Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Nov 21, 2015

jigme 9 posts

having trouble logging in to this site on my iPhone 6 running iOS9, and on my computer (Firefox and Chrome on OS X 10.11) - keep getting server errors (not found, not responding, etc.). also, my DAFNE app keeps failing to login to upload results, though it does succeed occasionally. i've double-checked my network and my login credentials.

Nov 20, 2015

stephenbrowne 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE and Insulin Pumps.

I started carbohydrate counting 48 years ago at diagnosis and started a pump 3 years ago. I attended DAFNE 2 years ago. I wondered how helpful it would be and in fact I was the only one innthe group on a pump. Nevertheless I found it helpful and encouraging. One can learn much from others withvtype 1 diabetes and. I realised in a new way that we are all individuals and no two people with type 1 diabetes have exactly the same needs or experience. I think it would have been very helpful if I had had the opportunity to meet others on a pump. Some of the advice in the group needed modification for pump users but those running the group were very good and seemed to understand issues relating to pump use.

Nov 20, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diagnosed just over a year ago

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the forum. I have Diabetes for 21 years now and use an insulin pump. Feel free to ask any questions.

K Rgds,

S

Nov 20, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Basal check

Hi Fergal,

You could start with your morning Basal.

To test this you need to check your BS when you wake. Fast then if possible until lunchtime. If you blood sugars are higher then you need to increase your basal - if they are lower you need to decrease.

Lunchtime Basal

Have your breakfast as normal and take your insulin. Test your BS at lunchtime and then apply the same principle as above.

Dinner time Basal

Have your lunch as normal and take your insulin. Test your BS at dinner time and then apply the same principle as above.

Nightime Basal

Have your dinner as normal and take your insulin. Test your BS before bedtime and then again first thing when you wake. Then apply the same principle as above.

Hope this helps :-)

Nov 20, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE and Insulin Pumps.

I did DAFNE about 10 years ago and did it again in May of this year. I have to say it was well worth attending. Things have changed dramatically over the last 10 years. There were techniques I had forgotten and while my HbA1C was always pretty good it has much improved since May. I think you can never have enough information on the management of your Diabetes.

Nov 20, 2015

Frazer 16 posts

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

Oh yes, I remember the surgical spirit - and glass syringes with enormous needles - thank goodness we don't have those any more!
My box of free samples from Opus Health arrived yesterday but I haven't had the chance to see what's in there yet.
Thanks again for the advice Stephen.

Nov 19, 2015

JimS 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir doses

I would agree with all these comments.

IÂ´ve just finished a DAFNE course and am now on twice a day Levemir like Marie and Novorapidboi.
I used to take a single dose in the evening but my bed-time readings were often high about 14-18 so the tutor recommended splitting them morning and evening - so now I take 12 at 7 in the morning and again at 7 in the evening - and my readings have now stabilised out around 5-10.
As for the quantity though, like Novorapid says - this is not something to worry over - depending on our lifestyles we can all be on completely different doses.
ItÂ´s something to discuss with your diabetes nurse - but if your pattern shows regular highs at the same time each day, then it may be advisable to increase your BI a few points for a few days to see how it goes - but remember donÂ´t overdo it - change it by only about two units at a time - it's powerful stuff!

Nov 19, 2015

JimS 2 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / concern about effect of hypos

Hi Gus - I am sorry to hear about your problems youÂ´re describing. These are indeed very scary and very worrying.
ItÂ´s difficult to comment without a lot more information, but for what itÂ´s worth, my main worry would be your increasing incidence of hypos which makes me think you are 'running' on too low a BGL. You said you used to have these frequently before then they calmed down a bit after the DAFNE course but are returning to the old pattern again. If this is the case, then this 'low BGL' pattern could certainly be contributing to your apparent inability to think straight.
That's one of my first symptoms as well when I'm getting low - I can't think straight nor make simple decisions.
So please don't jump to any conclusions that you might be developing dementia - heaven forbid - check out the simple things first - and take a glucose test every couple of hours - or more if it helps - and certainly when you feel you are not able to think straight - and discuss this record with your diabetes nurse. You may be just keeping your BGL control too tight.
I certainly hope it is as simple as that.
In the meantime - best wishes and take care.

Nov 19, 2015

Fergal Roche 1 post

Topic: General Discussion / Basal check

Hi all.
Can anyone out there tell me in detail how to check my basal or background insulin.On insulin pump (minimed)for approximately 4 years.
Fergal
Kilkenny
Ireland

Nov 19, 2015

stephenbrowne 37 posts

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

When I applied my first sensor just over 12 months ago I found it very difficult to make it stick on properly. The applicator nearly pulled it off when I tried to remove the applicator. I am convinced as others have also noted that grease and sweat on the skin hinders the sensor from adhering properly. For years I had avoided using alcohol on my skin as when I started with diabetes nearly 50 years ago we had to clean the skin with surgical spirit before injections ! This made the skin thick. However I have found for sensors I have needed to use the isopropanol alcohol antiseptic wipes provided in the sensor pack. After advice from my Diabetes Specialist Nurse I applied to Opus Health Care : www.opus-healthcare.co.uk and they sent me some free samples. I found that Skin Safe Non Sting Protective Film spray was a great help. It is antiseptic but also leaves the skin tacky and more receptive to holding on the sensor firmly. The Non Sting Medical Adhesive Spray was also useful in removing the glue from the skin with removal of the old sensor. Sorry to contribute again on the same subject but I forgot to mention these details before. Grateful to hear of all the contributions on this subject.

Nov 19, 2015

sjohno 37 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir doses

I'm on 14 units of Levemir daily on a non exercise day and 13 units on exercise days. I take this at 5pm every night and feel lucky that I don't have to split my doses and not take such a large amount. Very Happy

Nov 19, 2015

Marie Murphy 2 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Levemir doses

I am now up to 34 BI levemir am and pm and still not achieving any target BG. Do I need to keep pushing it up? BG is steady between 12 and 14.

Nov 18, 2015

Gus 10 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / concern about effect of hypos

I think I may be suffering from neurological damage from frequent hypos. After completing the DAFNE course early this eyar and bringing down the number of hypos I used to have to one or two a week, I noticed that I've started to have them more frequently again. I've had 14 in the last 3 weeks. At the same time it has been made clear to me that I am not processing information clearly.

The other day I was tutoring a group of adult learners and reading out numbers I had just written in a table. I had written 80 on a whiteboard looked at it, turned to explain what to do with it. When I spoke what came out was the number 8. No harm you might say, but the week before I was counting CPs in a meal; between this and injecting I miscalculated the required amount of QA given my ratios .

More troubling though, is that I find myself mis-reading things, recalling things incorrectly and avoiding speaking to my family for fear of flying off a handle and becoming very aggressive (raising my voice) toward them. I used to have a very good memory but now I'm making many errors with simple things, mis-writing words or taking an inordinately long time to write the simplest things not matter how short.

I have spoken to my GP about dementia or related conditions but what was offered was a basic test that I feel would catch only the more advanced cases. I am really concerned because things I discovered had gone wrong with several of my last jobs - misnterpreting things, making errors. This may indicate something more serious going wrong. Where can I get help?

Nov 18, 2015

Alan 49 284 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / No Levemir with me

Ossie
you'll probably be home by the time you read this, but if that were me, I would do some extra blood tests and take corrective QA doses if needed. Then I would resume my evening BI as normal. I don't think it will affect tomorrow's blood sugar readings too much.

Nov 18, 2015

Ossie WHU 1 post

Topic: Questions for HCPs / No Levemir with me

I have forgotten to bring my levemir with me today which I only noticed when I went to take it at 0630 this morning. I have my QA with me. What should I do until I am home after work for evening BI dose & will it affect me over next couple of days?

Nov 17, 2015

sarahg 29 posts

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

Hi I think the glue is different too as I have been using since January now and like most people have had problems in the passed with senors falling off after gym or in the heat but the last 4 have all lasted the full 14 days . I have notice that after I take the senor off it can be sore a little . I have stated to use antibacterial shower gel and also tac wipes after removing the senors which really help with removing the sticky glue left behind.

Nov 17, 2015

Simon 578 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Location

Hi Yelekreb, you can turn Location services off for specific apps in your phone's Settings > Privacy > Location Services

Nov 17, 2015

Frazer 16 posts

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

Thanks Phil - Abbotts told me the glue has not been changed but perhaps you are right and it has been strengthened.
Could you try being a little less vigorous in future Wink

Nov 17, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

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

Frazer,

Your issue might be mine and others fault, my first few sensors kept dropping off during or after vigorous exercise due to sweat, recently this is less likely. I think they have changed the glue or at least its strength, this might now be your issue. Have a word with Abbott.

Not sure knowing this will help though.

Phil

Nov 17, 2015

Frazer 16 posts

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

Thanks very much Stephen - that's really informative. I'll give it a go.

Nov 16, 2015

Yelekreb 11 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Location

The app keeps asking for my location. Why is this and how do I turn it off?!

Nov 16, 2015

stephenbrowne 37 posts

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

Hi Frazer
So sorry to hear you have had so much trouble. One of the problems with diabetes is that we are at greater risk of soft tissue infections than the general population. Sometimes it is possible for the skin to become colonised by staphylococcus aureus bacteria with no sign of its presence. If however the skin becomes punctured or broken in this situation an infection can start. This is even more likely for people with a history of eczema or if the blood sugars have been a bit high,but can occur even without this. In such circumstances .
Sometimes one can reduce the occurence of infections by regular use of chlorhexidine shower gel (e.g. Hibiscrub wash - something which can be bought from the community pharmacy and use for handwashing, baths ans showers. I have found Skin Safe spray helpful to use after cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe before applying the sensor. Skin Safe is really meant for people with ostomies (such as colostomies or ileostomies) but you can get a free sample from the firm that make it . My free sample has lasted for ages. I do hope you are able to get this problem sorted. Best wishes!

Nov 16, 2015

Frazer 16 posts

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

Hi All
I am now on my 12th sensor and the last three have caused a really bad infection on my arm (one so bad the sensor was pushed off).
I would attached a photo but it's not a pretty sight! I am going to write to Abbotts and send them a picture and see what they say.
The first few sensors did not cause this problem so I don't know why this has started happening now. I rang Abbotts to check they haven't changed they adhesive but they insist they haven't and say nobody else has complained. They did however replace two of the sensors for free. I know Tegaderm and Cavilon spray have been mentioned previously on this thread as a solution but is anyone else suffering from this problem?
If so any alternative solutions?
I will be very disappointed if I have to stop using the Libre but will have to if this persists.

Nov 13, 2015

Yelekreb 11 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low GI bread

Try Livlife bread. 3.8 g / slice tastes good too. Online from Waitrose/Ocacdo or http://www.livlifefoods.co.uk

Nov 13, 2015

Simon 578 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Dosage auto-calculation in apps

Hi April,

I'm afraid not in the short term - this is EU law which we have to fall in line with (or risk the consequences). Longer term we are looking at getting the app certified but we need a company to help us do this and so far it seems the NHS aren't willing to help.

Simon

Nov 21, 2015 jigme 9 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / iPhone 6 having trouble logging in to this site on my iPhone 6 running iOS9, and on my computer (Firefox and Chrome on OS X 10.11) - keep getting server errors (not found, not responding, etc.). also, my DAFNE app keeps failing to login to upload results, though it does succeed occasionally. i've double-checked my network and my login credentials.

Nov 20, 2015 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE and Insulin Pumps. I started carbohydrate counting 48 years ago at diagnosis and started a pump 3 years ago. I attended DAFNE 2 years ago. I wondered how helpful it would be and in fact I was the only one innthe group on a pump. Nevertheless I found it helpful and encouraging. One can learn much from others withvtype 1 diabetes and. I realised in a new way that we are all individuals and no two people with type 1 diabetes have exactly the same needs or experience. I think it would have been very helpful if I had had the opportunity to meet others on a pump. Some of the advice in the group needed modification for pump users but those running the group were very good and seemed to understand issues relating to pump use.

Nov 20, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diagnosed just over a year ago Hi Paul, Welcome to the forum. I have Diabetes for 21 years now and use an insulin pump. Feel free to ask any questions. K Rgds, S

Nov 20, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Basal check Hi Fergal, You could start with your morning Basal. To test this you need to check your BS when you wake. Fast then if possible until lunchtime. If you blood sugars are higher then you need to increase your basal - if they are lower you need to decrease. Lunchtime Basal Have your breakfast as normal and take your insulin. Test your BS at lunchtime and then apply the same principle as above. Dinner time Basal Have your lunch as normal and take your insulin. Test your BS at dinner time and then apply the same principle as above. Nightime Basal Have your dinner as normal and take your insulin. Test your BS before bedtime and then again first thing when you wake. Then apply the same principle as above. Hope this helps :-)

Nov 20, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / DAFNE and Insulin Pumps. I did DAFNE about 10 years ago and did it again in May of this year. I have to say it was well worth attending. Things have changed dramatically over the last 10 years. There were techniques I had forgotten and while my HbA1C was always pretty good it has much improved since May. I think you can never have enough information on the management of your Diabetes.

Nov 20, 2015 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Oh yes, I remember the surgical spirit - and glass syringes with enormous needles - thank goodness we don't have those any more! My box of free samples from Opus Health arrived yesterday but I haven't had the chance to see what's in there yet. Thanks again for the advice Stephen.

Nov 19, 2015 JimS 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir doses I would agree with all these comments. IÂ´ve just finished a DAFNE course and am now on twice a day Levemir like Marie and Novorapidboi. I used to take a single dose in the evening but my bed-time readings were often high about 14-18 so the tutor recommended splitting them morning and evening - so now I take 12 at 7 in the morning and again at 7 in the evening - and my readings have now stabilised out around 5-10. As for the quantity though, like Novorapid says - this is not something to worry over - depending on our lifestyles we can all be on completely different doses. ItÂ´s something to discuss with your diabetes nurse - but if your pattern shows regular highs at the same time each day, then it may be advisable to increase your BI a few points for a few days to see how it goes - but remember donÂ´t overdo it - change it by only about two units at a time - it's powerful stuff!

Nov 19, 2015 JimS 2 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / concern about effect of hypos Hi Gus - I am sorry to hear about your problems youÂ´re describing. These are indeed very scary and very worrying. ItÂ´s difficult to comment without a lot more information, but for what itÂ´s worth, my main worry would be your increasing incidence of hypos which makes me think you are 'running' on too low a BGL. You said you used to have these frequently before then they calmed down a bit after the DAFNE course but are returning to the old pattern again. If this is the case, then this 'low BGL' pattern could certainly be contributing to your apparent inability to think straight. That's one of my first symptoms as well when I'm getting low - I can't think straight nor make simple decisions. So please don't jump to any conclusions that you might be developing dementia - heaven forbid - check out the simple things first - and take a glucose test every couple of hours - or more if it helps - and certainly when you feel you are not able to think straight - and discuss this record with your diabetes nurse. You may be just keeping your BGL control too tight. I certainly hope it is as simple as that. In the meantime - best wishes and take care.

Nov 19, 2015 Fergal Roche 1 post	Topic: General Discussion / Basal check Hi all. Can anyone out there tell me in detail how to check my basal or background insulin.On insulin pump (minimed)for approximately 4 years. Fergal Kilkenny Ireland

Nov 19, 2015 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) When I applied my first sensor just over 12 months ago I found it very difficult to make it stick on properly. The applicator nearly pulled it off when I tried to remove the applicator. I am convinced as others have also noted that grease and sweat on the skin hinders the sensor from adhering properly. For years I had avoided using alcohol on my skin as when I started with diabetes nearly 50 years ago we had to clean the skin with surgical spirit before injections ! This made the skin thick. However I have found for sensors I have needed to use the isopropanol alcohol antiseptic wipes provided in the sensor pack. After advice from my Diabetes Specialist Nurse I applied to Opus Health Care : www.opus-healthcare.co.uk and they sent me some free samples. I found that Skin Safe Non Sting Protective Film spray was a great help. It is antiseptic but also leaves the skin tacky and more receptive to holding on the sensor firmly. The Non Sting Medical Adhesive Spray was also useful in removing the glue from the skin with removal of the old sensor. Sorry to contribute again on the same subject but I forgot to mention these details before. Grateful to hear of all the contributions on this subject.

Nov 19, 2015 sjohno 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir doses I'm on 14 units of Levemir daily on a non exercise day and 13 units on exercise days. I take this at 5pm every night and feel lucky that I don't have to split my doses and not take such a large amount.

Nov 19, 2015 Marie Murphy 2 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Levemir doses I am now up to 34 BI levemir am and pm and still not achieving any target BG. Do I need to keep pushing it up? BG is steady between 12 and 14.

Nov 18, 2015 Gus 10 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / concern about effect of hypos I think I may be suffering from neurological damage from frequent hypos. After completing the DAFNE course early this eyar and bringing down the number of hypos I used to have to one or two a week, I noticed that I've started to have them more frequently again. I've had 14 in the last 3 weeks. At the same time it has been made clear to me that I am not processing information clearly. The other day I was tutoring a group of adult learners and reading out numbers I had just written in a table. I had written 80 on a whiteboard looked at it, turned to explain what to do with it. When I spoke what came out was the number 8. No harm you might say, but the week before I was counting CPs in a meal; between this and injecting I miscalculated the required amount of QA given my ratios . More troubling though, is that I find myself mis-reading things, recalling things incorrectly and avoiding speaking to my family for fear of flying off a handle and becoming very aggressive (raising my voice) toward them. I used to have a very good memory but now I'm making many errors with simple things, mis-writing words or taking an inordinately long time to write the simplest things not matter how short. I have spoken to my GP about dementia or related conditions but what was offered was a basic test that I feel would catch only the more advanced cases. I am really concerned because things I discovered had gone wrong with several of my last jobs - misnterpreting things, making errors. This may indicate something more serious going wrong. Where can I get help?

Nov 18, 2015 Alan 49 284 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / No Levemir with me Ossie you'll probably be home by the time you read this, but if that were me, I would do some extra blood tests and take corrective QA doses if needed. Then I would resume my evening BI as normal. I don't think it will affect tomorrow's blood sugar readings too much.

Nov 18, 2015 Ossie WHU 1 post	Topic: Questions for HCPs / No Levemir with me I have forgotten to bring my levemir with me today which I only noticed when I went to take it at 0630 this morning. I have my QA with me. What should I do until I am home after work for evening BI dose & will it affect me over next couple of days?

Nov 17, 2015 sarahg 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi I think the glue is different too as I have been using since January now and like most people have had problems in the passed with senors falling off after gym or in the heat but the last 4 have all lasted the full 14 days . I have notice that after I take the senor off it can be sore a little . I have stated to use antibacterial shower gel and also tac wipes after removing the senors which really help with removing the sticky glue left behind.

Nov 17, 2015 Simon 578 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Location Hi Yelekreb, you can turn Location services off for specific apps in your phone's Settings > Privacy > Location Services

Nov 17, 2015 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Thanks Phil - Abbotts told me the glue has not been changed but perhaps you are right and it has been strengthened. Could you try being a little less vigorous in future

Nov 17, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Frazer, Your issue might be mine and others fault, my first few sensors kept dropping off during or after vigorous exercise due to sweat, recently this is less likely. I think they have changed the glue or at least its strength, this might now be your issue. Have a word with Abbott. Not sure knowing this will help though. Phil

Nov 17, 2015 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Thanks very much Stephen - that's really informative. I'll give it a go.

Nov 16, 2015 Yelekreb 11 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / Location The app keeps asking for my location. Why is this and how do I turn it off?!

Nov 16, 2015 stephenbrowne 37 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi Frazer So sorry to hear you have had so much trouble. One of the problems with diabetes is that we are at greater risk of soft tissue infections than the general population. Sometimes it is possible for the skin to become colonised by staphylococcus aureus bacteria with no sign of its presence. If however the skin becomes punctured or broken in this situation an infection can start. This is even more likely for people with a history of eczema or if the blood sugars have been a bit high,but can occur even without this. In such circumstances . Sometimes one can reduce the occurence of infections by regular use of chlorhexidine shower gel (e.g. Hibiscrub wash - something which can be bought from the community pharmacy and use for handwashing, baths ans showers. I have found Skin Safe spray helpful to use after cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe before applying the sensor. Skin Safe is really meant for people with ostomies (such as colostomies or ileostomies) but you can get a free sample from the firm that make it . My free sample has lasted for ages. I do hope you are able to get this problem sorted. Best wishes!

Nov 16, 2015 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi All I am now on my 12th sensor and the last three have caused a really bad infection on my arm (one so bad the sensor was pushed off). I would attached a photo but it's not a pretty sight! I am going to write to Abbotts and send them a picture and see what they say. The first few sensors did not cause this problem so I don't know why this has started happening now. I rang Abbotts to check they haven't changed they adhesive but they insist they haven't and say nobody else has complained. They did however replace two of the sensors for free. I know Tegaderm and Cavilon spray have been mentioned previously on this thread as a solution but is anyone else suffering from this problem? If so any alternative solutions? I will be very disappointed if I have to stop using the Libre but will have to if this persists.

Nov 13, 2015 Yelekreb 11 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / Low GI bread Try Livlife bread. 3.8 g / slice tastes good too. Online from Waitrose/Ocacdo or http://www.livlifefoods.co.uk

Nov 13, 2015 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Dosage auto-calculation in apps Hi April, I'm afraid not in the short term - this is EU law which we have to fall in line with (or risk the consequences). Longer term we are looking at getting the app certified but we need a company to help us do this and so far it seems the NHS aren't willing to help. Simon