Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 22, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / More forums ?

Hi Damo,

The 'Site Development' forum is the one for putting on requests for new features and suchlike, but it's OK to post here too Smile

What would you like to see from the graphical representations on the BG diary? These should be fairly easy to put in, but we need to know what data you'd like plotted - can you provide more information on this?

Thanks,

Simon

Mar 22, 2009

Damo 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / More forums ?

Hi
I was trying to leave a recommendation but it appears the other forum is locked for this. Perhaps you should have one for general feedback / suggestions (or have i missed it)?
I was going to recommend a few more graphical representations to show historical readings of the data. The graph idea is great but i think there is so much more to draw from this.
The site is really helping me to record things which I never used to do, but to keep up my motivation I would like to see the results that I could manipulate a little more. Line graphs, historical charts, trends etc.
Good luck...!

Mar 20, 2009

Damo 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi Im Damian
I am from Penzance originally but now living in London i was introduced to the DAFNE course last March in Chelsea & Westminster.
I would like to say how motivational the staff were, and how much Alison and Miranda devote their time and efforts to DAFNE. Its apparent it is not just a job, and that firstly encouraged me on to the course and secondly made me feel comfortable and confident dealing with the change.
I found out i had diabetes at 15, and that means next year will be 20 years. I was the first patient my doctor diagnosed, and I will never forget the look on his face when I entered his room at the end of surgery saying I had a drink problem. One way to explain the symptoms of dehydration!

A few hospital hypos and one episode of keytoaci.... whatever its called after and DAFNE came along to rescue me.
I am one that has found DAFNE not so much of a lifestyle change (as I have always tended to do what i wanted to do), but more of a liberation. I was able to exercise and loose weight, which before was thwarted with hypos dealt with by chocolate indulgence, or standing in front of the fridge until I felt better. DAFNE does mean more of a choice and control - I think the slogan should be "feel normal again".
I would recommend DAFNE to anyone who is in need of understanding why there is a need to test. It certainly helps to understand what to do with the results which before were meaningless.

Thanks for setting up this group, I had tried myself to do a social network for members on our course and we did manage meeting up a few times, but this chart and graph analysis as well as the forums is exactly what I need to keep me motivated and to better manage my diabetes.
Damian.W

Mar 19, 2009

patdarby 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Dieting

Now I have managed to keep my blood sugar under control does anyone have a diet sheet I can use? I need to lose at least 1/2 a stone. Thanks

Mar 18, 2009

Amy 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi

I'm Amy, I did DAFNE in April 2007 in Norwich. I was diagnosed as type 1 in 2004 at the age of 21. I was studying in America when I became ill and lost a lot of weight but it wasn't until I returned to the UK that I got myself to the doctors and was diagnosed, just in time for my final year of uni!

Pre DAFNE I think I rebelled a bit against being diabetic, very determined that I wasn't going to let it affect me to such an extent that I nearly ignored it at times. Since DAFNE I have had far better control of my diabetes and I'm so pleased I had the oportunity to do the course. I also took up running after DAFNE and completed my first half marathon last year, currently training for a 10k in 3 1/2 weeks time.

Mar 17, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

Hi Mike,

This has been sorted out now and the Carb Counter now shows 20 entries per page.

Thanks for the feedback,

Simon

Mar 17, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

yes we could, I will take a look at changing it.

Mar 17, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

Well I agree it would be nice to be able to access via a mobile. We maybe need to look at have a cut-down version to display on mobiles, its possible just a question of the time to do it. What kind of phone are you trying to view it on ? There are so many types and phone browsers.

The download to phone version is a bit more tricky. It would need to be java based which is a different development system to the web site. Again if time permits we would love to do something like this, but at the moment its not something I think we have the resources to do. We will let people know if we are working on something like this, so we can ensure it is what is needed.

Mar 17, 2009

MIke P 8 posts

Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter

I wonder if it is possible to present 20 results on a page instead of 10, as shown at present? The space below the result is not used and if populated with the second page, could speed up the search. Just a thought.....

Mar 17, 2009

MIke P 8 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

Thanks for the web based carb counter. It's great when on the PC.

As I have my mobile with me all the time, with 24/7 web access, I'd like also to use this to access the carb counter. I've tried to access the site via my mobile to see if it works and didn't get past the login screen. Maybe it needs a little repurposing or am I being over ambitious?

I'd value an application that I could download to my phone and use off line, such that I could index search on keywords and count carbs without having to remember to bring my little book with me. Anyone else have any thoughts on this please?

I

Mar 16, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / More forums ?

Would you like to see more forums on the site ? IF so do you have any suggestions as to what they should be about ? Please post your suggestions here and we will get the forums created so you can all make use of them. The forums only work as well as the contributors, so if we are missing anything please let us know.

Mar 16, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE

Thanks for a more 'official' reponse on this. On this site we are obviously more focused on Type 1 and DAFNE, but thats not to say we should exclude any questions. If we can help any Diabetic then we are more than happy to try ! Obviously responses from HCP's are preferred on this subject since you are the people trained on these subjects, so thanks for your input.

Mar 16, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

yes ! In principle. We just need to work out how to implement it....

I guess you would want to be able to search for a particular item ? Or a matching in the item field e.g. anything with 'chips' in it
or anything with 'bread' in the description ? There seems little point in search the other fields like CP or Weight or even catergory.

Mar 16, 2009

Zandrew 4 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE

Hi, I'm a Dietitian, DAFNE and DESMOND trained. The above is essentially correct. However, DESMOND does not cover carb counting, it is generally focus on reducing sugar and fat in the diet. Generally, but not always, the main problem in Type 2 diabetes is being overweight and lack of physical activity which increase insulin resistance. So DESMOND is more focused on healthy lifestyle changes. I would definitely agree that both DAFNE and DESMOND provide valuable education enabling people to make their own decisions about managing their diabetes, whether type 1 or 2.

Mar 16, 2009

Zandrew 4 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

It's really great that the Carb Counter is online! Any possibility of having a search engine also?

Mar 13, 2009

Phil Kane 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Introductions

Hi and Good Day from Ireland. My name is Philip K and I have just finished my course which was held in Beaumont hospital Dublin . Many thanks to both Sonja and Emer who were very patient in my many ramblings and questions during the last five days.
Been one of the first to register from Ireland it is always great to see that progress in the form of DAFNE is begining to take off and in time people will see this as an imperitive stepping stone in getting educated to what exactly you can do with Diabeties. I look forward to looking throught this site during the next few months/years,
Best regards and Wishes
Phil Kane

Mar 13, 2009

Joolie 3 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / BG Parameters

Crikey, that sounds really tough. Guess I can't let it put me off though

Mar 12, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE

Once again I want to stress I am just a Diabetic and NOT a HCP, it would be better if a HCP provided some input, but in the meantime:

I think you have to understand/remember that Type 2 is NOT the same as Type 1. In Type 1 you cannot produce insulin because your islet cells have been destroyed ( pretty much). This means your body responds 'normally' to insulin and its effect is similiar to insulin produced by the pancreas. In Type 2 your body 'resists' or does not process insulin fully in the process of moving sugar into the cells. For this reason a course aimed at dynamically altering insulin intake (DAFNE) to manage blood sugar is NOT going to work for people whose bodies resist the insulin. For this condition a different approach is needed, I would presume one that IS more focused on Carb Counting. I will know more after the 17th March, we have a 'DESMOND' trainer giving my Diabetes support group a presentation on it. I can provide more info then if anyone is interested or you can visit the web site above.

One thing I'm sure of, any kind of Diabetes education is a good thing and as many people as possible should get the chance to do it. Any one who has done DAFNE knows of the many many benefits it brings....

Mar 12, 2009

Lizzie 87 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE

This is a difficult thing though. For example I am a type 1. But my healthcare team believe I need to lose weight and want to put me on Metformin. I did DAFNE last year luckily, but if I had not, and had started the tablets prior to DAFNE, I would still presumably be allowed to do it whereas a type 2 who takes insulin and tablets would not. I would be interested to find out the HCP response.

Perhaps it is also due to content - the DESMOND course I assume is more strict on carb counting and diet management since some will be using only diet to control their condition, whereas type 1s on DAFNE can be a little more flexible. DESMOND presumably also includes stuff on different tablets which most - but not all - type 1s would not be interested in. Also the science part would be different in each course.

Mar 11, 2009

laura 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Do periods mess up your blood sugars?

Hiya Jenny, i also experience this and i definatley think its down to time of the month!! And my Diabetes team agree with this. No week is ever the same for me!!

Mar 10, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE

To add to what Simon says, I can maybe add 'some' advice.

DAFNE is very much directed at Type 1 because of the insulin management it teaches. Whilst insulin use is not exclusive to Type 1, use of
tablets probably has an effect that doesn't match the DAFNE process quite as well. Is there help for Type 2's ? Yes absolutely, the equivalent
training for Type 2 is generally called DESMOND (http://www.desmond-project.org.uk/ ) although it has different names in some regions under some PCT's. I would suggest you speak to your GP or Diabetes care team about DESMOND, to be honest they should have already known about it when they told you that you were not suitable for DAFNE. Diabetes education is VERY important and anyone who is keen to do it should at least be given the option ( although it may involve waiting to get a place on a course).

This is not a definitve answer since I'm not a HCP, but hopefully it will help until a better answer is provided.

Mar 10, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

All done - you can now access the Carb Counting list using the "Carb Counter" link in the DAFNE Tools menu to the right >>

Feedback on this, as always, is much appreciated.

Simon

Mar 9, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE

Hi,

I received this question via the Contact DAFNE Online system so thought I'd post it here as the Admin team are DAFNE Graduates, thus not well-placed to answer this question. If we could get an HCP response for this it would be much appreciated:

"Hi I just want to know. If you can tell me something. I'm type 2 on insulin and on metformin i was told i was unsuitable for the DAFNE course, can you tell me why. and is they any help for people like me." (User name and contact details supplied)

Thanks,

Simon

Mar 9, 2009

Damo 7 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Liver Function Tests - Related to Insulin?

I have been told by my GP that my liver function test (AST which should be 0-37 and currently reads 155) that it is a bi-product of the amount of insulin I have taken for all these years, and that it is directly related to my Humalog insulin

Can you clarify if this could be the case as other people at the Hospital were reluctant to agree with this.

thanks

Mar 8, 2009

marke 681 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

Yes !! Hopefully the Carbohydrate portion list will be online in the next few days or so. I have just submitted a beta version of it for testing and checking by the other site admins. If all goes well it will be on this site once it has been checked. I will checkout the other sites referenced above for future versions, you can't beat a bit of plagiarism ;^)

Mar 22, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / More forums ? Hi Damo, The 'Site Development' forum is the one for putting on requests for new features and suchlike, but it's OK to post here too What would you like to see from the graphical representations on the BG diary? These should be fairly easy to put in, but we need to know what data you'd like plotted - can you provide more information on this? Thanks, Simon

Mar 22, 2009 Damo 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / More forums ? Hi I was trying to leave a recommendation but it appears the other forum is locked for this. Perhaps you should have one for general feedback / suggestions (or have i missed it)? I was going to recommend a few more graphical representations to show historical readings of the data. The graph idea is great but i think there is so much more to draw from this. The site is really helping me to record things which I never used to do, but to keep up my motivation I would like to see the results that I could manipulate a little more. Line graphs, historical charts, trends etc. Good luck...!

Mar 20, 2009 Damo 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi Im Damian I am from Penzance originally but now living in London i was introduced to the DAFNE course last March in Chelsea & Westminster. I would like to say how motivational the staff were, and how much Alison and Miranda devote their time and efforts to DAFNE. Its apparent it is not just a job, and that firstly encouraged me on to the course and secondly made me feel comfortable and confident dealing with the change. I found out i had diabetes at 15, and that means next year will be 20 years. I was the first patient my doctor diagnosed, and I will never forget the look on his face when I entered his room at the end of surgery saying I had a drink problem. One way to explain the symptoms of dehydration! A few hospital hypos and one episode of keytoaci.... whatever its called after and DAFNE came along to rescue me. I am one that has found DAFNE not so much of a lifestyle change (as I have always tended to do what i wanted to do), but more of a liberation. I was able to exercise and loose weight, which before was thwarted with hypos dealt with by chocolate indulgence, or standing in front of the fridge until I felt better. DAFNE does mean more of a choice and control - I think the slogan should be "feel normal again". I would recommend DAFNE to anyone who is in need of understanding why there is a need to test. It certainly helps to understand what to do with the results which before were meaningless. Thanks for setting up this group, I had tried myself to do a social network for members on our course and we did manage meeting up a few times, but this chart and graph analysis as well as the forums is exactly what I need to keep me motivated and to better manage my diabetes. Damian.W

Mar 19, 2009 patdarby 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Dieting Now I have managed to keep my blood sugar under control does anyone have a diet sheet I can use? I need to lose at least 1/2 a stone. Thanks

Mar 18, 2009 Amy 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi I'm Amy, I did DAFNE in April 2007 in Norwich. I was diagnosed as type 1 in 2004 at the age of 21. I was studying in America when I became ill and lost a lot of weight but it wasn't until I returned to the UK that I got myself to the doctors and was diagnosed, just in time for my final year of uni! Pre DAFNE I think I rebelled a bit against being diabetic, very determined that I wasn't going to let it affect me to such an extent that I nearly ignored it at times. Since DAFNE I have had far better control of my diabetes and I'm so pleased I had the oportunity to do the course. I also took up running after DAFNE and completed my first half marathon last year, currently training for a 10k in 3 1/2 weeks time.

Mar 17, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter Hi Mike, This has been sorted out now and the Carb Counter now shows 20 entries per page. Thanks for the feedback, Simon

Mar 17, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter yes we could, I will take a look at changing it.

Mar 17, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs Well I agree it would be nice to be able to access via a mobile. We maybe need to look at have a cut-down version to display on mobiles, its possible just a question of the time to do it. What kind of phone are you trying to view it on ? There are so many types and phone browsers. The download to phone version is a bit more tricky. It would need to be java based which is a different development system to the web site. Again if time permits we would love to do something like this, but at the moment its not something I think we have the resources to do. We will let people know if we are working on something like this, so we can ensure it is what is needed.

Mar 17, 2009 MIke P 8 posts	Topic: Site Development / On line carb counter I wonder if it is possible to present 20 results on a page instead of 10, as shown at present? The space below the result is not used and if populated with the second page, could speed up the search. Just a thought.....

Mar 17, 2009 MIke P 8 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs Thanks for the web based carb counter. It's great when on the PC. As I have my mobile with me all the time, with 24/7 web access, I'd like also to use this to access the carb counter. I've tried to access the site via my mobile to see if it works and didn't get past the login screen. Maybe it needs a little repurposing or am I being over ambitious? I'd value an application that I could download to my phone and use off line, such that I could index search on keywords and count carbs without having to remember to bring my little book with me. Anyone else have any thoughts on this please? I

Mar 16, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / More forums ? Would you like to see more forums on the site ? IF so do you have any suggestions as to what they should be about ? Please post your suggestions here and we will get the forums created so you can all make use of them. The forums only work as well as the contributors, so if we are missing anything please let us know.

Mar 16, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE Thanks for a more 'official' reponse on this. On this site we are obviously more focused on Type 1 and DAFNE, but thats not to say we should exclude any questions. If we can help any Diabetic then we are more than happy to try ! Obviously responses from HCP's are preferred on this subject since you are the people trained on these subjects, so thanks for your input.

Mar 16, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs yes ! In principle. We just need to work out how to implement it.... I guess you would want to be able to search for a particular item ? Or a matching in the item field e.g. anything with 'chips' in it or anything with 'bread' in the description ? There seems little point in search the other fields like CP or Weight or even catergory.

Mar 16, 2009 Zandrew 4 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE Hi, I'm a Dietitian, DAFNE and DESMOND trained. The above is essentially correct. However, DESMOND does not cover carb counting, it is generally focus on reducing sugar and fat in the diet. Generally, but not always, the main problem in Type 2 diabetes is being overweight and lack of physical activity which increase insulin resistance. So DESMOND is more focused on healthy lifestyle changes. I would definitely agree that both DAFNE and DESMOND provide valuable education enabling people to make their own decisions about managing their diabetes, whether type 1 or 2.

Mar 16, 2009 Zandrew 4 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs It's really great that the Carb Counter is online! Any possibility of having a search engine also?

Mar 13, 2009 Phil Kane 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Introductions Hi and Good Day from Ireland. My name is Philip K and I have just finished my course which was held in Beaumont hospital Dublin . Many thanks to both Sonja and Emer who were very patient in my many ramblings and questions during the last five days. Been one of the first to register from Ireland it is always great to see that progress in the form of DAFNE is begining to take off and in time people will see this as an imperitive stepping stone in getting educated to what exactly you can do with Diabeties. I look forward to looking throught this site during the next few months/years, Best regards and Wishes Phil Kane

Mar 13, 2009 Joolie 3 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / BG Parameters Crikey, that sounds really tough. Guess I can't let it put me off though

Mar 12, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE Once again I want to stress I am just a Diabetic and NOT a HCP, it would be better if a HCP provided some input, but in the meantime: I think you have to understand/remember that Type 2 is NOT the same as Type 1. In Type 1 you cannot produce insulin because your islet cells have been destroyed ( pretty much). This means your body responds 'normally' to insulin and its effect is similiar to insulin produced by the pancreas. In Type 2 your body 'resists' or does not process insulin fully in the process of moving sugar into the cells. For this reason a course aimed at dynamically altering insulin intake (DAFNE) to manage blood sugar is NOT going to work for people whose bodies resist the insulin. For this condition a different approach is needed, I would presume one that IS more focused on Carb Counting. I will know more after the 17th March, we have a 'DESMOND' trainer giving my Diabetes support group a presentation on it. I can provide more info then if anyone is interested or you can visit the web site above. One thing I'm sure of, any kind of Diabetes education is a good thing and as many people as possible should get the chance to do it. Any one who has done DAFNE knows of the many many benefits it brings....

Mar 12, 2009 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE This is a difficult thing though. For example I am a type 1. But my healthcare team believe I need to lose weight and want to put me on Metformin. I did DAFNE last year luckily, but if I had not, and had started the tablets prior to DAFNE, I would still presumably be allowed to do it whereas a type 2 who takes insulin and tablets would not. I would be interested to find out the HCP response. Perhaps it is also due to content - the DESMOND course I assume is more strict on carb counting and diet management since some will be using only diet to control their condition, whereas type 1s on DAFNE can be a little more flexible. DESMOND presumably also includes stuff on different tablets which most - but not all - type 1s would not be interested in. Also the science part would be different in each course.

Mar 11, 2009 laura 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Do periods mess up your blood sugars? Hiya Jenny, i also experience this and i definatley think its down to time of the month!! And my Diabetes team agree with this. No week is ever the same for me!!

Mar 10, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE To add to what Simon says, I can maybe add 'some' advice. DAFNE is very much directed at Type 1 because of the insulin management it teaches. Whilst insulin use is not exclusive to Type 1, use of tablets probably has an effect that doesn't match the DAFNE process quite as well. Is there help for Type 2's ? Yes absolutely, the equivalent training for Type 2 is generally called DESMOND (http://www.desmond-project.org.uk/ ) although it has different names in some regions under some PCT's. I would suggest you speak to your GP or Diabetes care team about DESMOND, to be honest they should have already known about it when they told you that you were not suitable for DAFNE. Diabetes education is VERY important and anyone who is keen to do it should at least be given the option ( although it may involve waiting to get a place on a course). This is not a definitve answer since I'm not a HCP, but hopefully it will help until a better answer is provided.

Mar 10, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs All done - you can now access the Carb Counting list using the "Carb Counter" link in the DAFNE Tools menu to the right >> Feedback on this, as always, is much appreciated. Simon

Mar 9, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Type 2 & DAFNE Hi, I received this question via the Contact DAFNE Online system so thought I'd post it here as the Admin team are DAFNE Graduates, thus not well-placed to answer this question. If we could get an HCP response for this it would be much appreciated: "Hi I just want to know. If you can tell me something. I'm type 2 on insulin and on metformin i was told i was unsuitable for the DAFNE course, can you tell me why. and is they any help for people like me." (User name and contact details supplied) Thanks, Simon

Mar 9, 2009 Damo 7 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Liver Function Tests - Related to Insulin? I have been told by my GP that my liver function test (AST which should be 0-37 and currently reads 155) that it is a bi-product of the amount of insulin I have taken for all these years, and that it is directly related to my Humalog insulin Can you clarify if this could be the case as other people at the Hospital were reluctant to agree with this. thanks

Mar 8, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs Yes !! Hopefully the Carbohydrate portion list will be online in the next few days or so. I have just submitted a beta version of it for testing and checking by the other site admins. If all goes well it will be on this site once it has been checked. I will checkout the other sites referenced above for future versions, you can't beat a bit of plagiarism ;^)