Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

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 428 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 15, 2016

michaelj 45 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Travel to Sri Lanka

Have done flights to Malaysia which usually leave around 10pm and take 12 hours, so I keep Basal insulin the same as usual for night or morning times, then try to keep to UK time for the next 12 hrs or so, and then gradually change the times of meals and dosing to fit local time. Bolus obviously is easier as you can move mealtimes around a bit for first day or so to get into the local routine.Your blood glucose will rise by a bit as you will be sitting for quite a while on the aircraft, so don't panic over that, you can sort it out once you get there. It's best to try and reduce high blood sugars by small doses of extra insulin each time you bolus rather than large doses as you will bounce all over the place. It doesn't take long to get into a new routine, and things usually settle down. The hardest part is trying to estimate carbohydrate in unusual foods. As I say, your sugars will be all over the place for a while but don't panic. I don't think anyone has been seriously ill for being high for a day or two.

Feb 15, 2016

Alan Shepherd 5 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Moods and blood sugars

Hi - firstly congratulations on your pregnancy! - what do you mean by "low"? - if you are adding stress (families can be a right pain!!) into the mix; and whatever hormones are extra in your body with your pregnancy, I am not surprised you are having trouble with fluctuating blood sugars - as you may have guessed I am a bloke so can not speak from direct experience but I am sure a few extra blood tests would not go astray while you have somebody inside you scoffing all of your valuable carbs, I could also suggest reducing your background dose down a bit during this time (or even your QA:CP ratio), but to be honest your doctor is probably better qualified than I am at that conversation - not much constructive help I know but best of luck anyway

Feb 13, 2016

lucy1gus2 13 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Travel to Sri Lanka

Thanks for that.
There is certain to be a bit of a hiccup with readings at the start but I will be testing more than normal

Feb 13, 2016

yogababe 4 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Alcohol

How much should I reduce my background insulin after having drunk alcohol?
A half bottle of dry white wine, for example, will drop my BG lower but I;m not sure how much I should cut my evening levemir does by - 50%?

Feb 12, 2016

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Pump death?

Here we have two systems of health care. If you can afford it you are expected to pay for private health care. If you can not afford it, or choose not to on philosophical grounds, you use the public system. I have private health cover and the fund was happy to purchase the first pump at my private endocrinologist's request. My health fund has refused to replace it as it is "fully functioning". It will be 4 years old 8/3/16.
If you do not have private cover you have to negotiate the public system. I believe they do supply pumps to children.. I believe that adults join a health fund, wait the determined amount of time and then request a pump. It costs me just about $AUD 2 400 a year for private health care.

We will see. Helen

Feb 12, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Pump death?

So do you get funding then...?.....here in the UK younger an upgrade every 4 year I think...is it similar over there?.....

Hopefully it won't beong till you get a new one....the 640g is my next move I think...need to wait a year though...no cgm though...

Feb 12, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator

I use to use a freestyle meter that calculated the dose fore you once you had your ratios, you then program the ratio in, you test your blood then in put the carbs and it gives you the dose...

InsulinX it was called...

Feb 12, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator

If your doing physical activity that isn't a daily occurrence then you should reduce basal, unfortunately working out what a higher ratio means in terms of final dose has to be done manually... Going from 1:1 to 1.5:1 isn't that difficult, a 60g meal at 6 units would be 9 units instead....once you test the new ratio to work good, you can move on..its wise to keep a written record when your working out ratios...do you record it..

Feb 12, 2016

HelenP 218 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Pump death?

Hi Novorapidboi,

I am on an Animas pump and the clip is removable. In fact you have to remove the clip to download the data. Over the past nearly 4 years the clip has broken about a half dozen times. I can buy replacement clips but over the past couple of downloading data episodes I noticed the clip was getting harder to take off and replace. The last time I was unable to replace it. I think that as i used to wear it on my R hip (as I found that the most comfortable and easy to access point) I have gradually distorted the slide in point for the clip. I am reluctant to tackle it with a screwdriver (seems the most obvious tool) and prise it open a tad as I think I will further damage the slide in point, or open it too much!. Still bungee jumping but has not made it to the toilet yet! It is summer here and the "belt" I purchased with a special pocket that is made of a stretchy (non breathable) fabric can become very sweaty over a day and ends up looking like a piece of rope tied around my waist.. It is also less convenient when out to dive under clothing to retrieve the pump for boluses etc. Sitting at the back was great but is no longer an option.
I plan to change brands to Medtronic, when I do upgrade. I have been told that I can realistically expect the pump to last 5 years without problems or I can purchase a new one myself ($(AUD) 10 000) if my health fund will not come to the party. I also plan to go to CGM (Minimed 640G system) so I would be up for significant costs. Helen

Feb 12, 2016

Kordula B 6 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator

indeed - YOU: "high at lunch then up your breakfast ratio"
ME: from 1 : 1 to 1.5 : 1
hence it would be SOOOO good to have the calculator which helps me for the ONE MEAL at a time, calculate quickly how much 1.5 : 1 means for that pot of mango sticks, the half slice rye bread - it is time consuming enough collecting all the label info. ...!
Have a good weekend
- for breakfast tomorrow I will use 1 :1 because I shall cycle to the wood, fell some trees (bow saws for volunteers) and help make a bonfire - then we can cook spuds and vegeburgers in the cinders.
If I used 1.5 : 1 ratio I would end up hypo at 12.

Feb 12, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator

Wow, very technical lol...

Your Bi should hold you steady, once that's right you can look at your QA, using DAFNE principles, high at lunch then up your breakfast ratio, high at dinner up your lunch and so on... Only do one meal at a time

Feb 12, 2016

Kordula B 6 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator

you are right - having a carb-free day is used for that. - I take 7.5 IU a.m - any more and I end up hypo around 3 o'clock; this is why having a different ratio at different times of the day is another way of keeping within limits despite the diurnal rhythm of various hormones involved in BG levels and regulation:
Corticosteroid levels are generally lower at night and higher during the day - especially the morning
. cortisol promotes lipid and protein breakdown and synthesis of of glucose from amino acids ( protein) Uptake of glucose by muscle and adipose tissue decreases.

Feb 12, 2016

novorapidboi26 1,819 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Bendroflumethiazide effect

Your HCP advice should always be used however I believe if your unsure about whether the issue is with BI or QA you should always get the BI right first, then the QA, your evening QA won't sort out the morning reading as its out your system in 4/5 hours...

Feb 12, 2016

john day 54 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Bendroflumethiazide effect

Thanks for your comment, novo. I see where you are coming from and see the logic.

After posting here I contacted my diabetes nurse who suggested the 'standard' upping my evening ratio from 1.5 to 2 to get the bedtime and possibly breakfast rdgs reasonable again and then look at the levemir as you suggest.

She did/could not comment specifically re the medication though.

We will see ... Thanks again

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 428 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

Feb 15, 2016 michaelj 45 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Travel to Sri Lanka Have done flights to Malaysia which usually leave around 10pm and take 12 hours, so I keep Basal insulin the same as usual for night or morning times, then try to keep to UK time for the next 12 hrs or so, and then gradually change the times of meals and dosing to fit local time. Bolus obviously is easier as you can move mealtimes around a bit for first day or so to get into the local routine.Your blood glucose will rise by a bit as you will be sitting for quite a while on the aircraft, so don't panic over that, you can sort it out once you get there. It's best to try and reduce high blood sugars by small doses of extra insulin each time you bolus rather than large doses as you will bounce all over the place. It doesn't take long to get into a new routine, and things usually settle down. The hardest part is trying to estimate carbohydrate in unusual foods. As I say, your sugars will be all over the place for a while but don't panic. I don't think anyone has been seriously ill for being high for a day or two.

Feb 15, 2016 Alan Shepherd 5 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Moods and blood sugars Hi - firstly congratulations on your pregnancy! - what do you mean by "low"? - if you are adding stress (families can be a right pain!!) into the mix; and whatever hormones are extra in your body with your pregnancy, I am not surprised you are having trouble with fluctuating blood sugars - as you may have guessed I am a bloke so can not speak from direct experience but I am sure a few extra blood tests would not go astray while you have somebody inside you scoffing all of your valuable carbs, I could also suggest reducing your background dose down a bit during this time (or even your QA:CP ratio), but to be honest your doctor is probably better qualified than I am at that conversation - not much constructive help I know but best of luck anyway

Feb 13, 2016 lucy1gus2 13 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Travel to Sri Lanka Thanks for that. There is certain to be a bit of a hiccup with readings at the start but I will be testing more than normal

Feb 13, 2016 yogababe 4 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Alcohol How much should I reduce my background insulin after having drunk alcohol? A half bottle of dry white wine, for example, will drop my BG lower but I;m not sure how much I should cut my evening levemir does by - 50%?

Feb 12, 2016 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Pump death? Here we have two systems of health care. If you can afford it you are expected to pay for private health care. If you can not afford it, or choose not to on philosophical grounds, you use the public system. I have private health cover and the fund was happy to purchase the first pump at my private endocrinologist's request. My health fund has refused to replace it as it is "fully functioning". It will be 4 years old 8/3/16. If you do not have private cover you have to negotiate the public system. I believe they do supply pumps to children.. I believe that adults join a health fund, wait the determined amount of time and then request a pump. It costs me just about $AUD 2 400 a year for private health care. We will see. Helen

Feb 12, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Pump death? So do you get funding then...?.....here in the UK younger an upgrade every 4 year I think...is it similar over there?..... Hopefully it won't beong till you get a new one....the 640g is my next move I think...need to wait a year though...no cgm though...

Feb 12, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator I use to use a freestyle meter that calculated the dose fore you once you had your ratios, you then program the ratio in, you test your blood then in put the carbs and it gives you the dose... InsulinX it was called...

Feb 12, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator If your doing physical activity that isn't a daily occurrence then you should reduce basal, unfortunately working out what a higher ratio means in terms of final dose has to be done manually... Going from 1:1 to 1.5:1 isn't that difficult, a 60g meal at 6 units would be 9 units instead....once you test the new ratio to work good, you can move on..its wise to keep a written record when your working out ratios...do you record it..

Feb 12, 2016 HelenP 218 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Pump death? Hi Novorapidboi, I am on an Animas pump and the clip is removable. In fact you have to remove the clip to download the data. Over the past nearly 4 years the clip has broken about a half dozen times. I can buy replacement clips but over the past couple of downloading data episodes I noticed the clip was getting harder to take off and replace. The last time I was unable to replace it. I think that as i used to wear it on my R hip (as I found that the most comfortable and easy to access point) I have gradually distorted the slide in point for the clip. I am reluctant to tackle it with a screwdriver (seems the most obvious tool) and prise it open a tad as I think I will further damage the slide in point, or open it too much!. Still bungee jumping but has not made it to the toilet yet! It is summer here and the "belt" I purchased with a special pocket that is made of a stretchy (non breathable) fabric can become very sweaty over a day and ends up looking like a piece of rope tied around my waist.. It is also less convenient when out to dive under clothing to retrieve the pump for boluses etc. Sitting at the back was great but is no longer an option. I plan to change brands to Medtronic, when I do upgrade. I have been told that I can realistically expect the pump to last 5 years without problems or I can purchase a new one myself ($(AUD) 10 000) if my health fund will not come to the party. I also plan to go to CGM (Minimed 640G system) so I would be up for significant costs. Helen

Feb 12, 2016 Kordula B 6 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator indeed - YOU: "high at lunch then up your breakfast ratio" ME: from 1 : 1 to 1.5 : 1 hence it would be SOOOO good to have the calculator which helps me for the ONE MEAL at a time, calculate quickly how much 1.5 : 1 means for that pot of mango sticks, the half slice rye bread - it is time consuming enough collecting all the label info. ...! Have a good weekend - for breakfast tomorrow I will use 1 :1 because I shall cycle to the wood, fell some trees (bow saws for volunteers) and help make a bonfire - then we can cook spuds and vegeburgers in the cinders. If I used 1.5 : 1 ratio I would end up hypo at 12.

Feb 12, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator Wow, very technical lol... Your Bi should hold you steady, once that's right you can look at your QA, using DAFNE principles, high at lunch then up your breakfast ratio, high at dinner up your lunch and so on... Only do one meal at a time

Feb 12, 2016 Kordula B 6 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / ratio calculator you are right - having a carb-free day is used for that. - I take 7.5 IU a.m - any more and I end up hypo around 3 o'clock; this is why having a different ratio at different times of the day is another way of keeping within limits despite the diurnal rhythm of various hormones involved in BG levels and regulation: Corticosteroid levels are generally lower at night and higher during the day - especially the morning . cortisol promotes lipid and protein breakdown and synthesis of of glucose from amino acids ( protein) Uptake of glucose by muscle and adipose tissue decreases.

Feb 12, 2016 novorapidboi26 1,819 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Bendroflumethiazide effect Your HCP advice should always be used however I believe if your unsure about whether the issue is with BI or QA you should always get the BI right first, then the QA, your evening QA won't sort out the morning reading as its out your system in 4/5 hours...

Feb 12, 2016 john day 54 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Bendroflumethiazide effect Thanks for your comment, novo. I see where you are coming from and see the logic. After posting here I contacted my diabetes nurse who suggested the 'standard' upping my evening ratio from 1.5 to 2 to get the bedtime and possibly breakfast rdgs reasonable again and then look at the levemir as you suggest. She did/could not comment specifically re the medication though. We will see ... Thanks again