Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jun 13, 2016

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / CP free lunch

Dr Bernstein's why I am now low carb, avg BG about 5(ish), so much more stable too.

I also find I don't much or any carbs for exercise which is a bonus.

Jun 13, 2016

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / CP free lunch

A carb-free meal with protein will usually require a bolus taken with it. For myself, I usually need to dose the same as for carbs, so if I am having 40 grams of protein, then I would take the same amount of insulin. as if I was taking 40 gram of carbs.

I do take issue with the fact that we need carbs as part of our diet. That is not true. We need protein - essential amino acids - and we need fats - essential fatty acids - but there is no such thing as essential carbohydrates. There are many T1 diabetcs successful;y practising extremely low-carb diets. For the 'bible' on this, try reading Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution.

Jun 12, 2016

neady23 4 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / CP free lunch

Rachel454 said:
Hi, I'm currently doing my DAFNE course today and yesterday I had the same carb free lunch Ham and Cheese 2 egg Omlette with salad that consisted of lettuce, toms, cucumber, spring onion and beetroot. I've been testing my BG every hour since my lunch and its gradually increasing from 6.5 before my lunch at 2pm it has just reached 13.5! I've not even had any milk in tea or coffee so I'm unsure as to why this could be. I usually take 20 of BI at 12am I did this on Friday however the reason for doing the CP free lunch as I had a suspicion my BI was running out towards 6pm so yesterday evening I did 14u of BI at 12am and a further 6u at 12pm today in the hope it may fix the problem. I realise I can't make a judgment on one day's results but I'm concerned I miss calculated the CP content of my lunch.
Any thoughts welcome!
Thanks Rachel

Hi Rachel I did Dafne nearly 3years ago now and I was advised about carb free lunches. However like yourself I found I wud rise and all I was told was to judge it myself and take insulin accordingly as "some people " find that protein raises the sugars. Well I've 3diabetic friends and they find the exact same thing! My friend was advised by her nurse not to have carbfree meals as you need carbs as part of your diet anyway. We find once we have carbs the protein doesn't need to be counted.

Jun 12, 2016

Chrisk 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / 12 inch pizza carb

Hi First time poster here. Just done my DAFNE course and it was suggested that with fatty foods such as pizza and chip shop chips that you could try splitting your normal QA dose into two halves and taking the second half about 2 hours later. What this means is that when the first insulin dose has peaked and is dropping the second dose will be rising to deal with the slow release carbs.

I'm trying this combination as I type, so I'll report back on my findings. Smile

Jun 1, 2016

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre/ Australia

It was announced a couple of days ago Helen. $95 per sensor and $95 for the reader - https://www.freestylelibre.com.au/all-products Good reviews from those that have tried it. For me, Dexcom G4 still works out cheaper so I will stick to that.

Jun 1, 2016

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Feeling tired

I'd suggest seeing a GP and getting blood tests done to check for any deficiencies. There are so many possibilities that could cause tiredness and a good GP should be able to help diagnose why.

Jun 1, 2016

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BI split

What basal insulin are you on Liamstack80?

Jun 1, 2016

Warwick 425 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Emigrating

Australia run a program called National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) - https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/NDSS/ - currently administered by Diabetes Australia, but at the end of this month, it will change and be administered by the Pharmacists Guild.

Under the scheme, items such as needles are free, and BG strips are subsidised. 50 BG test strips are $8.20, 100 are $16.50.

As Helen has said, if you need a pump, then either you need to purchase it yourself, or by obtaining private health insurance, they will pay for the cost of purchasing that after a stand-down period, usually one year. Some will also 'loan' you an older pump while you are waiting for the stand down period to end.

Diabetes Australia has state offices and can be worth joining if only for the first year while you get to know how things work in Australia. They administer OZ DAFNE. They also run regular lectures with health professionals which can be excellent. Here in Melbourne, they also coordinate support groups if that interests you.

I am the leader of one of the support groups here in Melbourne, a group of T1Ds who like to exercise. We are called HypoActive - http://hypoactive.org/ and meet on a monthly basis to exercise together and have brunch afterwards at a cafe. You would be very welcome to join us - all levels of fitness are welcome, walking, running, cycling etc.

Feel free to ask any other questions or PM me.

Cheers,
Warwick.

May 30, 2016

Peter 109 posts

Topic: General Discussion / monitor diary

Sharon, If you mean the DAFNE Diary then your DAFNE centre will be able to provide them to you (assuming you're a graduate). Alternatively they can be bought from the DAFNE Shop (http://www.dafne.uk.com/DAFNE_Shop-64.html).

May 30, 2016

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Emigrating

Yes, good luck Steve - I hope it all goes well for you. Please keep us posted.

May 30, 2016

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Emigrating

Hi,
In Australia we have a two tier system. If you can afford it, or for philosophical reasons you choose private health insurance you pay for this. As a single adult with no dependents it costs me about $AUD 2500 per year. The good thing about this is that you choose your doctor, GP, Specialist etc. Example: my GP(my choice) charges me $AUD70 per visit. The government gives me a rebate of a bit over $30. In the beginning the doctors were encouraged to bulk bill which meant that if you went to the doctor he/she charged you exactly what the rebate was and it was just paperwork. However, doctors in wealthier areas decided that their renumeration was not sufficient so they started charging more, and more...you get the picture. Some still charge pensioners a reduced rate but mine does not. My specialist costs a lot more. Not sure but I think each visit actually costs me about $AUD120 (out of pocket). When you are referred to a specialist the first visit is in the vicinity of $AUD440 as it takes time to take a history etc. You get some of this back... as a Medicare rebate. Currently we are in election mode and the Conservative's policy is to continue a freeze of medicare rebates so this means that if the doctors raise their fees the difference will be paid by the patient. The doctors are protesting and declaring their practices will not be viable. The Labor Party is talking removing the freeze ASAP. Budget constraints. You also get a small tax break if you are privately insured..to encourage you to pay for your own health needs. If you opt out then you have to rely on the public system and the few times I have used the hospital system I have been happy with the quality. Most people I know dip in and out of the public system. e.g. if you break your arm at football you can go to the emergency department at the local public hospital and they will X-ray it set it etc or you can go to the private hospital where the waiting time is less but you will pay several hundred for the same service. If you have a serious hypo and are ambulanced to hospital it will be a public hospital unless you state otherwise. If you want to find a GP that bulk bills you will have to search for one yourself. There are a few scattered about (often newly established). You can also choose to go to a diabetic clinic at a public hospital but you wait for a longer time and do not get to see the same doctor whenever you do go. There are advantages in being able to ring up the specialist (called an endocrinologist) at a weeks notice if things go pear shape. If you are hospitalised by your endo. he/she usually nominates the private hospital.

My health fund has just agreed to purchase my second pump...the old one was losing definition on the screen. The cost is quoted as $AUD 9,500...I pay nothing towards the pump but I have to pay $350 to be taught how to use it by a private Credentialed Diabetic Educator. I have also agreed to purchase (myself) a Contour Next Link 2.4 which will talk to my new pump remotely. If I go CGM that will also cost me way more. I will see. The consumables for my current pump cost me about $120 for three months (strips, cartridges, comfort sets) but that obviously depends on how many you use. My insulin comes in 3ml (300U) vials and you can get 25 (5x5) of them on prescription for about $30. I am assuming that as you are a Brit. all thing will be the same but you ought to check. Have you tried Australia House?

If you do take out private insurance there are waiting times before you are eligible. So joining a health fund will not necessarily guarantee you a pump. I believe it depends on the health fund. Finding a suitable health fund is also similar to finding a phone company...!!!

Good luck.

Helen

May 29, 2016

SteveDH 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Emigrating

I am emigrating from UK to Australia in the summer. I'm trying to get information on how diabetic patients are supported in Australia, specifically how diabetes equipment and supplies are arranged in Australia, wondering if there are any users who have knowledge of this? Cool

May 27, 2016

Marsbar63 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / monitor diary

Hi Sharon, not sure what you mean by physical monitoring diary. What is it you actually want to keep a record of?

May 27, 2016

alturn 78 posts

Topic: General Discussion / monitor diary

Try the firm who supplied your meter.

J

May 27, 2016

sharon read 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / monitor diary

hi
does anyone know where i can obtain a physical monitoring diary please? Very Happy

May 22, 2016

Trish Skidmore 18 posts

Topic: General Discussion / freestyle libra

Thanks Peter

May 22, 2016

Peter 109 posts

Topic: General Discussion / freestyle libra

Trish,

There is full discussion of the Libre here: Cyborg Times. In my opinion it is definitely worthwhile, provided you're aware of it's few limitations. Your DAFNE team at Sheffield will also be able to advise you.

Finally, I was speaking to an Abbott representative two weeks ago who told me that their work on demonstrating the benefits was nearly finished using data from patients in 6 European countries and they hoped to be making the case for its availability on prescription very soon.

May 21, 2016

Trish Skidmore 18 posts

Topic: General Discussion / freestyle libra

Hi Is anybody using the freestyle Libre, I am thinking of purchasing myself and I am wondering is it worth it or am I best saving my money and sticking to the ones wee get free off NHS.

May 18, 2016

Marsbar63 5 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Medical tattoos

Why get it removed? Keep it as a reminder of all the fun you had being type 1.

May 18, 2016

marke 686 posts

Topic: Site Development / Petition link on home page has been archived

yes I know sorry, really need to re-issue the site, to remove it......

May 18, 2016

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BI split

since AM and PM are both 12 hours periods there is a lot more to the split than dose. That said I did split mine 22 and 18 which is a big difference to 15% and 85%, however now I don't need BI at all Laughing

the joys of a pump.....

May 18, 2016

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Medical tattoos

Not for me, when they release the cure in a couple of years, I would have to get it removed Wink

May 18, 2016

marke 686 posts

Topic: General Discussion / sweet drinks

Hi, If its a bottled cocktail it should be on the bottle, If it's not then its a bit of guess work based on volume and ingredient. You would need to be more precise on the ingredient. I wasn't aware that DAFNE specified anything about having juice alone, its not the handbooks we have. It does have a high GI but in moderation I don't see why it would be a problem. I use the reduced sugar juices and don't see why they would be a problem.

May 18, 2016

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BI split

I have 4 units of BI in the morning and 14 in the evening - seems to work for me.

Jun 13, 2016 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / CP free lunch Dr Bernstein's why I am now low carb, avg BG about 5(ish), so much more stable too. I also find I don't much or any carbs for exercise which is a bonus.

Jun 13, 2016 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / CP free lunch A carb-free meal with protein will usually require a bolus taken with it. For myself, I usually need to dose the same as for carbs, so if I am having 40 grams of protein, then I would take the same amount of insulin. as if I was taking 40 gram of carbs. I do take issue with the fact that we need carbs as part of our diet. That is not true. We need protein - essential amino acids - and we need fats - essential fatty acids - but there is no such thing as essential carbohydrates. There are many T1 diabetcs successful;y practising extremely low-carb diets. For the 'bible' on this, try reading Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution.

Jun 12, 2016 neady23 4 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / CP free lunch Rachel454 said: Hi, I'm currently doing my DAFNE course today and yesterday I had the same carb free lunch Ham and Cheese 2 egg Omlette with salad that consisted of lettuce, toms, cucumber, spring onion and beetroot. I've been testing my BG every hour since my lunch and its gradually increasing from 6.5 before my lunch at 2pm it has just reached 13.5! I've not even had any milk in tea or coffee so I'm unsure as to why this could be. I usually take 20 of BI at 12am I did this on Friday however the reason for doing the CP free lunch as I had a suspicion my BI was running out towards 6pm so yesterday evening I did 14u of BI at 12am and a further 6u at 12pm today in the hope it may fix the problem. I realise I can't make a judgment on one day's results but I'm concerned I miss calculated the CP content of my lunch. Any thoughts welcome! Thanks Rachel Hi Rachel I did Dafne nearly 3years ago now and I was advised about carb free lunches. However like yourself I found I wud rise and all I was told was to judge it myself and take insulin accordingly as "some people " find that protein raises the sugars. Well I've 3diabetic friends and they find the exact same thing! My friend was advised by her nurse not to have carbfree meals as you need carbs as part of your diet anyway. We find once we have carbs the protein doesn't need to be counted.

Jun 12, 2016 Chrisk 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / 12 inch pizza carb Hi First time poster here. Just done my DAFNE course and it was suggested that with fatty foods such as pizza and chip shop chips that you could try splitting your normal QA dose into two halves and taking the second half about 2 hours later. What this means is that when the first insulin dose has peaked and is dropping the second dose will be rising to deal with the slow release carbs. I'm trying this combination as I type, so I'll report back on my findings.

Jun 1, 2016 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre/ Australia It was announced a couple of days ago Helen. $95 per sensor and $95 for the reader - https://www.freestylelibre.com.au/all-products Good reviews from those that have tried it. For me, Dexcom G4 still works out cheaper so I will stick to that.

Jun 1, 2016 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Feeling tired I'd suggest seeing a GP and getting blood tests done to check for any deficiencies. There are so many possibilities that could cause tiredness and a good GP should be able to help diagnose why.

Jun 1, 2016 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BI split What basal insulin are you on Liamstack80?

Jun 1, 2016 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Emigrating Australia run a program called National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) - https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/NDSS/ - currently administered by Diabetes Australia, but at the end of this month, it will change and be administered by the Pharmacists Guild. Under the scheme, items such as needles are free, and BG strips are subsidised. 50 BG test strips are $8.20, 100 are $16.50. As Helen has said, if you need a pump, then either you need to purchase it yourself, or by obtaining private health insurance, they will pay for the cost of purchasing that after a stand-down period, usually one year. Some will also 'loan' you an older pump while you are waiting for the stand down period to end. Diabetes Australia has state offices and can be worth joining if only for the first year while you get to know how things work in Australia. They administer OZ DAFNE. They also run regular lectures with health professionals which can be excellent. Here in Melbourne, they also coordinate support groups if that interests you. I am the leader of one of the support groups here in Melbourne, a group of T1Ds who like to exercise. We are called HypoActive - http://hypoactive.org/ and meet on a monthly basis to exercise together and have brunch afterwards at a cafe. You would be very welcome to join us - all levels of fitness are welcome, walking, running, cycling etc. Feel free to ask any other questions or PM me. Cheers, Warwick.

May 30, 2016 Peter 109 posts	Topic: General Discussion / monitor diary Sharon, If you mean the DAFNE Diary then your DAFNE centre will be able to provide them to you (assuming you're a graduate). Alternatively they can be bought from the DAFNE Shop (http://www.dafne.uk.com/DAFNE_Shop-64.html).

May 30, 2016 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Emigrating Yes, good luck Steve - I hope it all goes well for you. Please keep us posted.

May 30, 2016 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Emigrating Hi, In Australia we have a two tier system. If you can afford it, or for philosophical reasons you choose private health insurance you pay for this. As a single adult with no dependents it costs me about $AUD 2500 per year. The good thing about this is that you choose your doctor, GP, Specialist etc. Example: my GP(my choice) charges me $AUD70 per visit. The government gives me a rebate of a bit over $30. In the beginning the doctors were encouraged to bulk bill which meant that if you went to the doctor he/she charged you exactly what the rebate was and it was just paperwork. However, doctors in wealthier areas decided that their renumeration was not sufficient so they started charging more, and more...you get the picture. Some still charge pensioners a reduced rate but mine does not. My specialist costs a lot more. Not sure but I think each visit actually costs me about $AUD120 (out of pocket). When you are referred to a specialist the first visit is in the vicinity of $AUD440 as it takes time to take a history etc. You get some of this back... as a Medicare rebate. Currently we are in election mode and the Conservative's policy is to continue a freeze of medicare rebates so this means that if the doctors raise their fees the difference will be paid by the patient. The doctors are protesting and declaring their practices will not be viable. The Labor Party is talking removing the freeze ASAP. Budget constraints. You also get a small tax break if you are privately insured..to encourage you to pay for your own health needs. If you opt out then you have to rely on the public system and the few times I have used the hospital system I have been happy with the quality. Most people I know dip in and out of the public system. e.g. if you break your arm at football you can go to the emergency department at the local public hospital and they will X-ray it set it etc or you can go to the private hospital where the waiting time is less but you will pay several hundred for the same service. If you have a serious hypo and are ambulanced to hospital it will be a public hospital unless you state otherwise. If you want to find a GP that bulk bills you will have to search for one yourself. There are a few scattered about (often newly established). You can also choose to go to a diabetic clinic at a public hospital but you wait for a longer time and do not get to see the same doctor whenever you do go. There are advantages in being able to ring up the specialist (called an endocrinologist) at a weeks notice if things go pear shape. If you are hospitalised by your endo. he/she usually nominates the private hospital. My health fund has just agreed to purchase my second pump...the old one was losing definition on the screen. The cost is quoted as $AUD 9,500...I pay nothing towards the pump but I have to pay $350 to be taught how to use it by a private Credentialed Diabetic Educator. I have also agreed to purchase (myself) a Contour Next Link 2.4 which will talk to my new pump remotely. If I go CGM that will also cost me way more. I will see. The consumables for my current pump cost me about $120 for three months (strips, cartridges, comfort sets) but that obviously depends on how many you use. My insulin comes in 3ml (300U) vials and you can get 25 (5x5) of them on prescription for about $30. I am assuming that as you are a Brit. all thing will be the same but you ought to check. Have you tried Australia House? If you do take out private insurance there are waiting times before you are eligible. So joining a health fund will not necessarily guarantee you a pump. I believe it depends on the health fund. Finding a suitable health fund is also similar to finding a phone company...!!! Good luck. Helen

May 29, 2016 SteveDH 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Emigrating I am emigrating from UK to Australia in the summer. I'm trying to get information on how diabetic patients are supported in Australia, specifically how diabetes equipment and supplies are arranged in Australia, wondering if there are any users who have knowledge of this?

May 27, 2016 Marsbar63 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / monitor diary Hi Sharon, not sure what you mean by physical monitoring diary. What is it you actually want to keep a record of?

May 27, 2016 alturn 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / monitor diary Try the firm who supplied your meter. J

May 27, 2016 sharon read 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / monitor diary hi does anyone know where i can obtain a physical monitoring diary please?

May 22, 2016 Trish Skidmore 18 posts	Topic: General Discussion / freestyle libra Thanks Peter

May 22, 2016 Peter 109 posts	Topic: General Discussion / freestyle libra Trish, There is full discussion of the Libre here: Cyborg Times. In my opinion it is definitely worthwhile, provided you're aware of it's few limitations. Your DAFNE team at Sheffield will also be able to advise you. Finally, I was speaking to an Abbott representative two weeks ago who told me that their work on demonstrating the benefits was nearly finished using data from patients in 6 European countries and they hoped to be making the case for its availability on prescription very soon.

May 21, 2016 Trish Skidmore 18 posts	Topic: General Discussion / freestyle libra Hi Is anybody using the freestyle Libre, I am thinking of purchasing myself and I am wondering is it worth it or am I best saving my money and sticking to the ones wee get free off NHS.

May 18, 2016 Marsbar63 5 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Medical tattoos Why get it removed? Keep it as a reminder of all the fun you had being type 1.

May 18, 2016 marke 686 posts	Topic: Site Development / Petition link on home page has been archived yes I know sorry, really need to re-issue the site, to remove it......

May 18, 2016 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BI split since AM and PM are both 12 hours periods there is a lot more to the split than dose. That said I did split mine 22 and 18 which is a big difference to 15% and 85%, however now I don't need BI at all the joys of a pump.....

May 18, 2016 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Medical tattoos Not for me, when they release the cure in a couple of years, I would have to get it removed

May 18, 2016 marke 686 posts	Topic: General Discussion / sweet drinks Hi, If its a bottled cocktail it should be on the bottle, If it's not then its a bit of guess work based on volume and ingredient. You would need to be more precise on the ingredient. I wasn't aware that DAFNE specified anything about having juice alone, its not the handbooks we have. It does have a high GI but in moderation I don't see why it would be a problem. I use the reduced sugar juices and don't see why they would be a problem.

May 18, 2016 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BI split I have 4 units of BI in the morning and 14 in the evening - seems to work for me.