Recent Posts - DAFNE Online

Jul 29, 2015

Warwick 423 posts

Here in Melbourne, Australia, the council provides sharp bins and a drop shute when they are filled. In New Zealand, I was told by my Diabetic Educator to put them in a plastic bottle, put a lid on when full and gaffer tape the lid closed.

Jul 28, 2015

Colin McC 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins

I recently moved home & got in touch with my local Council (Gravesham, Kent). They do a drop-off pick-up service wit 500ml, 1 litre & 5 litre bins. 24 hours after I made contact they dropped of the Sharps bin. Don't know how true it is but I was told that GP's are not allowed to take them (?).

Jul 28, 2015

Colin McC 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

Received a back-up HumaPen Luxura HD Lilly pen, on prescription from my Diabetic doctor at my GP today.. So if you are insulin sensitive & want a HD pen try your GP, worked for me. By the by they cost @ Â£40+ (excl VAT).

Jul 27, 2015

marke 681 posts

Topic: General Discussion / JDRF Fund raisers

All we have been requested to promote a couple of upcoming Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) events on the site, so here they are. Please click on the links for more information

Ain't No Mountain High Enough Challenge - The link for the event is here - https://www.jdrf.org.uk/get-involved/join-in-an-event/treks/aint-no-mountain-high-enough and the deadline for people to sign up is the end of this week.

One Walk - The link for the event is here - https://www.jdrf.org.uk/get-involved/join-in-an-event/walks/one-walk-london-bridges and the deadline for people to sign up is the end of September.

Jul 24, 2015

Frazer 16 posts

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

Anyone else having problems downloading the software from the website? I have Windows 7 and all the other stuff it says you need.
I know the reader should be connected to the laptop but all I get is a hand that flashes - I assume this means there is a problem.
I spoke to Abbott and they suggested right clicking and downloading as 'administrator' but that option doesn't appear when I right click.
Probably something very obvious as I am no great shakes on technology but I can't see what I'm doing wrong Rolling Eyes

Jul 23, 2015

AMcD 38 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

We received the half unit pens mentioned above at our dafne course named novo pen echo. The half unit delivery was a big help and the time display since last delivery is a useful featute of the pens. I am now on a pump after 25 years of pens. I don't know how available these are in your area but they deliver 0.05 units so could be worth thinking about if you have access to one. Andy

Jul 23, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused

Hi,

I only started on Metformin about 6 weeks ago. Like David I was on close to 100 units per day. Within the 6 weeks my insulin requirements have dropped by almost 50% and I'm hoping that will get better. My weight has dropped by 9lb without dieting. Am getting a bit more hopeful that I can begin to lose the weight now. Good Luck

Jul 23, 2015

David01 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused

Hi BeccyB

It;s cefinitely worth discussing with your Diabetes Specialist Nurse. I started including Metformin in my regime something like 10 years ago. At the time I was probably on near enough 100 units total ever day. Over the years my doses have come down so that now on average I'm on less that half that - which has made it much easier for me to lose weight. Like a lot of T1s I've found that whatever claims are made about analog insulins by the manufacturers, the insulins I'm on definitely have made me gain weight. It's a problem that's very familiar to health professionals. My wife works for our local NHS trust and she's done various courses where it's been spedicically mentioned that for some diabetics (like me) insulin acts like an anabolic steroid - but without the nasty side effects. That doesn't mean I'm incredibly muscualr by the way. It just means that previously I was very fat. I saw a letter from a consultantto my GP a few years ago descibing me as clinically obese! That shocked me enough to make a determined effcort to lose weight - which is much easier than in the past because ofthe Metformin and the DAFNE regime of insulin doses, while still remianing well controlled.

Good luck at the clinic!

Jul 23, 2015

HelenH 9 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / High BG's after fracture

Hi, I broke ankle Sunday 5pm, had manipulation to put back in place & then operation to reset Monday. Apart from Monday when BG controlled by infusions all of my readings have been ranging between 13 & 24. I have given a correction of 2 units at every meal & increased background by 1 unit am & pm. This seems to be having no effect. Any advice? I am now at home but quite immobile. Thanks

Jul 22, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused

Jul 22, 2015

BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions

I noticed a few months back that the guidelines for treating newly diagnosed diabetics now include considering the psychological element alongside the insulin etc. I think there are an awful lot of us that have never had any treatment or even discussion on how we are affected emotionally by our diabetes, you're far from alone Muna. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your GP/nurse you could try the Diabetes UK Careline https://www.diabetes.org.uk/careline

Jul 22, 2015

BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions

I noticed a few months back that the guidelines for treating newly diagnosed diabetics now include considering the psychological element alongside the insulin etc. I think there are an awful lot of us that have never had any treatment or even discussion on how we are affected emotionally by our diabetes, you're far from alone Muna. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your GP/nurse you could try the Diabetes UK Careline https://www.diabetes.org.uk/careline

Jul 22, 2015

BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused

David01 said:
Like most T1s that have been on insulin for a long time I'm on twice daily doses of Metformin.

I've not heard of this before - I've been T1 for 30 years and am wondering if this might help me. I admit I'm not very good at following the rules (I have anxiety/depression issues which mess me about) but at times when I'm trying super-dooper extra hard to get things right I get really frustrated at not being able to get a high result back down even when injecting loads. Think I need a trip to clinic! Surprised

Jul 22, 2015

BeccyB 50 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

I have the Novopen Echo - I just put it on my repeat prescription request slip and my GP prescribed it no problem. Certainly sounds like you'd benefit from one dunkers Smile

oh and it fits any of the standard Novopen size cartridges so it can be used for QA and BI doses if needed.

Jul 22, 2015

BeccyB 50 posts

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

I was scanning every few minutes when I first put it on but the novelty has worn off now - it's so good to know you can just get a result whenever you feel like it though. I've even scanned and then forgotten the result when I've gone to write it down so just scanned again as it's easier than going into the log Laughing

I accidentally knocked my sensor off yesterday and my next order hasn't arrived yet so I'm back to pricking for a couple of days - It feels really weird! I intended to only use one sensor every couple of months to keep the costs down but once I got it I was hooked - be warned Laughing

ps. they're not easy to knock off! it was a very accurate scrape of my arm against a table edge!! Shocked

Jul 22, 2015

Susanf 29 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused

Hi Caveseboy,

Would have to agree with David01 - it may be that you are insulin resistant. I had this issue recently and seemed to be pumping insulin into me with no effect. I went on Metformin about 6 weeks ago and have halved my daily dose and my corrections are working much more effectively. Like you I was never having hypos no matter how much insulin I seemed to take. Might be worth talking to your healthcare professional about it. Very Happy

Jul 20, 2015

Simon 578 posts

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

From the Libre website:

2. How frequently does the sensor capture and store glucose readings?
The sensor automatically measures glucose levels every minute and stores readings at 15 minute intervals for 8 hours. When the sensor is scanned by the reader, the sensor automatically transmits 8 hours of data to the reader.

So when you scan it you get the reading for the last minute, but the reader stores data points 15 minutes apart.

Jul 20, 2015

Frazer 16 posts

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

Hi cmcc
You can test as often as you want. The sensor is time limited to 14 days but there is no restriction on how often you use it.
I think it updates every 15 minutes - so 96 times a day I guess!

Jul 20, 2015

Colin McC 15 posts

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

Seriously thinking of getting the Libre & this forum has helped me decide. I realise the pros & cons but one question - so the sensor lasts 14 days but how many times can you test during that period?

Jul 20, 2015

David01 10 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused

Hi Caveseboy

What occurs to me is it could be your BI that's the problem. I had something similar happen to me about 6 years ago. I've always taken my BI dose (which at that time was Levemir) once a day at around 11pm. I found after about 4/5 years that my BG was shooting up high after my evening meal. In most cases Levemir works for a full 24 hours but occasionally (as for me) it only works for 12/15 hours. My Specialist Nurse suggested taking it twice a day, but I didn't want to do that so she switched my BI to Lantus, which doesn't have the same problem. Since going on Lantus my BI has worked for the full 24 hours.

As for why you've never had a hypo - can't make any suggestions there. As you say - very weird! What I do know is that for all of us, our bodies destroy a certain amount of the insulin we inject. Maybe in your case if you inject a big corrective dose your body destroys most of the dose? Does that sound like a possibliity? If that is what's happening then maybe a different QA would work better for you? A third possible solution would be to try adding in a T2 medication to improve your insulin sensitivity. Like most T1s that have been on insulin for a long time I'm on twice daily doses of Metformin. If I miss a dose of Metformin at any time I can really see the difference in in my BGs. It's an ancient medication but it's still one of the most effective ones. Some things to think about anyway. If you decide I'm talking rubbish then just ignore me. Good luck.

Jul 20, 2015

Colin McC 15 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens

Been using the HumaPen Luxura HD pen with my Humalog for @ 6 months now as I am very insulin sensitive. Works a treat for me & has improved by BG. I got mine from my hospital diabetic clinic.

Jul 29, 2015 Warwick 423 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins Here in Melbourne, Australia, the council provides sharp bins and a drop shute when they are filled. In New Zealand, I was told by my Diabetic Educator to put them in a plastic bottle, put a lid on when full and gaffer tape the lid closed.

Jul 28, 2015 Colin McC 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Needle Bins I recently moved home & got in touch with my local Council (Gravesham, Kent). They do a drop-off pick-up service wit 500ml, 1 litre & 5 litre bins. 24 hours after I made contact they dropped of the Sharps bin. Don't know how true it is but I was told that GP's are not allowed to take them (?).

Jul 28, 2015 Colin McC 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens Received a back-up HumaPen Luxura HD Lilly pen, on prescription from my Diabetic doctor at my GP today.. So if you are insulin sensitive & want a HD pen try your GP, worked for me. By the by they cost @ Â£40+ (excl VAT).

Jul 27, 2015 marke 681 posts	Topic: General Discussion / JDRF Fund raisers All we have been requested to promote a couple of upcoming Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) events on the site, so here they are. Please click on the links for more information Ain't No Mountain High Enough Challenge - The link for the event is here - https://www.jdrf.org.uk/get-involved/join-in-an-event/treks/aint-no-mountain-high-enough and the deadline for people to sign up is the end of this week. One Walk - The link for the event is here - https://www.jdrf.org.uk/get-involved/join-in-an-event/walks/one-walk-london-bridges and the deadline for people to sign up is the end of September.

Jul 24, 2015 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Anyone else having problems downloading the software from the website? I have Windows 7 and all the other stuff it says you need. I know the reader should be connected to the laptop but all I get is a hand that flashes - I assume this means there is a problem. I spoke to Abbott and they suggested right clicking and downloading as 'administrator' but that option doesn't appear when I right click. Probably something very obvious as I am no great shakes on technology but I can't see what I'm doing wrong

Jul 23, 2015 AMcD 38 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens We received the half unit pens mentioned above at our dafne course named novo pen echo. The half unit delivery was a big help and the time display since last delivery is a useful featute of the pens. I am now on a pump after 25 years of pens. I don't know how available these are in your area but they deliver 0.05 units so could be worth thinking about if you have access to one. Andy

Jul 23, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused Hi, I only started on Metformin about 6 weeks ago. Like David I was on close to 100 units per day. Within the 6 weeks my insulin requirements have dropped by almost 50% and I'm hoping that will get better. My weight has dropped by 9lb without dieting. Am getting a bit more hopeful that I can begin to lose the weight now. Good Luck

Jul 23, 2015 David01 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused Hi BeccyB It;s cefinitely worth discussing with your Diabetes Specialist Nurse. I started including Metformin in my regime something like 10 years ago. At the time I was probably on near enough 100 units total ever day. Over the years my doses have come down so that now on average I'm on less that half that - which has made it much easier for me to lose weight. Like a lot of T1s I've found that whatever claims are made about analog insulins by the manufacturers, the insulins I'm on definitely have made me gain weight. It's a problem that's very familiar to health professionals. My wife works for our local NHS trust and she's done various courses where it's been spedicically mentioned that for some diabetics (like me) insulin acts like an anabolic steroid - but without the nasty side effects. That doesn't mean I'm incredibly muscualr by the way. It just means that previously I was very fat. I saw a letter from a consultantto my GP a few years ago descibing me as clinically obese! That shocked me enough to make a determined effcort to lose weight - which is much easier than in the past because ofthe Metformin and the DAFNE regime of insulin doses, while still remianing well controlled. Good luck at the clinic!

Jul 23, 2015 HelenH 9 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / High BG's after fracture Hi, I broke ankle Sunday 5pm, had manipulation to put back in place & then operation to reset Monday. Apart from Monday when BG controlled by infusions all of my readings have been ranging between 13 & 24. I have given a correction of 2 units at every meal & increased background by 1 unit am & pm. This seems to be having no effect. Any advice? I am now at home but quite immobile. Thanks

Jul 22, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused

Jul 22, 2015 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions I noticed a few months back that the guidelines for treating newly diagnosed diabetics now include considering the psychological element alongside the insulin etc. I think there are an awful lot of us that have never had any treatment or even discussion on how we are affected emotionally by our diabetes, you're far from alone Muna. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your GP/nurse you could try the Diabetes UK Careline https://www.diabetes.org.uk/careline

Jul 22, 2015 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Struggling with emotions I noticed a few months back that the guidelines for treating newly diagnosed diabetics now include considering the psychological element alongside the insulin etc. I think there are an awful lot of us that have never had any treatment or even discussion on how we are affected emotionally by our diabetes, you're far from alone Muna. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your GP/nurse you could try the Diabetes UK Careline https://www.diabetes.org.uk/careline

Jul 22, 2015 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused David01 said: Like most T1s that have been on insulin for a long time I'm on twice daily doses of Metformin. I've not heard of this before - I've been T1 for 30 years and am wondering if this might help me. I admit I'm not very good at following the rules (I have anxiety/depression issues which mess me about) but at times when I'm trying super-dooper extra hard to get things right I get really frustrated at not being able to get a high result back down even when injecting loads. Think I need a trip to clinic!

Jul 22, 2015 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens I have the Novopen Echo - I just put it on my repeat prescription request slip and my GP prescribed it no problem. Certainly sounds like you'd benefit from one dunkers oh and it fits any of the standard Novopen size cartridges so it can be used for QA and BI doses if needed.

Jul 22, 2015 BeccyB 50 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I was scanning every few minutes when I first put it on but the novelty has worn off now - it's so good to know you can just get a result whenever you feel like it though. I've even scanned and then forgotten the result when I've gone to write it down so just scanned again as it's easier than going into the log I accidentally knocked my sensor off yesterday and my next order hasn't arrived yet so I'm back to pricking for a couple of days - It feels really weird! I intended to only use one sensor every couple of months to keep the costs down but once I got it I was hooked - be warned ps. they're not easy to knock off! it was a very accurate scrape of my arm against a table edge!!

Jul 22, 2015 Susanf 29 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused Hi Caveseboy, Would have to agree with David01 - it may be that you are insulin resistant. I had this issue recently and seemed to be pumping insulin into me with no effect. I went on Metformin about 6 weeks ago and have halved my daily dose and my corrections are working much more effectively. Like you I was never having hypos no matter how much insulin I seemed to take. Might be worth talking to your healthcare professional about it.

Jul 20, 2015 Simon 578 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) From the Libre website: 2. How frequently does the sensor capture and store glucose readings? The sensor automatically measures glucose levels every minute and stores readings at 15 minute intervals for 8 hours. When the sensor is scanned by the reader, the sensor automatically transmits 8 hours of data to the reader. So when you scan it you get the reading for the last minute, but the reader stores data points 15 minutes apart.

Jul 20, 2015 Frazer 16 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi cmcc You can test as often as you want. The sensor is time limited to 14 days but there is no restriction on how often you use it. I think it updates every 15 minutes - so 96 times a day I guess!

Jul 20, 2015 Colin McC 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Seriously thinking of getting the Libre & this forum has helped me decide. I realise the pros & cons but one question - so the sensor lasts 14 days but how many times can you test during that period?

Jul 20, 2015 David01 10 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Totally confused Hi Caveseboy What occurs to me is it could be your BI that's the problem. I had something similar happen to me about 6 years ago. I've always taken my BI dose (which at that time was Levemir) once a day at around 11pm. I found after about 4/5 years that my BG was shooting up high after my evening meal. In most cases Levemir works for a full 24 hours but occasionally (as for me) it only works for 12/15 hours. My Specialist Nurse suggested taking it twice a day, but I didn't want to do that so she switched my BI to Lantus, which doesn't have the same problem. Since going on Lantus my BI has worked for the full 24 hours. As for why you've never had a hypo - can't make any suggestions there. As you say - very weird! What I do know is that for all of us, our bodies destroy a certain amount of the insulin we inject. Maybe in your case if you inject a big corrective dose your body destroys most of the dose? Does that sound like a possibliity? If that is what's happening then maybe a different QA would work better for you? A third possible solution would be to try adding in a T2 medication to improve your insulin sensitivity. Like most T1s that have been on insulin for a long time I'm on twice daily doses of Metformin. If I miss a dose of Metformin at any time I can really see the difference in in my BGs. It's an ancient medication but it's still one of the most effective ones. Some things to think about anyway. If you decide I'm talking rubbish then just ignore me. Good luck.

Jul 20, 2015 Colin McC 15 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Half unit pens Been using the HumaPen Luxura HD pen with my Humalog for @ 6 months now as I am very insulin sensitive. Works a treat for me & has improved by BG. I got mine from my hospital diabetic clinic.