Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Mar 14, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,816 posts

Upon starting DAFNE I was put on Lantus but almost immediately it was clear it wasn't lasting 24 hours, so went on Levemir.........

Didn't look back from Levemir until the pump came along......

its much more flexible for things like exercise, alcohol and illness, generally anyway, there are always exceptions.... Very Happy

Mar 14, 2016

Paul Patterson 7 posts

Topic: General Discussion / NEW APP

In our news recently

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11604883

Mar 13, 2016

TrayKev 1 post

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Trying to carbohydrate count

I have been carb counting now for about a year, I was finding it hard to start with but 8wks ago I went on the DAFNE course and have learnt a whole new way of doing things, the only problem was then, trying to work carbs in CP's. I was given a Accu-Chek Aviva Expert metre and things are so much easier. Now I am just trying to work out with my carb and cal book, how many carbs there are in each food I eat so I can work out the correct dosage of insulin.

Mar 12, 2016

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre/ Australia

I have recently received a notification that these will shortly be available in Australia.

Abbott received "approval from TGA (for Freestyle Libre) to be sold in the Australian market. It is currently unclear as to whether it will be offered for a subsidy under the NDSS."

Any ideas re cost?

Helen

Mar 7, 2016

Ivorthediver 4 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Jelly Babies

Tried many types ...from gulcostop and dextrostix which both make me throw up but Lucozade for very low or Jelly babies to stave off minor issues

Mar 7, 2016

Ivorthediver 4 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin types and doses - Basel/Bolus doses - Novapen 5

Well thanks for that Vic , this new word of Spike has only recently crossed my path in diabetic control , but now i am on the Forum i hope to address that .

I have been a T1 for 43 years and like most old hands are a little annoyed at the BSL / HbA1c goal post migration .
When first diagnosed in 1974 I was told that an HbA1c of 8 would put them all out of a job , but despite leading an active life until very recently where Arthritis of the spine is slowing me down my HbA1c has remained there or there about .
With less mobility now I am being persuaded to lower it , which I take on board , but i am finding it difficult to say the least .
My Dietician is trying her best , but between us we are not doing to well , but perhaps its me being impatient .

It was suggested to me by another diabetic that perhaps a pump is the answer but from what i have viewed on Forums they are harder to manage than the insulins i am currently on .
I have always done about 8 blood sugar level tests a day [ though some are just checks to see whats going on ] but i have recently been given a Freestyle which i find easy to use but hard to comprehend , as the suggested insulin doses are well below what i would normally have taken and some days i seem to be riding on a spike which i find counter productive short term and insanity on the long term

Hopefully things will improve but the signs so far are sole destroying

Mar 7, 2016

Ivorthediver 4 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 582 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 582 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 123 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 123 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 1,816 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

Mar 14, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,816 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir Upon starting DAFNE I was put on Lantus but almost immediately it was clear it wasn't lasting 24 hours, so went on Levemir......... Didn't look back from Levemir until the pump came along...... its much more flexible for things like exercise, alcohol and illness, generally anyway, there are always exceptions....

Mar 14, 2016 Paul Patterson 7 posts	Topic: General Discussion / NEW APP In our news recently http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11604883

Mar 13, 2016 TrayKev 1 post	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Trying to carbohydrate count I have been carb counting now for about a year, I was finding it hard to start with but 8wks ago I went on the DAFNE course and have learnt a whole new way of doing things, the only problem was then, trying to work carbs in CP's. I was given a Accu-Chek Aviva Expert metre and things are so much easier. Now I am just trying to work out with my carb and cal book, how many carbs there are in each food I eat so I can work out the correct dosage of insulin.

Mar 12, 2016 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre/ Australia I have recently received a notification that these will shortly be available in Australia. Abbott received "approval from TGA (for Freestyle Libre) to be sold in the Australian market. It is currently unclear as to whether it will be offered for a subsidy under the NDSS." Any ideas re cost? Helen

Mar 7, 2016 Ivorthediver 4 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Jelly Babies Tried many types ...from gulcostop and dextrostix which both make me throw up but Lucozade for very low or Jelly babies to stave off minor issues

Mar 7, 2016 Ivorthediver 4 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin types and doses - Basel/Bolus doses - Novapen 5 Well thanks for that Vic , this new word of Spike has only recently crossed my path in diabetic control , but now i am on the Forum i hope to address that . I have been a T1 for 43 years and like most old hands are a little annoyed at the BSL / HbA1c goal post migration . When first diagnosed in 1974 I was told that an HbA1c of 8 would put them all out of a job , but despite leading an active life until very recently where Arthritis of the spine is slowing me down my HbA1c has remained there or there about . With less mobility now I am being persuaded to lower it , which I take on board , but i am finding it difficult to say the least . My Dietician is trying her best , but between us we are not doing to well , but perhaps its me being impatient . It was suggested to me by another diabetic that perhaps a pump is the answer but from what i have viewed on Forums they are harder to manage than the insulins i am currently on . I have always done about 8 blood sugar level tests a day [ though some are just checks to see whats going on ] but i have recently been given a Freestyle which i find easy to use but hard to comprehend , as the suggested insulin doses are well below what i would normally have taken and some days i seem to be riding on a spike which i find counter productive short term and insanity on the long term Hopefully things will improve but the signs so far are sole destroying

Mar 7, 2016 Ivorthediver 4 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 582 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 582 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 123 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 123 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 1,816 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