of DAFNE. I have found this very useful because it has brought me in touch with other type 1 diabetics from whom I gain lots of moral support and inspiration. We meet up monthly and that is all well and good but the general feedback from the group seems to be that their actual HBA1c results are not particularly improved. I wondered what long term improvements others have noticed and whether there are any other ways of measuring it than the HBA1c? (I have also heard that because its a mean average of your blood sugars its possible to be badly controlled, with extreme highs and lows, but get a good result). I am pro DAFNE because its given me the tools i need to fit diabetes into a normal life but I am aware that if I am to bring down my blood sugars I've got to be pretty careful about carbs and insulin and all the other variables. In other words it only works if you keep trying, testing and building on your self knowledge. How do you keep yourself focussed and on track? What support do you get from HCPs and other diabetics? BTW in the interests of openess my HBA1c is 8.4 so I could do better!

May 2, 2009 Becky 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral I have recieved the following response from somebody at Wirral PCT. Dear Mrs Nicholls Thank you for your email dated 20th April 2009 concerning the decision towithdraw funding for the DAFNE course. I apologise for the delay in responding to you. Owing to a misunderstandingI was under then impression that the matter was alreday being dealt with.Please accept my apologies for the lack of communication from ourselves. I can confirm that your concerns have been passed to the Assistant GeneralManager for Medicine and that I have asked for a full response to theissues that you have raised. I will contact you as soon as this has beenreceived. In the meantime, thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I wasvery sorry to learn that a course that you have found so helpful andconstructive is to end and I hope that the Trust will be able offer you assatisfactory alternative. Again, I shall contact you as soon as I have anyfurther news. Yours sincerely Jonathan Eke Complaints Manager Risk Management Department Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 0151 678 5111 Ext: 2615 Direct Line: 0151 604 7660 Fax: 0151 604 7041

May 1, 2009 digth 19 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral Hi Clare Its a shame that after all your trouble to ensure that you continued to get a quality service from the Arrowe Park team you are now having to accept a situation where you no longer get support of DAFNE trained staff. Perhaps a letter to the the Cheif Executive at Arrowe Park, letting him know that you are now considering moving your care elsewhere as DAFNE is no longer available would be help to highlight the situation further.

May 1, 2009 Claire Hough 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral I have actually moved slightly out of the area from Arrowe Park now, but caused a bit of a fuss with my new doctors and the hospital by refusing to change from the care of Arrowe because of DAFNE - which they don't do in Chester. I guess if they do withdraw DAFNE I may as well just change to being under the care of my doctor's surgery, which is how they care for Diabetics in my new area, and carry on following DAFNE on my own. Seems a shame to have to go it alone but at least I will have this forum and my good friend Becky to help me!

Apr 30, 2009 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral You are right at least the PCT has been made aware of this issue. I'm told the trust wants to issue a statement to put on this website, we await it with anticipation. I am interested to know what 'whistle' is, sadly google can't help which I suspect tells me all I need to know. I'm sure we all want to see Diabetes Structured education available, however without knowing the details of whistle its hard to say how it compares with DAFNE. If anyone gets a letter of response from the Trust please let us know so we can co-ordinate a response.

Apr 30, 2009 marke 686 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house hey, good news!! let us know how it goes. Hopefully you can continue to get DAFNE support from them and this site. I used to live in that part of the country and still miss it....

Apr 30, 2009 natv25 2 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house Many thanks for all your contributions. I phoned the DAFNE clinic at SALisbury and have got an appointment in a few weeks time. On their advise I went back to the doctor and told them this and gave them the address so they could refer me aswell, they didin't have much choice once I told them I had already got an appointment booked. Thanks again to you all.

Apr 30, 2009 digth 19 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house Hi Simon Heller is correct that DAFNE centres are very thin on the ground on the south coast. As marke has pointed DAFNE is delivered at Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury and also the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guilford; next closest would be in London. I'm not sure if Salisbury or Guilford are options for you , but good luck and I hope you get the some support. Gill Thompson

Apr 30, 2009 digth 19 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral Hi Everyone I need to correct the original information that I supplied that started this initial debate. I have been informed that technically the PCT did not withdraw funding at Arrowe Park Hospital, as they have never funded DAFNE in the first place. Apparently the DAFNE Programme at Arrowe Park has always been funded by 'soft money' from a Drs endowment fund, this funding came to an end and the Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust (covering Arrowe Park Hospital and Clatterbridge General Hospital) decided to put a bid together for the PCT for structured Type 1 education for the Trust. Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust decided not to favour DAFNE, but to go with an alternative programme delivered at Clatterbridge Hospital called Whistle, which is based upon another type 1 education programme. It was this alternative programme that Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust has recommended for funding rather that DAFNE. However the actual outcome remains the same, people living on the Wirral no longer have access to DAFNE. Therefore any letters of complaint need to be redirected to the Chief Executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust, Len Richards, at the following address: Arrowe Park Hospital Arrowe Park Road Upton Wirral CH49 5PE I understand that the PCT have forwarded all letters of complaint received from DAFNE Graduates to date to Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust complaints department. So Iâ€™m sorry for providing you all with slightly incorrect initial information in the first place; however I suspect the fact that the PCT have been altered to your concerns isn't a bad thing. Letâ€™s see how the Wirral University Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust responds.

Apr 29, 2009 Emma Dietitian 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Mulled wine I have checked this recently (despite the unseasonal timing) and it is 2 1/2 CPs per 100 ml, so you're spot on with your guess. Traditionally, demerera sugar is added, so this makes sense. I would still use DAFNE principles of 1/2 unit QA per CP and a snack afterwards of you do enjoy more than a glass or 2 though!

Apr 28, 2009 Carl 5 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Mobile site released Wow, this works really well. I've just made my first "mobile" diary entry on my Nokia E51. This is going to be so convenient when out and about. The mobile home page, diary and carb counter look good on the E51 using IE and Opera Mini. Thanks for all your hard work!

Apr 28, 2009 Becky 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral I have sent an e-mail to both e-mail addresses & I also copied in my local MP. He said that once I hear back from the complaints team he'll see how he can help.

Apr 28, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral Although I did the course in Sheffield I now live under the care of Arrowe Park so have sent them a letter of complaint - here's hoping they realise that the DAFNE Course is an important tool in the care of people with Type 1 like ourselves. If I hear anything back I'll let you know...

Apr 28, 2009 Becky 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral Woo Claire - you go girl! xXx

Apr 28, 2009 Claire Hough 12 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE in peril at the Wirral Hi guys, I have emailed them as well - will let you know if I get a response. Can't believe they're going to withdraw funding - why would they do that? DAFNE is brilliant and every type 1 should go on it!

Apr 27, 2009 Crispo 5 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Simon, Many thanks for the update mate. Loving the online diary action!!! Cheers, Paul

Apr 25, 2009 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house There are some GPs who know a lot about diabetes (although few who are DAFNE trained) and who could support DAFNE graduates but I agree with marke, that the remark that 'young and healthy' people don't need to see a specialist doesn't suggest that this GP is one of them. I think there are relatively few DAFNE clinics on the South coast but Salisbury is not too far away and Gill Thompson, national clinical director of the DAFNE collaborative may give you a list. I think you have a right to politely but firmly insist that you seek specialist support, particularly as you recognise the need to optimise your glycaemic control prior to becoming pregnant. Any GP will realise that this alone needs specialist support.

Apr 25, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public Well it seems the rest of Balance readers share our shock and dismay at this nurses views on injecting in public. 2 pages of this months letters section are devoted to people's reactions to the letter mentioned at the top of this post, and I am pleased to say that not one of them supports the point of view expressed by this nurse.

Apr 25, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter It seems that we share the views of the vast majority of the balance-reading population. This months letters section, for the most part, highlights the strengths of the DAFNE course, and how much of a positive impact it has had on people's lives - both during and after the week itself. Very encouraging!

Apr 24, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Hi Paul, I've just added this functionality for you now - you can now add negative corrections to QA, BI and CP field. Thanks, Simon

Apr 23, 2009 marke 686 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house moving diabetes care to primary care pah ! Whoops better be careful what I say, I might upset somw HCP's ;-) I'm not a HCP in case you hadn't guessed that already but I totally agree that the approach that you are 'young and healthly' so don't need to see a specialist is rubbish. you won't stay healthly without help, although the 'young' bit I'm afraid you can't do anything about. It would be nice if you could link up with another DAFNE centre, however there aren't any on our list, DAFNE Central would know better and hopefully someone from there will answer. You don't say where in Hampshire, its a big county. There is a Centre in Salisbury and there are ones in London that may be not too far if you are in North Hampshire. At the very least I think you should be seen by a Diabetes Care team at your local hospital. There is definitely one in Southampton because I was under there before I moved. You can always email us using the contact link at the bottom of pages on the website with your address and we can pass this on to DAFNE Central to see if they can help.

Apr 23, 2009 natv25 2 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / How to attend a DAFNE Clinic after moving house I have recently moved from London (where I atended a DAFNE course at the Central Middlesex Hospital in Jan 07)to Hampshire and have registered with a Doctor here. I gave my DAFNE notes to the DR which included a recommendation that I attend the DAFNE clinics at a nearby hsopital. My doctor told me that because I was "young and Healthy" I did not need to see a specialist. I am not happy with this response. Before moving to the area my HbA1c was 7.9% and I am hoping to start a family with in the next 2 years. I know my HbA1c needs to be lower and therfore want to attend a clinic regularly. Does anyone know any way I can attend a DAFNe clinic? Can I contact the hospital myslef or I do I need to be referred by my Doctor?