Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 8, 2009

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

Now that we've got the handbook and the diary, any chance of having the Carbohydrate portion list on-line? I have mine with me most of the time, butit would be reassuring to know that it was there if I needed it!

Mar 4, 2009

Dave 2 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs

Calorie Count is a useful site and is UK biased.

I prefer the layout of www.calorieking.com and the greater options plus the ability to input however many grams you wish. Calorie King is American biased but still has many of the foods found in the UK. The design of the site is better too (imo)

The Calorie, Carb and Fat Bible 2009 is a very nice book to have around the house:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calorie-Carb-Bible-2009-Comprehensive/dp/1904512070/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236201572&sr=8-1

Collins Gem do a neat pocket sized book for Â£3.99
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calorie-Counter-Collins-GEM-UK/dp/0007211503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236201663&sr=1-1

You can usually find a copy in WH Smiths or any of the main bookstores.

Mar 4, 2009

Dave 2 posts

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

Before I had the pens I used syringes & vials, so found this easier to go to the toilets and do my thing. I never had any problems in doing this, and still don't believe there's any more hygiene risk whether you use a toilet or at the table.
Since getting the pens one of the obvious things to me was the simplicity of being able to inject oneself at a table in a restaurant.
Like most have said, I try to be discreet, but I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks, says, or does. I regularly inject and test in all kinds of public places, and have never had a problem.

I took a bolus while waiting in a queue at M&S to pay for some goods the other week - I thought that was pretty impressive Smile

as no one even noticed.

Mar 4, 2009

marke 681 posts

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

Just got a response from Diabetes UK about the email I sent them about DAFNE, nice helpful and positive ! I would still encourage everyone
else to email them in praise of DAFNE !! The email they sent me is below.......

Dear Mark,

Thank you for your email of 27 February to Balance magazine, and for sharing with us your experiences of DAFNE. We're pleased to hear that you found the course to be enlightening and extremely useful for effective diabetes management, and we thank you directing us to the 'DAFNE online' website.

Like you, the vast majority of people who have been on a DAFNE course have nothing but praise and excellent reviews for it, and this is reflected in the many letters published in Balance over the years.

Diabetes UK advocates that all people with diabetes, whether recently diagnosed or with pre-existing diabetes, should receive the structured education and support they need to enable them to manage their own diabetes. We realise that not everyone may feel the need to attend a DAFNE course, but we would recommend that individuals who find a DAFNE course to be confusing and unhelpful to discuss the reasons behind this with their healthcare team, so that they can receive further support if and where necessary.

Individual letters printed in Balance often open up a debate, and we have received many letters praising DAFNE, a selection of which will be printed in the next issue. I have now passed your email to the editors, and it will be kept on file for possible publication.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us,

Kind regards,
Kate Flagg

Publications Coordinator
Diabetes UK
Tel: 020 7424 1190

In its landmark 75th year, Diabetes UK aims to raise over Â£7.5 million to fund research to improve the lives of people with diabetes.
Visit www.diabetes.org.uk/75years to find out more

Mar 3, 2009

marke 681 posts

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

For those that don't get a copy of balance, the letter in question:

" I have recenctly endured a DAFNE ( Dose Adjustment for Nornal Eating) course and it has destroyed my confidence and outlook.

Prior to the course, I had reasonable control of my diabetes. I knew what to do and when. I had three or four mild hypos a month, rarely had blood glucose over 13mmol/l and my HbA1c was 7 per cent. Post DAFNE, I have diligently applied the rules but I endure up to two hypos a day and my last HbA1c had increased to 7.8 per cent.
I hate mucking around with my food. By the time I have messed around weighing the potatoe or staring at the nutritional labels, everyone else has grabbed their plate abd is tucking in. I, on the other hand, will still be there, trying to draw blood from a finger, jotting the result down in a grubby diary and then working out my next insulin dose.

Prior to DAFNE I was happy with my lot. I lived with a condition called Diabetes. I had to be aware of it and take necessary precautions.
Post DAFNE, I am confused, depressed and diabetes has taken control of my life. I wish I could sue the people who put me on the course! For the first time since I diagnosed in 1976, I find the future harder to face than the thought of dying. DAFNE, Depressed And Frightened Not Enlighted"

I think the end sum's it up, sue people ! That tells you all you need to now about this chap. Self pity is not a sharing experience ;-(

Mar 2, 2009

Simon Heller 46 posts

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

I think an article on the website is an excellent idea, lets see if the Editor responds

Feb 28, 2009

marke 681 posts

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

No, we haven't it might be worth considering I guess. I have sent an email letter about DAFNE to the address I gave above, saying how
good it was for me and referencing this site. As I say, it would be good if others could send positive messages themselves. The more
positive messages they get the more they will have to print hopefully. This will give help give DAFNE the credit and publicity it deserves.

we will find out how we get them to do an article on the site and let you know how it goes.

Feb 28, 2009

Diana 7 posts

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

Have you approached Balance about doing a feature about this site?

Feb 27, 2009

marke 681 posts

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

I'm with all of you. When first diagnosed I injected in toliets, but like others found this impractical. I also decided if people didn't like it that was their problem. I am discreet, but not ashamed !! The original letter is a joke, if that person really is a nurse I hope they never care for me they obviously have no understanding of what it means to be a diabetic. Personally if we can't inject then there should be a ban on all medicines in public ;-)

Feb 27, 2009

marke 681 posts

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

I would encourage everyone who has joined this site to email diabetes UK with a positive letter regarding DAFNE. The address is
[email protected]. For every approach to Diabetes management there will be winners and losers, this is the only loser I
have come across and I have to say I find Diabetes UK approach to this disturbing. I'm sure they will say they can only print what
they say, to lets give them something to print !

I would suggest though that no one actually criticises this persons views as they are quite entitled to them. Better to let everyone
at Diabetes UK know how good the course is. I have criticised Diabetes UK in the past for their DAFNE coverage but not really got
a good answer from them. So lets make them aware that there ARE people who found it a life changing experience.

Feb 26, 2009

Jenny 27 posts

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

Hi. I did the DAFNE course 18mths ago. Mainly after changing from twice daily injections to Basal bolus regime before trying for a baby. (Baby girl 8lb 13oz, 4 weeks early HbA1c 6. Cool

I have had diabetes for 20years.

I would like to know if any other women notice differences in insulin requirements throughout the month linked to menstrual cycle? I seem to spend a couple of weeks carefully adjusting my ratios etc. due to high blood sugars only to just get them right and start getting hypos for the next couple of weeks while I carefully adjust everything again. I am sure this is linked to periods but none of my health care team seem to agree. They just give vague answers.

It is really frustrating because I can never seem to get on top of things. I find that I am constantly thinking about reasons why blood sugars are high/low. During hospital visits i am always told that I have good control but I feel like I am always one step away from getting it right.

It would be good to hear if anyone elso has the same problems.

Jenny

Feb 25, 2009

Em 2 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

Wow, its great, thanks Simon for being so quick!
Em

Feb 25, 2009

Lizzie 87 posts

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

I thought it was odd that they would print that. Everyone is entitled to their view, but I don't think it is constructive to print a letter criticising an education course.

If this man has problems with hypos he should speak to his diabetic care team. In fact, I had loads of hypos prior to doing DAFNE and afterwards they are vastly reduced. If he is having hypos and yet his HBA1 is rising, he must be having high sugars too and misjudging something, I don't know if it is his insulin or food or what. It sounds like this man was using a rough reckoning system and ignoring his diabetes and DAFNE may have brought home some truths to him about the damage he could be doing, and the amount of work he needs to do to prevent it. His main criticism is that he 'hates mucking around with his food' - but food is integral to diabetes management and however much we might hate it, we would probably hate getting complications more. If his mealtime companions are so rude that they won't wait for everyone around the table to be ready before eating, that is not a fault of DAFNE. He says prior to DAFNE his blood sugars were not above 13 - but that is quite a bit higher than the DUK guidelines (http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Treatment__your_health/Monitoring/Blood_Glucose/Blood-glucose-target-ranges/). I can't find any solid criticism of what he thinks is wrong with DAFNE exactly - is it the material which is taught? The methods? He says he is less happy after DAFNE. But that is to be expected to some extent - a whole 5 days thinking only of your diabetes is very intense. It brings up some deep-rooted emotions. I myself was in floods of tears at one point because I had been so scared for so long and had been denying my fears, or my diabetes, existed, and suddenly both were confronting me. It is an intense time and can be difficult for people to deal with.

Feb 25, 2009

Lizzie 87 posts

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

I have always injected in public. I don't know if people are becoming more conservative, it seems that way to me. I know some people don't see diabetes as a disability but to me this story is related to the one about the cbeebies presenter who has 1 arm and some parents complained that she scared their kids - people seem to be more uncomfortable with medical/disability stuff in public.

I think going to the toilet is unhygienic, and it is hard to balance meter, insulin pen, writing pen, diary, insulin all on the small area on top of the toilet. I guess I could go to the disabled loo but then people glare at you - you have all 4 limbs and don't use a wheelchair, why are you in the disabled toilet? And also it is similarly unhygienic. People don't store other medical stuff in the toilet, the first aid kit is not kept there, for a good reason - it is disgusting.

Personally, I think that if someone has a disabling phobia of some kind - and it must be disabling for a nurse to be scared of seeing people inject - then they should get it treated. People should not have to go out of their way because someone has a phobia. I wonder how this nurse manages to do her job if she is so squeamish about injections.

Feb 24, 2009

Simon Heller 46 posts

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

We on the DAFNE executive wondered whether anyone had read the March/April Balance letters page which carried this critical letter of someone who had a very negative view of the DAFNE course. If someone felt able to submit a contrary view this might be helpful in creating 'balance' and helping us to try and ensure that DAFNE or another structured education courses are more available.
Simon

Feb 23, 2009

Simon 578 posts

Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries

An update on the pie charts - you can now access pie charts via links underneath your diary display in the BG diary function. There are two options currently; one which will display the chart for all of your results, and one which will display results for the currently displayed diary entries (chosen using the date pickers above the diary page).

This gives you a nice graphical representation of how you are doing in terms of BG targets.

Let me know what you think of this, and as always if you have any improvement requests.

Simon

Feb 23, 2009

Diana 7 posts

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

I have always injected in public, even in business meetings, and usually manage to do it discreetly so most people don't even notice or realise what I'm doing. I've never noticed negative reactions from anyone, and only very occasionally curiosity. The only time I find injecting in public a hassle is when I grab something to eat on the run in winter, but that's only because it's fiddly to unbutton layers, inject and carry stuff at the same time.

Feb 23, 2009

AlisonCo 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / BG Parameters

The targets change, my hospital recommends no more than 5.5 before meals and no more than 7.8 1 hour after meals. Pregnancy is the only time DAFNE recommends post-meal testing at 1 hour. Some women find that it is helpful to adopt this prior to pregnancy.

Feb 23, 2009

Jenny Howard 1 post

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

I did used to go and hide when I had to inject but then I made the decision that I shouldn't have to go into the toilets to have my insulin.

I also asked my husband what his thoughts were and he said that it is other people's problem if they have an issue with it and they shouldn't be so nosy in the first place!!!

I had no idea that people would feel so strongly about it especially a nurse and I would never like to offend people but we shouldn't be made to feel that we are doing something wrong.

Feb 23, 2009

Joolie 3 posts

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

The two letters in balance have really unsettled me. I asked my husband what he thought and he said it's the other people's issue if they have a problem with these necessary injections.

Every time I'm eating out with someone for the first time I always check to see if they're afraid of needles, to give them a chance to look away while I do my injection. I always try to inject discreetly and many people don't realise I'm doing it. My husband asked what these people would do if a person was in a wheelchair, clearly, it would be disgraceful if the person in the wheelchair was asked to go somewhere else as they were being inconsiderate. Unfortunately, I'm a person with diabetes and have to inject insulin. I don't like it much either, but do I have to move away every single time I need to inject?

Feb 23, 2009

Joolie 3 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / BG Parameters

Hello

I have been a type 1 diabetic since the summer of 1997 and will be 30 in July. I'm trying to tighten up my blood glucose levels, possibly with a view to pregnancy this year. Please can you tell me if there is suggested range for people on DAFNE re- conception and pregnancy ?

I have seen parameters for non-DAFNE and these often include figures for after eating. Since starting DAFNE I don't normally test 2 hrs after eating and am wondering if I should start doing this now?

I am meeting a specialist nurse for people with diabetes tomorrow (for the first time) and don't know how clued up she will be on DAFNE. I moved to the borders of Surrey/Hampshire about 6 years ago from Leicester, where I'd done DAFNE, and they're not as familiar with it here.

Thanks for your guidance.
Joolie

Feb 23, 2009

Simon 578 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 578 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 578 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

Mar 8, 2009 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs Now that we've got the handbook and the diary, any chance of having the Carbohydrate portion list on-line? I have mine with me most of the time, butit would be reassuring to know that it was there if I needed it!

Mar 4, 2009 Dave 2 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Useful link for looking up CPs Calorie Count is a useful site and is UK biased. I prefer the layout of www.calorieking.com and the greater options plus the ability to input however many grams you wish. Calorie King is American biased but still has many of the foods found in the UK. The design of the site is better too (imo) The Calorie, Carb and Fat Bible 2009 is a very nice book to have around the house: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calorie-Carb-Bible-2009-Comprehensive/dp/1904512070/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236201572&sr=8-1 Collins Gem do a neat pocket sized book for Â£3.99 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calorie-Counter-Collins-GEM-UK/dp/0007211503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236201663&sr=1-1 You can usually find a copy in WH Smiths or any of the main bookstores.

Mar 4, 2009 Dave 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public Before I had the pens I used syringes & vials, so found this easier to go to the toilets and do my thing. I never had any problems in doing this, and still don't believe there's any more hygiene risk whether you use a toilet or at the table. Since getting the pens one of the obvious things to me was the simplicity of being able to inject oneself at a table in a restaurant. Like most have said, I try to be discreet, but I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks, says, or does. I regularly inject and test in all kinds of public places, and have never had a problem. I took a bolus while waiting in a queue at M&S to pay for some goods the other week - I thought that was pretty impressive as no one even noticed.

Mar 4, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter Just got a response from Diabetes UK about the email I sent them about DAFNE, nice helpful and positive ! I would still encourage everyone else to email them in praise of DAFNE !! The email they sent me is below....... Dear Mark, Thank you for your email of 27 February to Balance magazine, and for sharing with us your experiences of DAFNE. We're pleased to hear that you found the course to be enlightening and extremely useful for effective diabetes management, and we thank you directing us to the 'DAFNE online' website. Like you, the vast majority of people who have been on a DAFNE course have nothing but praise and excellent reviews for it, and this is reflected in the many letters published in Balance over the years. Diabetes UK advocates that all people with diabetes, whether recently diagnosed or with pre-existing diabetes, should receive the structured education and support they need to enable them to manage their own diabetes. We realise that not everyone may feel the need to attend a DAFNE course, but we would recommend that individuals who find a DAFNE course to be confusing and unhelpful to discuss the reasons behind this with their healthcare team, so that they can receive further support if and where necessary. Individual letters printed in Balance often open up a debate, and we have received many letters praising DAFNE, a selection of which will be printed in the next issue. I have now passed your email to the editors, and it will be kept on file for possible publication. Thank you again for taking the time to contact us, Kind regards, Kate Flagg Publications Coordinator Diabetes UK Tel: 020 7424 1190 In its landmark 75th year, Diabetes UK aims to raise over Â£7.5 million to fund research to improve the lives of people with diabetes. Visit www.diabetes.org.uk/75years to find out more

Mar 3, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter For those that don't get a copy of balance, the letter in question: " I have recenctly endured a DAFNE ( Dose Adjustment for Nornal Eating) course and it has destroyed my confidence and outlook. Prior to the course, I had reasonable control of my diabetes. I knew what to do and when. I had three or four mild hypos a month, rarely had blood glucose over 13mmol/l and my HbA1c was 7 per cent. Post DAFNE, I have diligently applied the rules but I endure up to two hypos a day and my last HbA1c had increased to 7.8 per cent. I hate mucking around with my food. By the time I have messed around weighing the potatoe or staring at the nutritional labels, everyone else has grabbed their plate abd is tucking in. I, on the other hand, will still be there, trying to draw blood from a finger, jotting the result down in a grubby diary and then working out my next insulin dose. Prior to DAFNE I was happy with my lot. I lived with a condition called Diabetes. I had to be aware of it and take necessary precautions. Post DAFNE, I am confused, depressed and diabetes has taken control of my life. I wish I could sue the people who put me on the course! For the first time since I diagnosed in 1976, I find the future harder to face than the thought of dying. DAFNE, Depressed And Frightened Not Enlighted" I think the end sum's it up, sue people ! That tells you all you need to now about this chap. Self pity is not a sharing experience ;-(

Mar 2, 2009 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter I think an article on the website is an excellent idea, lets see if the Editor responds

Feb 28, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter No, we haven't it might be worth considering I guess. I have sent an email letter about DAFNE to the address I gave above, saying how good it was for me and referencing this site. As I say, it would be good if others could send positive messages themselves. The more positive messages they get the more they will have to print hopefully. This will give help give DAFNE the credit and publicity it deserves. we will find out how we get them to do an article on the site and let you know how it goes.

Feb 28, 2009 Diana 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter Have you approached Balance about doing a feature about this site?

Feb 27, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public I'm with all of you. When first diagnosed I injected in toliets, but like others found this impractical. I also decided if people didn't like it that was their problem. I am discreet, but not ashamed !! The original letter is a joke, if that person really is a nurse I hope they never care for me they obviously have no understanding of what it means to be a diabetic. Personally if we can't inject then there should be a ban on all medicines in public ;-)

Feb 27, 2009 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter I would encourage everyone who has joined this site to email diabetes UK with a positive letter regarding DAFNE. The address is [email protected]. For every approach to Diabetes management there will be winners and losers, this is the only loser I have come across and I have to say I find Diabetes UK approach to this disturbing. I'm sure they will say they can only print what they say, to lets give them something to print ! I would suggest though that no one actually criticises this persons views as they are quite entitled to them. Better to let everyone at Diabetes UK know how good the course is. I have criticised Diabetes UK in the past for their DAFNE coverage but not really got a good answer from them. So lets make them aware that there ARE people who found it a life changing experience.

Feb 26, 2009 Jenny 27 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Do periods mess up your blood sugars? Hi. I did the DAFNE course 18mths ago. Mainly after changing from twice daily injections to Basal bolus regime before trying for a baby. (Baby girl 8lb 13oz, 4 weeks early HbA1c 6. I have had diabetes for 20years. I would like to know if any other women notice differences in insulin requirements throughout the month linked to menstrual cycle? I seem to spend a couple of weeks carefully adjusting my ratios etc. due to high blood sugars only to just get them right and start getting hypos for the next couple of weeks while I carefully adjust everything again. I am sure this is linked to periods but none of my health care team seem to agree. They just give vague answers. It is really frustrating because I can never seem to get on top of things. I find that I am constantly thinking about reasons why blood sugars are high/low. During hospital visits i am always told that I have good control but I feel like I am always one step away from getting it right. It would be good to hear if anyone elso has the same problems. Jenny

Feb 25, 2009 Em 2 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries Wow, its great, thanks Simon for being so quick! Em

Feb 25, 2009 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter I thought it was odd that they would print that. Everyone is entitled to their view, but I don't think it is constructive to print a letter criticising an education course. If this man has problems with hypos he should speak to his diabetic care team. In fact, I had loads of hypos prior to doing DAFNE and afterwards they are vastly reduced. If he is having hypos and yet his HBA1 is rising, he must be having high sugars too and misjudging something, I don't know if it is his insulin or food or what. It sounds like this man was using a rough reckoning system and ignoring his diabetes and DAFNE may have brought home some truths to him about the damage he could be doing, and the amount of work he needs to do to prevent it. His main criticism is that he 'hates mucking around with his food' - but food is integral to diabetes management and however much we might hate it, we would probably hate getting complications more. If his mealtime companions are so rude that they won't wait for everyone around the table to be ready before eating, that is not a fault of DAFNE. He says prior to DAFNE his blood sugars were not above 13 - but that is quite a bit higher than the DUK guidelines (http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Treatment__your_health/Monitoring/Blood_Glucose/Blood-glucose-target-ranges/). I can't find any solid criticism of what he thinks is wrong with DAFNE exactly - is it the material which is taught? The methods? He says he is less happy after DAFNE. But that is to be expected to some extent - a whole 5 days thinking only of your diabetes is very intense. It brings up some deep-rooted emotions. I myself was in floods of tears at one point because I had been so scared for so long and had been denying my fears, or my diabetes, existed, and suddenly both were confronting me. It is an intense time and can be difficult for people to deal with.

Feb 25, 2009 Lizzie 87 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public I have always injected in public. I don't know if people are becoming more conservative, it seems that way to me. I know some people don't see diabetes as a disability but to me this story is related to the one about the cbeebies presenter who has 1 arm and some parents complained that she scared their kids - people seem to be more uncomfortable with medical/disability stuff in public. I think going to the toilet is unhygienic, and it is hard to balance meter, insulin pen, writing pen, diary, insulin all on the small area on top of the toilet. I guess I could go to the disabled loo but then people glare at you - you have all 4 limbs and don't use a wheelchair, why are you in the disabled toilet? And also it is similarly unhygienic. People don't store other medical stuff in the toilet, the first aid kit is not kept there, for a good reason - it is disgusting. Personally, I think that if someone has a disabling phobia of some kind - and it must be disabling for a nurse to be scared of seeing people inject - then they should get it treated. People should not have to go out of their way because someone has a phobia. I wonder how this nurse manages to do her job if she is so squeamish about injections.

Feb 24, 2009 Simon Heller 46 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Diabetes set off course" Balance letter We on the DAFNE executive wondered whether anyone had read the March/April Balance letters page which carried this critical letter of someone who had a very negative view of the DAFNE course. If someone felt able to submit a contrary view this might be helpful in creating 'balance' and helping us to try and ensure that DAFNE or another structured education courses are more available. Simon

Feb 23, 2009 Simon 578 posts	Topic: Site Development / Online BG Diaries An update on the pie charts - you can now access pie charts via links underneath your diary display in the BG diary function. There are two options currently; one which will display the chart for all of your results, and one which will display results for the currently displayed diary entries (chosen using the date pickers above the diary page). This gives you a nice graphical representation of how you are doing in terms of BG targets. Let me know what you think of this, and as always if you have any improvement requests. Simon

Feb 23, 2009 Diana 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public I have always injected in public, even in business meetings, and usually manage to do it discreetly so most people don't even notice or realise what I'm doing. I've never noticed negative reactions from anyone, and only very occasionally curiosity. The only time I find injecting in public a hassle is when I grab something to eat on the run in winter, but that's only because it's fiddly to unbutton layers, inject and carry stuff at the same time.

Feb 23, 2009 AlisonCo 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / BG Parameters The targets change, my hospital recommends no more than 5.5 before meals and no more than 7.8 1 hour after meals. Pregnancy is the only time DAFNE recommends post-meal testing at 1 hour. Some women find that it is helpful to adopt this prior to pregnancy.

Feb 23, 2009 Jenny Howard 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public I did used to go and hide when I had to inject but then I made the decision that I shouldn't have to go into the toilets to have my insulin. I also asked my husband what his thoughts were and he said that it is other people's problem if they have an issue with it and they shouldn't be so nosy in the first place!!! I had no idea that people would feel so strongly about it especially a nurse and I would never like to offend people but we shouldn't be made to feel that we are doing something wrong.

Feb 23, 2009 Joolie 3 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Balance" letter about injecting in public The two letters in balance have really unsettled me. I asked my husband what he thought and he said it's the other people's issue if they have a problem with these necessary injections. Every time I'm eating out with someone for the first time I always check to see if they're afraid of needles, to give them a chance to look away while I do my injection. I always try to inject discreetly and many people don't realise I'm doing it. My husband asked what these people would do if a person was in a wheelchair, clearly, it would be disgraceful if the person in the wheelchair was asked to go somewhere else as they were being inconsiderate. Unfortunately, I'm a person with diabetes and have to inject insulin. I don't like it much either, but do I have to move away every single time I need to inject?

Feb 23, 2009 Joolie 3 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / BG Parameters Hello I have been a type 1 diabetic since the summer of 1997 and will be 30 in July. I'm trying to tighten up my blood glucose levels, possibly with a view to pregnancy this year. Please can you tell me if there is suggested range for people on DAFNE re- conception and pregnancy ? I have seen parameters for non-DAFNE and these often include figures for after eating. Since starting DAFNE I don't normally test 2 hrs after eating and am wondering if I should start doing this now? I am meeting a specialist nurse for people with diabetes tomorrow (for the first time) and don't know how clued up she will be on DAFNE. I moved to the borders of Surrey/Hampshire about 6 years ago from Leicester, where I'd done DAFNE, and they're not as familiar with it here. Thanks for your guidance. Joolie

Feb 23, 2009 Simon 578 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 578 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 578 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