Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

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.

Feb 18, 2016

SimonC 78 posts

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

It is funny how different we all are - my only bug bear with the libre system is that the glue on the sensor is too strong.

I was away for the weekend with my wife, and I was in the sauna, steam room and hot tub, and the sensor did not peel off - and when I had to remove it a few days later it was still stuck solid, and took quite a lot to pull it off. It leaves a big red mark where it has been which takes about 4 days to go - I alternate arms to give each one a rest.

Feb 18, 2016

sarahg 29 posts

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

Hi Guys. Hope it works out for you on your ski trip. Having used this system for over 12 months it has been amazing . I missed swimming and iam finding I am now getting a bit on sore arms , so iam going to take a break for a while. The system is a fantastic way to see how your blood glcouse is 24/7. I do find the skin tac wipes really help with ensuring it stays on for the 14 days as I do find getting sweaty at the gym/ gardening reduces length of time the sensor stays on.

Feb 18, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG Meter Smartwatch survey

All done......

You may get greater uptake at other forums like diabetessupport.co.uk and diabetes.co.uk...

they would want you to get permission first probably from one of the admin staff.

Feb 18, 2016

NiVZ 82 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BG Meter Smartwatch survey

Hello,

If any of you have a spare few minutes would you be able to fill in this short survey for a friends dissertation where they are exploring the idea of merging a BG Meter with a Smartwatch.

https://www.esurveycreator.com/s/sugarstrap1

Thanks,

NiVZ

Feb 18, 2016

Yelekreb 11 posts

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

I've bought mine to cover a ski trip - being able to test through clothes is a huge bonus. I plan to use it intermittently to cover holidays/sport etc. I've stuck some Tegaderm over the top to give a bit more robustness. I think it should be fine without, but bashing the sensor is a possibility skiing. I've already discovered that I can hit a door frame with the back of my arm!

The insight into my BS levels over 24 hours is amazing. The sensor stores 8 hours of readings, + you can 'zap' as many times as you like for an instant read. The reader (which is just a special BS Meter) can hold 90 days data. Abbott are trialling a mobile based version using NFC in Sweden. Android only, but maybe Apple will be enabled sometime.

It's not a perfect system. The reader is a bit plasticky and it would have been nice to have a case. You can use it as a normal BS monitor as well using Abbot Opitum strips. You still have to finger prick, but as opposed to knowing where I am 4-6 times a day, I can now know anytime. It's like driving with your eyes open, rather than every 6 hours!

It is expensive - no doubt. There is good research that shows CGM (or equivalent) combined with good education (DAFNE!) can lead to significant HBA1C reductions. This of course would be an enormous cost saving to the NHS in the long term. But I doubt it will get NHS funding soon. That being said, if Abbott can role out worldwide and economies of scale kick in, we (hopefully) would see unit price reductions. Competition might help here too.

I know of one A&E Doctor (T1) who uses Freestyle at work as finger sticking for him is hazardous due to the bodily fluids he is exposed to. If you work or are exposed to a dirty environment, this could be a real help. I can even 'zap' when running - I'm worried I will miss it!

Feb 17, 2016

Warwick 425 posts

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

Helen,

Although the Libre will be released here in Australia in the next few months, I've been using the Dexcom G4. Still horribly pricey, but when a sensor dies after a week, you can just restart it again. The best I have had lasted 53 days. I don't know of anyone else though getting such long-lasting behaviour though so it does really depend on the individual.

The G5 gets released at the end of the month but I won't be moving to that. The transmitter on a G5 is set to die at 3 months exactly. It is almost the same price as a G4 transmitter but the G4 transmitter is warranted to last at least 6 months, so for me it is a no-brainer to stay with the G4 given that the transmitter costs $540 for a G5 and $580 for a G4.

Feb 17, 2016

SimonC 78 posts

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

HelenP said:
I'm curious! Do you intend to use them continuously or use just to set basal rates etc? Has anyone tested the life of one of a sensor or do they just shut down automatically after two weeks? Any site problems after two weeks? I occasionally have site issues with the pump stuff and would be reluctant to just "replace the sensor" especially as they are as expensive as they are.

Helen

Helen

They shut down automatically - they clearly have a countdown timer, and really only do last 2 weeks - to the minute.

I am on my second month of using them, and they really are an eye opener as to how the level deviate - for me, have discovered that I need to take my breakfast fast acting much earlier - about 30 mins before I eat - to keep the dawn phenomenon to a minimum, but I can take the fast acting much closer to when I eat during the day.

Because you can see the rise and fall plotted on the graph it paints a much better picture of what is happening than taking a single point in time and trying to guess what is actually going on - is that snapshot on the rise, or on the way down, or is it levelling off - you just can't be sure with the single test - although you can make an educated guess, but with the monitor - you know, you can see.

I have also changed the amounts of my split long acting to also help with this - and whilst still not perfect, it is getting there.

It also helps when driving - yes in the UK we have to do a blood test to comply with the law, but whilst driving, I can quickly scan - this can inform my decisions and thus ensure I know if the levels are dropping close to the UK limit of 5 mmols, before they get there, and so stop or know I am no where near the limit. yes I know there is more to it such as stopping and re blood testing every 2 hours - for the pedants, but you get the picture.

For me, the very first monitor was a bit out of sink with the blood reading for the first hour or two, but since then they have all been pretty much in tune with the blood tests, and now I tend to rely on them and refer to these rather than any blood test.

Apart from all this, it really is very easy to get a reading. The NFC range goes right through any clothing, including my thick motorbike jackets, and at work, I do just pick op the scanner and scan - done in 2 seconds.

I love them.

Feb 17, 2016

HelenP 218 posts

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

I'm curious! Do you intend to use them continuously or use just to set basal rates etc? Has anyone tested the life of one of a sensor or do they just shut down automatically after two weeks? Any site problems after two weeks? I occasionally have site issues with the pump stuff and would be reluctant to just "replace the sensor" especially as they are as expensive as they are.

Helen

Feb 17, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

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

Yelekreb said:
I'm 5 days into my first Freestyle Libre sensor. First 18 hours - horribly inaccurate. Now pretty good. Does lag a bit (and measures differently to finger sticking), but really helpful in understanding trends. Its expensive, but very helpful!

This is how I understand the benefit of its use.....it can display patterns of BG at times when you cant or wont test your blood sugar......

good for basal testing and so on.....

the same goes with CGM,, good for basal testing...and yes, good for spotting hypos etc, but most folk can feel the lows coming on....

not something that everyone should have or want really......

im still going to get a libre soon.... Smile

Feb 17, 2016

Yelekreb 11 posts

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

I'm 5 days into my first Freestyle Libre sensor. First 18 hours - horribly inaccurate. Now pretty good. Does lag a bit (and measures differently to finger sticking), but really helpful in understanding trends. Its expensive, but very helpful!

Feb 17, 2016

sjohno 37 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Travel to Sri Lanka

Hi lucy1gus2

Please find below a web site that I have bookmarked to use later on this year:

http://www.diabetestravel.org/

It may help you with future long distance travels.

Feb 15, 2016

lucy1gus2 13 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Travel to Sri Lanka

Once again - thanks. Have previously done flights to South Africa but with only a 2 hour time difference it was easy to sort insulin out.
A tendency to panic a bit on lengthy plane journeys so thanks for the reassurance

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.

Feb 18, 2016 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) It is funny how different we all are - my only bug bear with the libre system is that the glue on the sensor is too strong. I was away for the weekend with my wife, and I was in the sauna, steam room and hot tub, and the sensor did not peel off - and when I had to remove it a few days later it was still stuck solid, and took quite a lot to pull it off. It leaves a big red mark where it has been which takes about 4 days to go - I alternate arms to give each one a rest.

Feb 18, 2016 sarahg 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi Guys. Hope it works out for you on your ski trip. Having used this system for over 12 months it has been amazing . I missed swimming and iam finding I am now getting a bit on sore arms , so iam going to take a break for a while. The system is a fantastic way to see how your blood glcouse is 24/7. I do find the skin tac wipes really help with ensuring it stays on for the 14 days as I do find getting sweaty at the gym/ gardening reduces length of time the sensor stays on.

Feb 18, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BG Meter Smartwatch survey All done...... You may get greater uptake at other forums like diabetessupport.co.uk and diabetes.co.uk... they would want you to get permission first probably from one of the admin staff.

Feb 18, 2016 NiVZ 82 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BG Meter Smartwatch survey Hello, If any of you have a spare few minutes would you be able to fill in this short survey for a friends dissertation where they are exploring the idea of merging a BG Meter with a Smartwatch. https://www.esurveycreator.com/s/sugarstrap1 Thanks, NiVZ

Feb 18, 2016 Yelekreb 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I've bought mine to cover a ski trip - being able to test through clothes is a huge bonus. I plan to use it intermittently to cover holidays/sport etc. I've stuck some Tegaderm over the top to give a bit more robustness. I think it should be fine without, but bashing the sensor is a possibility skiing. I've already discovered that I can hit a door frame with the back of my arm! The insight into my BS levels over 24 hours is amazing. The sensor stores 8 hours of readings, + you can 'zap' as many times as you like for an instant read. The reader (which is just a special BS Meter) can hold 90 days data. Abbott are trialling a mobile based version using NFC in Sweden. Android only, but maybe Apple will be enabled sometime. It's not a perfect system. The reader is a bit plasticky and it would have been nice to have a case. You can use it as a normal BS monitor as well using Abbot Opitum strips. You still have to finger prick, but as opposed to knowing where I am 4-6 times a day, I can now know anytime. It's like driving with your eyes open, rather than every 6 hours! It is expensive - no doubt. There is good research that shows CGM (or equivalent) combined with good education (DAFNE!) can lead to significant HBA1C reductions. This of course would be an enormous cost saving to the NHS in the long term. But I doubt it will get NHS funding soon. That being said, if Abbott can role out worldwide and economies of scale kick in, we (hopefully) would see unit price reductions. Competition might help here too. I know of one A&E Doctor (T1) who uses Freestyle at work as finger sticking for him is hazardous due to the bodily fluids he is exposed to. If you work or are exposed to a dirty environment, this could be a real help. I can even 'zap' when running - I'm worried I will miss it!

Feb 17, 2016 Warwick 425 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Helen, Although the Libre will be released here in Australia in the next few months, I've been using the Dexcom G4. Still horribly pricey, but when a sensor dies after a week, you can just restart it again. The best I have had lasted 53 days. I don't know of anyone else though getting such long-lasting behaviour though so it does really depend on the individual. The G5 gets released at the end of the month but I won't be moving to that. The transmitter on a G5 is set to die at 3 months exactly. It is almost the same price as a G4 transmitter but the G4 transmitter is warranted to last at least 6 months, so for me it is a no-brainer to stay with the G4 given that the transmitter costs $540 for a G5 and $580 for a G4.

Feb 17, 2016 SimonC 78 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) HelenP said: I'm curious! Do you intend to use them continuously or use just to set basal rates etc? Has anyone tested the life of one of a sensor or do they just shut down automatically after two weeks? Any site problems after two weeks? I occasionally have site issues with the pump stuff and would be reluctant to just "replace the sensor" especially as they are as expensive as they are. Helen Helen They shut down automatically - they clearly have a countdown timer, and really only do last 2 weeks - to the minute. I am on my second month of using them, and they really are an eye opener as to how the level deviate - for me, have discovered that I need to take my breakfast fast acting much earlier - about 30 mins before I eat - to keep the dawn phenomenon to a minimum, but I can take the fast acting much closer to when I eat during the day. Because you can see the rise and fall plotted on the graph it paints a much better picture of what is happening than taking a single point in time and trying to guess what is actually going on - is that snapshot on the rise, or on the way down, or is it levelling off - you just can't be sure with the single test - although you can make an educated guess, but with the monitor - you know, you can see. I have also changed the amounts of my split long acting to also help with this - and whilst still not perfect, it is getting there. It also helps when driving - yes in the UK we have to do a blood test to comply with the law, but whilst driving, I can quickly scan - this can inform my decisions and thus ensure I know if the levels are dropping close to the UK limit of 5 mmols, before they get there, and so stop or know I am no where near the limit. yes I know there is more to it such as stopping and re blood testing every 2 hours - for the pedants, but you get the picture. For me, the very first monitor was a bit out of sink with the blood reading for the first hour or two, but since then they have all been pretty much in tune with the blood tests, and now I tend to rely on them and refer to these rather than any blood test. Apart from all this, it really is very easy to get a reading. The NFC range goes right through any clothing, including my thick motorbike jackets, and at work, I do just pick op the scanner and scan - done in 2 seconds. I love them.

Feb 17, 2016 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I'm curious! Do you intend to use them continuously or use just to set basal rates etc? Has anyone tested the life of one of a sensor or do they just shut down automatically after two weeks? Any site problems after two weeks? I occasionally have site issues with the pump stuff and would be reluctant to just "replace the sensor" especially as they are as expensive as they are. Helen

Feb 17, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Yelekreb said: I'm 5 days into my first Freestyle Libre sensor. First 18 hours - horribly inaccurate. Now pretty good. Does lag a bit (and measures differently to finger sticking), but really helpful in understanding trends. Its expensive, but very helpful! This is how I understand the benefit of its use.....it can display patterns of BG at times when you cant or wont test your blood sugar...... good for basal testing and so on..... the same goes with CGM,, good for basal testing...and yes, good for spotting hypos etc, but most folk can feel the lows coming on.... not something that everyone should have or want really...... im still going to get a libre soon....

Feb 17, 2016 Yelekreb 11 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I'm 5 days into my first Freestyle Libre sensor. First 18 hours - horribly inaccurate. Now pretty good. Does lag a bit (and measures differently to finger sticking), but really helpful in understanding trends. Its expensive, but very helpful!

Feb 17, 2016 sjohno 37 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Travel to Sri Lanka Hi lucy1gus2 Please find below a web site that I have bookmarked to use later on this year: http://www.diabetestravel.org/ It may help you with future long distance travels.

Feb 15, 2016 lucy1gus2 13 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Travel to Sri Lanka Once again - thanks. Have previously done flights to South Africa but with only a 2 hour time difference it was easy to sort insulin out. A tendency to panic a bit on lengthy plane journeys so thanks for the reassurance