Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 7, 2016

Ivorthediver 5 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Can a ipad app talk to the iPhone?

I recall getting the iPhone BS add on so that my blood glucose results could be entered via a plug in device that clipped into the base and therefore went everywhere your iPhone went Very Happy

What no one told me was that the reporting system only worked on Apple related devices and the NHS only used Microsoft Shocked

so that was a waist of money Evil or Very Mad

Mar 3, 2016

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Eating in Japan - any tips?

Ooops, I missed this conversation! I've been to Japan twice (once in 2007 and again in 2011) and not had any troubles with food really. Like in the UK, most foods came with labelling which made eating only about as challenging as it is at home. You can get a whole delicious noodle or rice bowl with the carb info in quite a few places!

Sounds like you had a great time! I can't wait to go again myself! ^_^

Mar 3, 2016

JayBee 587 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions

Sharon doodle said:
Hi, it seems like the DAFNE course has opened a can of worms for me. I have lots of undealt with gremlins. Gas anyone else found this? I'm going to follow it up with my gp, but I'm just wondering if there is support out there for us?

yes, I experienced a huge amount of grief (even broke down during a catch up post-DAFNE session - NOTHING was done or offered to help me deal with my mental health after this) after realising that for 19 years of my life, I had been living in fear of type 1 just because no diabetic education was given to me sooner. I did not even get a hint to try carb counting from health care professionals throughout my diabetes life.

Even now, 7 years later after DAFNE/26 years after diagnosis, I am still trying to fix the mess the lack of support has caused MYSELF. You have to fight for help in my experience. I am so angry at how poor this all is.

I wish you all the best of wishes.

Mar 3, 2016

DianeW 115 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir

Thanks sjohno. Wow that is an excellent HbA1c. I've noticed my bedtime readings have been really good. Then this morning, from being 7.9 yesterday I was 14 this morning! I really don't know if it is dawn p or I went hypo in the night and didn't know! I will persevere!

Mar 2, 2016

sjohno 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir

Hi DianeW

I started with Lantus in November 2009, a year later after listening to my body I switched to Levemir. It was the best thing I ever did! lol lol. But I do exercise alot as well and found Levemir was a brilliant BI for this.
On exercise days I take 13 units once a day and 14 units non execise days, I'm lucky that I don't have to split my dose. My latest Hb1Ac in September 2015 was 6.6%.

I like Levemir. Very Happy

Good luck with your Levemir.

Mar 2, 2016

DianeW 115 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir

Would be interested to hear others experiences of it, and particularly going from Lantus to Levemir. I changed from Lantus to Levemir on Monday, giving it a trial for a month to see if control better. I took Lantus before breakfast and before bed. I am doing that with Levemir. For the first time in ages this morning my BG actually went DOWN between 6.30 and 8.30 with no insulin or food, albeit only from 9.5 to 7.9 (I have dawn phenomenon) and it is only one result, but when you've been waking up with 13-15 that is a real boost, so hoping the positive trend continues!

Feb 27, 2016

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

I really appreciate everyone's responses - lots to think about and realising that it's Not straightforward. In my youth, and many years pre-diabetes, I used to cycle race (mainly 10 and 25 mile time trials), so it comes as a bit of a trial that I can't just get on my bike and ride. On the other hand, I do like the challenge and I'm really enjoying getting the miles in. I'll be giving the suggestions a go! Thanks.

Stew

Feb 26, 2016

AMcD 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

Stew. Your muscles will recharge by drawing glucose back into them after axercice which could explain the apparent non rise in BG levels after compensating with carbs.... keep up the good work. ... Andy

Feb 26, 2016

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

Yeah as James has said, to become fat adapted on the bike its been a long slow slog, training at 180-age which for me is 141bpm, very low, but its paid off.

I do find if I'm on a group ride and the pace is too high for this HR I find I burn sugar and BG drops, I use High 5 gels for this, for no other reason than they're cheap, most places online are buy one get one free, I also find them more liquid than SiS and easier during a hypo to get out of sachet.

Feb 26, 2016

JamesW 24 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

I can only talk about Science in Sport (SiS) products but they do state what the nutritional values are, certainly on the gels. I don't have any to hand but I believe they come in at about 20g carbohydrate per pouch. The use of caffeine is aimed at giving you a boost over the last leg of the ride. I am not aware of diabetes playing a part in suitability, it comes down to how you as a person respond to caffeine. They are probably not something for every training run but you should at least try it before embarking on anything official to ensure suitability. Other non-carb products contain electrolytes which are good at preventing cramps due to loss of salts through sweating.

On a tangential note, do you ride with a heart rate (or if you are really hardcore, a power) monitor? I am a sucker for numbers and find my HRM useful when relating rides with blood sugars. It removes some subjectivity from the proceedings plus you can see how your body responds to long steady rides as opposed to more sprint orientated ordeals. As you move through the different heart rate zones the source of and need for, carbohydrate changes. As Phil has demonstrated, utilising fats for energy rather than quick acting carbohydrate is what you want for long rides. I suspect that this has been achieved through long duration, low intensity training (70-75% maximum heart rate) alongside the low carb diet. It should also mean you will lose weight and therefore become faster as there is less of you to lug around.

Feb 25, 2016

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

Thanks for taking the time everyone - not sure I'm keen to go low carb Phil, but crikey, that's quite an impact! I try to get my levels fairly high (12ish) for the start of a ride, but sometimes I don't get this right and end up at 15+, which as you say can leave me feeling lethargic (which kind of defeats the object of enjoying my cycling).

I'll do a bit more "research" on stuff like glucojuice. As you say Michael, at least I'll know the carb value of what's in my bidons. James, I do test during my rides (including what I laughingly refer to as "training" rides), but maybe I'm not testing enough to see exactly what's happening over a three or so hour ride. One thing I have noticed is that if I test low during a ride (lower than 5 or 6 say) and take on a mix of quick-acting and slower-acting carbs (e.g. a couple of glucogel tubes and a frusli bar) to see me through, sometimes the carbs don't seem be able to keep up with the continued exercise and I can be slightly lower at my next test (usually up to an hour later). I'm reluctant to rest and wait for my levels to come up before riding on, which is why I wonder about using some of the energy products to get a really quick spike.

Lastly, what about non-carb products? Things which seem to be caffeine-based mainly. How do they work, what should their impact be, and is diabetes a relevant factor in deciding whether to use them?

I need to get this right - my lovely wife's just bought me a new carbon bike!

Thanks again

Stew

Feb 25, 2016

CurlyWurly 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Yeah - seeing that email from them today was what made me finally order, just in case loads of folk put orders in and clogged up the distribution.

Should hopefully make for some interesting conversations with the consultant / nurse as well

Feb 25, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

that's exactly the reason it is brilliant for me....

to use it all the time just for the convenience of not finger pricking isn't really economical.....

i see it has been approved for kids now above 4......that's a great step forward for parents of young kids,,,,fantastic...

Feb 25, 2016

CurlyWurly 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Finally bit the bullet, cleared some room on my credit card and ordered one! Can't afford to keep it going full time but will be good to get the first month of data and trends and then order new sensors perhaps one a month or so. Really looking forward to the freedom and insight that it'll give me. Being able to test my sugars during work at my desk or out and about when it's not most convenient to use finger pricks and see what direction my sugars are going will be a huge bonus. Knowing what direction they are heading in when I go to bed and being able to see what happens during the night will be the biggest winner for me I think as well as seeing what happens between meals. No doubt it'll also give me the full picture of what happens when I have a few beers/night out.

Feb 24, 2016

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Moods and blood sugars

Like Alan suggested I would have a word with your Dr or Nurses as normally I would expect stress to raise blood sugar, stress is a fight or flight response from our caveman days running away from danger, the body (liver I think) kicks out glucose to give you a burst of energy to run away.

I am guessing something else is going on, maybe your background as Alan said, definitely have a word with your Dr or team.

Feb 24, 2016

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

I do a lot of long distance cycling, in the early days I would have pockets full of glucose tablets and energy gels as I went hypo loads (exercise was probably a shock to the system), to counter this I then started lowering my background insulin along with my QA. This then lead to prolonged times of running at 12+, which made me feel lethargic on the bike.

I have found a solution over the last 6 months, its not for everyone, but I have gone fully low carb, no bread, rice, pasta, sugar etc... I probably only have 20 to 30g of carbs from veg in a day unless I go hypo.

In getting my body used to burning fat not carbs I still have gels in my pocket, but for the last few 100+ milers I've done them just on water.

Like others have said, trial and error to find whats best for you I suppose, Low Carb isn't for everyone, but my HbA1c has gone from 7.9 to 5.9, which for me is worth the effort.

Phil

Feb 24, 2016

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

Just a newcomer to this technology. Only on my second sensor.
But I can say that my limited experience wholly reflects earlier posts. Stays on well. Sometimes knocks against door frames...even though applied to the back of the arm. When it died - timed to the minute, I took it off in the shower and thought is this going to unstick? It came off with a big pull OK but as others have mentioned it leaves a red mark. I was a little luckier SimonC, as the mark has almost disappeared within a day, although it is very easy to see where the sensor needle entered. I have used the reader with my usual Abbott test strips for finger bloods as a check and they have all been within 0.3 mmol/L. Compared to my Optium Xceed meter within 0.5 mmol/L...so I'm pleased that I have great confidence in the results.
I've tried it as I have been having problems keeping control during exercise. But this is an ideal aid for that situation. When out on my bike I can stop for a minute, take the reader out of one of the back pockets on my top and get an instant reading through my bike suit. A check during walking is even easier of course.
No case available yet. I would like a very small grippy case as I find the reader difficult to keep hold of when the hands are cold. Fortunately, I have only dropped it in the house onto carpet so far....but!
Like all of us, I'm a bit shocked by the ongoing cost but would like to think that the NHS would eventually do a direct comparison against fortnightly test strip costs. When I last looked, some time ago admittedly, I was averaging 90 strips a fortnight. But I don't know the current strip cost so I'll go and sweetheart my friendly cycling pharmacist for the info.
Need get some more ordered. Lets see how easy that is?
Regards
Garry

Feb 23, 2016

JamesW 24 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

I have done a few 100 mile events and find that I prefer to leave my bidons with just water (or water and electrolyte). The fuelling will come in the form of gels or pre-determined amounts of dried fruit. I prefer this setup rather than adding powders to my drinks because I dehydrate quite quickly and I don't want to overload on carbohydrate in an attempt to get fluid in to me.

As with a lot of this diabetes management thing, it is a matter of trial and error. Are you testing during your training rides? I know it is a pain to have to stop and test but capturing how you react to the cycling effort coupled with how much carbohydrate you are ingesting will, in the long run, take away the pressure when it comes to the event(s). Perhaps taking carbs in via your water bottle will work better for you. Some people suffer from gastric issues when cycling and attempting to eat solid food so finding this sort of thing out beforehand is helpful.

Enjoy it.

Feb 23, 2016

Adamkerrnz 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

I'm waiting for the Libre to be released in Australia and hopefully eventually in nz. The exchange rate nz to pounds is pretty horrific so hopefully pricing Is better from Australia. The dexcom is just too expensive for me, but I would love to have this technology available

Feb 22, 2016

michaelj 45 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

Although I'm not a regular heavy duty exerciser I find that Glucojuice is very handy as a glucose replacementm. It comes in 60ml bottles and each bottle is worth 14 units of carbohydrate or 1.4 portions. Presumably you could put in as many of these as you wish into your bottle and you would then know how much value you have in total and could approximately work out each drink is worth. As far as I'm aware anythig with high glucose content could be clased as "high energy" just like lucozade so it may be worth a try. At least you would know what you are taking on board. Best of luck

Feb 22, 2016

Stew B 125 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling)

I've recently started doing some modest distance cycling "Sportives", and find myself surrounded by cyclists adding various tablets to their drinking bottles or mixing powders with their drinks. On Saturday the event organisers provided energy drink at the drinks station.

I just carry water in my "bidons", and have glucogel, bananas etc with me. On Saturday I found myself riding a very long stretch (about an hour and a half) into a strong head-wind, and was pretty exhausted when I reached the half-way drinks point.

Has anyone had any experience of using energy products during long(ish) distance cycling? What's the impact, and how do you work around QA amounts?

I'd like to get to grips with this as I'm hoping to do a coast-to-coast ride (in stages) later this year, and would like to have an effective "topping-up" mechanism for during the rides.

Stew

Feb 19, 2016

Frazer 16 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

I have exactly the same problems as you SimonC. It's quite a relief to know I'm not the only one!
On the earlier comment about a case I keep mine in a very small camera case. It's 13cm by 6cm and the reader fits in perfectly.
I can't remember where I got it but it's made by a company called Lifeventure, just Google it and you'll find it.

Mar 7, 2016 Ivorthediver 5 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Can a ipad app talk to the iPhone? I recall getting the iPhone BS add on so that my blood glucose results could be entered via a plug in device that clipped into the base and therefore went everywhere your iPhone went What no one told me was that the reporting system only worked on Apple related devices and the NHS only used Microsoft so that was a waist of money

Mar 3, 2016 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Eating in Japan - any tips? Ooops, I missed this conversation! I've been to Japan twice (once in 2007 and again in 2011) and not had any troubles with food really. Like in the UK, most foods came with labelling which made eating only about as challenging as it is at home. You can get a whole delicious noodle or rice bowl with the carb info in quite a few places! Sounds like you had a great time! I can't wait to go again myself! ^_^

Mar 3, 2016 JayBee 587 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions Sharon doodle said: Hi, it seems like the DAFNE course has opened a can of worms for me. I have lots of undealt with gremlins. Gas anyone else found this? I'm going to follow it up with my gp, but I'm just wondering if there is support out there for us? yes, I experienced a huge amount of grief (even broke down during a catch up post-DAFNE session - NOTHING was done or offered to help me deal with my mental health after this) after realising that for 19 years of my life, I had been living in fear of type 1 just because no diabetic education was given to me sooner. I did not even get a hint to try carb counting from health care professionals throughout my diabetes life. Even now, 7 years later after DAFNE/26 years after diagnosis, I am still trying to fix the mess the lack of support has caused MYSELF. You have to fight for help in my experience. I am so angry at how poor this all is. I wish you all the best of wishes.

Mar 3, 2016 DianeW 115 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir Thanks sjohno. Wow that is an excellent HbA1c. I've noticed my bedtime readings have been really good. Then this morning, from being 7.9 yesterday I was 14 this morning! I really don't know if it is dawn p or I went hypo in the night and didn't know! I will persevere!

Mar 2, 2016 sjohno 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir Hi DianeW I started with Lantus in November 2009, a year later after listening to my body I switched to Levemir. It was the best thing I ever did! lol lol. But I do exercise alot as well and found Levemir was a brilliant BI for this. On exercise days I take 13 units once a day and 14 units non execise days, I'm lucky that I don't have to split my dose. My latest Hb1Ac in September 2015 was 6.6%. I like Levemir. Good luck with your Levemir.

Mar 2, 2016 DianeW 115 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir Would be interested to hear others experiences of it, and particularly going from Lantus to Levemir. I changed from Lantus to Levemir on Monday, giving it a trial for a month to see if control better. I took Lantus before breakfast and before bed. I am doing that with Levemir. For the first time in ages this morning my BG actually went DOWN between 6.30 and 8.30 with no insulin or food, albeit only from 9.5 to 7.9 (I have dawn phenomenon) and it is only one result, but when you've been waking up with 13-15 that is a real boost, so hoping the positive trend continues!

Feb 27, 2016 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) I really appreciate everyone's responses - lots to think about and realising that it's Not straightforward. In my youth, and many years pre-diabetes, I used to cycle race (mainly 10 and 25 mile time trials), so it comes as a bit of a trial that I can't just get on my bike and ride. On the other hand, I do like the challenge and I'm really enjoying getting the miles in. I'll be giving the suggestions a go! Thanks. Stew

Feb 26, 2016 AMcD 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) Stew. Your muscles will recharge by drawing glucose back into them after axercice which could explain the apparent non rise in BG levels after compensating with carbs.... keep up the good work. ... Andy

Feb 26, 2016 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) Yeah as James has said, to become fat adapted on the bike its been a long slow slog, training at 180-age which for me is 141bpm, very low, but its paid off. I do find if I'm on a group ride and the pace is too high for this HR I find I burn sugar and BG drops, I use High 5 gels for this, for no other reason than they're cheap, most places online are buy one get one free, I also find them more liquid than SiS and easier during a hypo to get out of sachet.

Feb 26, 2016 JamesW 24 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) I can only talk about Science in Sport (SiS) products but they do state what the nutritional values are, certainly on the gels. I don't have any to hand but I believe they come in at about 20g carbohydrate per pouch. The use of caffeine is aimed at giving you a boost over the last leg of the ride. I am not aware of diabetes playing a part in suitability, it comes down to how you as a person respond to caffeine. They are probably not something for every training run but you should at least try it before embarking on anything official to ensure suitability. Other non-carb products contain electrolytes which are good at preventing cramps due to loss of salts through sweating. On a tangential note, do you ride with a heart rate (or if you are really hardcore, a power) monitor? I am a sucker for numbers and find my HRM useful when relating rides with blood sugars. It removes some subjectivity from the proceedings plus you can see how your body responds to long steady rides as opposed to more sprint orientated ordeals. As you move through the different heart rate zones the source of and need for, carbohydrate changes. As Phil has demonstrated, utilising fats for energy rather than quick acting carbohydrate is what you want for long rides. I suspect that this has been achieved through long duration, low intensity training (70-75% maximum heart rate) alongside the low carb diet. It should also mean you will lose weight and therefore become faster as there is less of you to lug around.

Feb 25, 2016 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) Thanks for taking the time everyone - not sure I'm keen to go low carb Phil, but crikey, that's quite an impact! I try to get my levels fairly high (12ish) for the start of a ride, but sometimes I don't get this right and end up at 15+, which as you say can leave me feeling lethargic (which kind of defeats the object of enjoying my cycling). I'll do a bit more "research" on stuff like glucojuice. As you say Michael, at least I'll know the carb value of what's in my bidons. James, I do test during my rides (including what I laughingly refer to as "training" rides), but maybe I'm not testing enough to see exactly what's happening over a three or so hour ride. One thing I have noticed is that if I test low during a ride (lower than 5 or 6 say) and take on a mix of quick-acting and slower-acting carbs (e.g. a couple of glucogel tubes and a frusli bar) to see me through, sometimes the carbs don't seem be able to keep up with the continued exercise and I can be slightly lower at my next test (usually up to an hour later). I'm reluctant to rest and wait for my levels to come up before riding on, which is why I wonder about using some of the energy products to get a really quick spike. Lastly, what about non-carb products? Things which seem to be caffeine-based mainly. How do they work, what should their impact be, and is diabetes a relevant factor in deciding whether to use them? I need to get this right - my lovely wife's just bought me a new carbon bike! Thanks again Stew

Feb 25, 2016 CurlyWurly 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Yeah - seeing that email from them today was what made me finally order, just in case loads of folk put orders in and clogged up the distribution. Should hopefully make for some interesting conversations with the consultant / nurse as well

Feb 25, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) that's exactly the reason it is brilliant for me.... to use it all the time just for the convenience of not finger pricking isn't really economical..... i see it has been approved for kids now above 4......that's a great step forward for parents of young kids,,,,fantastic...

Feb 25, 2016 CurlyWurly 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Finally bit the bullet, cleared some room on my credit card and ordered one! Can't afford to keep it going full time but will be good to get the first month of data and trends and then order new sensors perhaps one a month or so. Really looking forward to the freedom and insight that it'll give me. Being able to test my sugars during work at my desk or out and about when it's not most convenient to use finger pricks and see what direction my sugars are going will be a huge bonus. Knowing what direction they are heading in when I go to bed and being able to see what happens during the night will be the biggest winner for me I think as well as seeing what happens between meals. No doubt it'll also give me the full picture of what happens when I have a few beers/night out.

Feb 24, 2016 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Moods and blood sugars Like Alan suggested I would have a word with your Dr or Nurses as normally I would expect stress to raise blood sugar, stress is a fight or flight response from our caveman days running away from danger, the body (liver I think) kicks out glucose to give you a burst of energy to run away. I am guessing something else is going on, maybe your background as Alan said, definitely have a word with your Dr or team.

Feb 24, 2016 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) I do a lot of long distance cycling, in the early days I would have pockets full of glucose tablets and energy gels as I went hypo loads (exercise was probably a shock to the system), to counter this I then started lowering my background insulin along with my QA. This then lead to prolonged times of running at 12+, which made me feel lethargic on the bike. I have found a solution over the last 6 months, its not for everyone, but I have gone fully low carb, no bread, rice, pasta, sugar etc... I probably only have 20 to 30g of carbs from veg in a day unless I go hypo. In getting my body used to burning fat not carbs I still have gels in my pocket, but for the last few 100+ milers I've done them just on water. Like others have said, trial and error to find whats best for you I suppose, Low Carb isn't for everyone, but my HbA1c has gone from 7.9 to 5.9, which for me is worth the effort. Phil

Feb 24, 2016 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Just a newcomer to this technology. Only on my second sensor. But I can say that my limited experience wholly reflects earlier posts. Stays on well. Sometimes knocks against door frames...even though applied to the back of the arm. When it died - timed to the minute, I took it off in the shower and thought is this going to unstick? It came off with a big pull OK but as others have mentioned it leaves a red mark. I was a little luckier SimonC, as the mark has almost disappeared within a day, although it is very easy to see where the sensor needle entered. I have used the reader with my usual Abbott test strips for finger bloods as a check and they have all been within 0.3 mmol/L. Compared to my Optium Xceed meter within 0.5 mmol/L...so I'm pleased that I have great confidence in the results. I've tried it as I have been having problems keeping control during exercise. But this is an ideal aid for that situation. When out on my bike I can stop for a minute, take the reader out of one of the back pockets on my top and get an instant reading through my bike suit. A check during walking is even easier of course. No case available yet. I would like a very small grippy case as I find the reader difficult to keep hold of when the hands are cold. Fortunately, I have only dropped it in the house onto carpet so far....but! Like all of us, I'm a bit shocked by the ongoing cost but would like to think that the NHS would eventually do a direct comparison against fortnightly test strip costs. When I last looked, some time ago admittedly, I was averaging 90 strips a fortnight. But I don't know the current strip cost so I'll go and sweetheart my friendly cycling pharmacist for the info. Need get some more ordered. Lets see how easy that is? Regards Garry

Feb 23, 2016 JamesW 24 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) I have done a few 100 mile events and find that I prefer to leave my bidons with just water (or water and electrolyte). The fuelling will come in the form of gels or pre-determined amounts of dried fruit. I prefer this setup rather than adding powders to my drinks because I dehydrate quite quickly and I don't want to overload on carbohydrate in an attempt to get fluid in to me. As with a lot of this diabetes management thing, it is a matter of trial and error. Are you testing during your training rides? I know it is a pain to have to stop and test but capturing how you react to the cycling effort coupled with how much carbohydrate you are ingesting will, in the long run, take away the pressure when it comes to the event(s). Perhaps taking carbs in via your water bottle will work better for you. Some people suffer from gastric issues when cycling and attempting to eat solid food so finding this sort of thing out beforehand is helpful. Enjoy it.

Feb 23, 2016 Adamkerrnz 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I'm waiting for the Libre to be released in Australia and hopefully eventually in nz. The exchange rate nz to pounds is pretty horrific so hopefully pricing Is better from Australia. The dexcom is just too expensive for me, but I would love to have this technology available

Feb 22, 2016 michaelj 45 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) Although I'm not a regular heavy duty exerciser I find that Glucojuice is very handy as a glucose replacementm. It comes in 60ml bottles and each bottle is worth 14 units of carbohydrate or 1.4 portions. Presumably you could put in as many of these as you wish into your bottle and you would then know how much value you have in total and could approximately work out each drink is worth. As far as I'm aware anythig with high glucose content could be clased as "high energy" just like lucozade so it may be worth a try. At least you would know what you are taking on board. Best of luck

Feb 22, 2016 Stew B 125 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Energy drinks during exercise (cycling) I've recently started doing some modest distance cycling "Sportives", and find myself surrounded by cyclists adding various tablets to their drinking bottles or mixing powders with their drinks. On Saturday the event organisers provided energy drink at the drinks station. I just carry water in my "bidons", and have glucogel, bananas etc with me. On Saturday I found myself riding a very long stretch (about an hour and a half) into a strong head-wind, and was pretty exhausted when I reached the half-way drinks point. Has anyone had any experience of using energy products during long(ish) distance cycling? What's the impact, and how do you work around QA amounts? I'd like to get to grips with this as I'm hoping to do a coast-to-coast ride (in stages) later this year, and would like to have an effective "topping-up" mechanism for during the rides. Stew

Feb 19, 2016 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I have exactly the same problems as you SimonC. It's quite a relief to know I'm not the only one! On the earlier comment about a case I keep mine in a very small camera case. It's 13cm by 6cm and the reader fits in perfectly. I can't remember where I got it but it's made by a company called Lifeventure, just Google it and you'll find it.