Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

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 686 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 686 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 686 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 686 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 686 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 686 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 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 686 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 686 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 686 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?

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 686 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 686 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 686 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 686 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 686 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 686 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 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 686 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 686 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 686 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?