Recent Posts by Garry - DAFNE Online

Feb 22, 2018

Garry 328 posts

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

Well it works. I am able to read sensors using both Libre reader and the Libre iPhone App. I say sensors as the first one I started with the reader on Tuesday night clapped out this evening (Thursday) and would not read using either device....so less than 2 days service. Another phone call to Libre in the morning now.

Feb 11, 2018

Garry 328 posts

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

Thanks for your knowledge share ma2swr. Very helpful. I’ll do as recommended and hopefully be able to read from reader or phone. Much obliged.

Feb 8, 2018

Garry 328 posts

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

Have loaded it on my iOS 11 apple phone...and it looks fine...except once you have started a new sensor with an Abbott Libre reader the iPhone App will not read it. The sensor needs to be started from the App. I'll now need wait another 12 days to find out if it works. I'll give feedback then. I think the implication is that one sensor - one reader...whichever you choose to start a sensor off is the only one that can read it. I hoped that they would double up to provide flexibility, as there have been times when I have forgotten to put the reader in my pocket.

Feb 7, 2018

Garry 328 posts

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

Well done annegray02, most impressed by your exercise regime.
I started using Freestyle Libre just over two years ago before I started using a pump. Exercise BG control has always been difficult for me and in order to try to improve my control when exercising, I took the plunge.
I particularly enjoy cycling and had had a number of hypoglycaemic events on longer rides which had undermined my confidence.
Don't know whether my experience is representative but I can share a few things:
Ordering Freestyle Libre isn't a problem, however supply can be. Particularly when you need supply for a special event.
I ordered three weeks before going round the world, emphasising to the staff taking my telephone order that they were needed before 23/10/17. When they did not arrive in two weeks I followed up by phone the week before departure to discover no stock and they would not prioritise delivery. They arrived 4 days after I had left. Time changes hamper my control and I was keen to have the help of constant BG monitoring. My DSNs advice on pump time management helped overcome some of those difficulties however. I had just enough sensors to last the six week trip but had no spares. Needless to say, I had a failure 3 days after fitting a new sensor mid trip and was left short for the end of the holiday.
The warehouse is frequently empty nowadays and my last order 24/01/18 for yet another replacement sensor following a failure has not arrived yet.
Be warned.
The latest failed sensor was fitted before bed time avoiding the starting 'missing hour' of monitoring. It showed LO overnight so was changed at waking. I was advised on requesting a replacement that sensors may sometimes take 24 hours to read. I told them that I pay £50 a go for a sensor that gives me 24 hour coverage for 14 days not 13 days and that I thought 9 hours 'trial' start up was not reasonable. I wasn't best pleased.
I have been pressing my Local Heath Authority to give me details of when Freestyle Libre will be prescribed here and what the selection criteria will be. So far I have hit a brick wall of meeting arranged in the future followed by a meeting will be arranged in the future...followed by a....well you know the score.
I have to agree annegray02, the price must come down. I would love to know what the NHS pays for them now that they are prescribable in some areas.

Apr 29, 2016

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Feeling tired

Are your BGs OK john m?
Regards
Garry

Apr 15, 2016

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / 12 inch pizza carb

Welcome to the Forum danski. Smile

If that is the data given on the pack we must assume that that 245g CHO is correct. I'm not surprised.
Can't help with insulin dose without helpful, relevant information, as that's entirely down to your physiology.
I have a great deal of trouble with pizza. I'm always gobsmacked by my BGs after pizza. So I'm probably not the best to help. I try to avoid.
But if your mealtime (Dinner?) ratio is 1:1 take 24u Quick Acting - FOR THE WHOLE PIZZA. If it is 1.5:1 take 37u. If 2:1 take 49u !!!....................see what I mean...loaded with carbohydrate.
Whatever you decide though, make sure you document what you do, as that will help a great deal the next time you decide to eat it.
Matching insulin, a 1/3rd of your pizza might be OK. That would be 1:1 8u, 1.5:1 12u or 2:1 16u.
Stick with it. You'll soon get the hang of it.
Regards
Garry

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

Jan 20, 2016

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Is it worth attending a DAFNE course

89 is a mmol/mol reading HelenP.
Regards
Garry

Jan 10, 2016

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Can DAFNE consider changing from the use of CPâ€™s to g of carbohydrate?

I Ilike to work using the KISS principle...Keep It Simple (because I'm) Stupid.
Present system is easy to understand and although over the dafneonline years there have been contributors who have occasionally needed help with understanding ratios, I think that their numbers have been relatively small and this change would likely make their dose calculations more difficult.
Prefer to stay as is. Thanks
Regards
Garry

Jan 6, 2016

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / RESIDUAL INSULIN GENAREATION?

alanG
You may have significant natural insulin production remaining at this time. Have you been diagnosed as Type 1 long?

Yelekreb
We are all different. Our physiologies are all very different.
Personally, I need to use ratios of 2:1 at breakfast, 2.5:1 at lunch and back to 2:1 at dinner. If I ever eat more than 10 CPs at dinner I need 2.2:1.
In the morning, many type 1s need higher ratios than during the day as their insulin uptake is hindered by Adrenaline and other hormones released naturally into the bloodstream used to wake us up, thus
you could think of it as Adrenaline causes insulin resistance. It's hard to understand. You'll get a handle on it with experience. I've got over 36 years...and still haven't cracked it! Embarassed

Regards
Garry

Jan 6, 2016

Garry 328 posts

Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / HBA1c recording etc

I have a windows phone and no app available unfortunately. Hence, I can't check what I'm suggesting for your phone, but I have always typed in and used the comments field within My Blood Glucose Diary to record the type of info you wish to store.
Regards
Garry

Nov 24, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diagnosed just over a year ago

Meant to ask Paul.
Were you advised on your DAFNE course about this forum or was it your own research?
Regards
Garry

Nov 24, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Diagnosed just over a year ago

Welcome to the forum Paul Smile

We are all here to help DAFNE graduates and others, particularly with Type 1 if we are able.
Lots of useful help out here. Ask away.
Regards
Garry

Nov 23, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / concern about effect of hypos

Great advice Jim S.
Gus...you must up you blood testing regime to ensure that at all times you are in normal range.
I tried for many years to keep my BGs low to avoid perceived long term damage, but suffered far too many associated problems.
Stick in the normal 4.5 to 7.5 mmol/l before meals and you will see how over time, things gradually improve.
Best Wishes
Regards
Garry

Oct 28, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Red spot on leg

Bit late to reply I'll admit. Is it around an injection site? Have you been bitten? Hope it has cleared up now and you are back to normal.
Regards
Garry

Sep 21, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Site Development / Updated Forum Items

Sorry I forgot to get back to you. I logged out that day and logged back in again and it hadn't changed.
But it must be fixed as today we are back to the usual, helpful green indicator showing new forum entries.
Thanks very much.
Regards
Garry

Sep 16, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Site Development / Updated Forum Items

Thanks for reviewing Simon.
Still does not seem to be working for me I'm afraid. I'll try quitting out and see what happens.
Regards
Garry

Sep 9, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Site Development / Updated Forum Items

Whenever a new entry was made within a forum item, a green flag would appear in the PC list and it helped me to quickly catch up.
Once reviewed the marker disappeared.
It now seems that each time I open up the forums after a disconnect, the flags reappear even though I have reviewed the item.
I realise that I can review by time posted but I did find the previous marking method very helpful.
Would you have a look please Simon/Marke.
Regards
Garry

Sep 7, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Site Development / Diary changes

Thanks Simon. Much more user friendly.
Regards
Garry

Sep 4, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: Site Development / Diary changes

Not very friendly on a PC for first time users as drop downs would have to be used for sites as Alan said. Long term users know the order of the site fields but it would help if the text could be seen in the field. Have a look yourself Simon and see what you think.
Regards
Garry

Jul 8, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / highs

Welcome

ruthhiggins.
Lots of stuff to learn about your body and it's insulin demands. You will need more insulin as your body weight has increased.
Take it easy on yourself and try to note all of the significant changes that you make in your diary. It will help you understand what is happening.
Regards
Garry

Jun 17, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage

Sorry to show my ignorance Susanf. Needed me to look up Glucorpharge...afraid I only knew it as Metformin.
Might get you some more feedback now.
I'm not on a pump, but I find 2 x 500mg Metformin a day have helped me combat insulin resistance, in a limited way. Been using it for nearly 3 years now. I have been able to reduce my QA:CP ratios across the day by -0.5. Took some 4 or 5 days for me to be sure of it's positive influence and to reduce my QA. Through experimentation upping the dose, I discovered my personal limit...it's nickname is 'Metf*rtin' and it had that affect upon me at higher doses Embarassed

I was originally advised that I could take up to 3g per day by my Diabetologist but stay at 1g a day without any problems.
Hope that gives you some confidence.
Regards
Garry

May 31, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Ratio settings

Which diary do you want to change them in wim. My Blood Glucose Diary here? Or is it within your iPhone app?
Regards
Garry

May 22, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / QA:CP and QA:BG? BI? Help!

If you completed the DAFNE course Tans, you should be able to register as a DAFNE graduate. Talk to your trainers and they will be able to give you the details needed to register. If you are able to do that, you can access the current DAFNE Course Handbook which is available through this website. You may have an original copy of the handbook buried in that drawer at home that never gets opened! Smile

QA:CP is the ratio of Quick Acting to Carbohydrate Portion (1 CP is 10 g of Carbohydrate or CHO). If you are lucky, you may be able to use a ratio of 1:1 i.e. 1 unit of QA to 1 CP (10 g CHO). This ratio varies across the day and needs a disciplined approach to get right.
Don't recognise the ratio QA:BG but BG is Blood Glucose.
BI is the Background Insulin that you probably use.
So I use Humalog QA and Lantus BI for instance.
Regards
Garry

May 20, 2015

Garry 328 posts

Topic: General Discussion / SPLITTING LANTUS DOSE

Which Quick Acting insulin do you take CHEZPEZ? Please tell us how many Blood Glucose tests do you do a day?
Regards
Garry

Feb 22, 2018 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Well it works. I am able to read sensors using both Libre reader and the Libre iPhone App. I say sensors as the first one I started with the reader on Tuesday night clapped out this evening (Thursday) and would not read using either device....so less than 2 days service. Another phone call to Libre in the morning now.

Feb 11, 2018 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Thanks for your knowledge share ma2swr. Very helpful. I’ll do as recommended and hopefully be able to read from reader or phone. Much obliged.

Feb 8, 2018 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Have loaded it on my iOS 11 apple phone...and it looks fine...except once you have started a new sensor with an Abbott Libre reader the iPhone App will not read it. The sensor needs to be started from the App. I'll now need wait another 12 days to find out if it works. I'll give feedback then. I think the implication is that one sensor - one reader...whichever you choose to start a sensor off is the only one that can read it. I hoped that they would double up to provide flexibility, as there have been times when I have forgotten to put the reader in my pocket.

Feb 7, 2018 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Well done annegray02, most impressed by your exercise regime. I started using Freestyle Libre just over two years ago before I started using a pump. Exercise BG control has always been difficult for me and in order to try to improve my control when exercising, I took the plunge. I particularly enjoy cycling and had had a number of hypoglycaemic events on longer rides which had undermined my confidence. Don't know whether my experience is representative but I can share a few things: Ordering Freestyle Libre isn't a problem, however supply can be. Particularly when you need supply for a special event. I ordered three weeks before going round the world, emphasising to the staff taking my telephone order that they were needed before 23/10/17. When they did not arrive in two weeks I followed up by phone the week before departure to discover no stock and they would not prioritise delivery. They arrived 4 days after I had left. Time changes hamper my control and I was keen to have the help of constant BG monitoring. My DSNs advice on pump time management helped overcome some of those difficulties however. I had just enough sensors to last the six week trip but had no spares. Needless to say, I had a failure 3 days after fitting a new sensor mid trip and was left short for the end of the holiday. The warehouse is frequently empty nowadays and my last order 24/01/18 for yet another replacement sensor following a failure has not arrived yet. Be warned. The latest failed sensor was fitted before bed time avoiding the starting 'missing hour' of monitoring. It showed LO overnight so was changed at waking. I was advised on requesting a replacement that sensors may sometimes take 24 hours to read. I told them that I pay £50 a go for a sensor that gives me 24 hour coverage for 14 days not 13 days and that I thought 9 hours 'trial' start up was not reasonable. I wasn't best pleased. I have been pressing my Local Heath Authority to give me details of when Freestyle Libre will be prescribed here and what the selection criteria will be. So far I have hit a brick wall of meeting arranged in the future followed by a meeting will be arranged in the future...followed by a....well you know the score. I have to agree annegray02, the price must come down. I would love to know what the NHS pays for them now that they are prescribable in some areas.

Apr 29, 2016 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Feeling tired Are your BGs OK john m? Regards Garry

Apr 15, 2016 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Carbohydrate Counting / 12 inch pizza carb Welcome to the Forum danski. If that is the data given on the pack we must assume that that 245g CHO is correct. I'm not surprised. Can't help with insulin dose without helpful, relevant information, as that's entirely down to your physiology. I have a great deal of trouble with pizza. I'm always gobsmacked by my BGs after pizza. So I'm probably not the best to help. I try to avoid. But if your mealtime (Dinner?) ratio is 1:1 take 24u Quick Acting - FOR THE WHOLE PIZZA. If it is 1.5:1 take 37u. If 2:1 take 49u !!!....................see what I mean...loaded with carbohydrate. Whatever you decide though, make sure you document what you do, as that will help a great deal the next time you decide to eat it. Matching insulin, a 1/3rd of your pizza might be OK. That would be 1:1 8u, 1.5:1 12u or 2:1 16u. Stick with it. You'll soon get the hang of it. Regards Garry

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

Jan 20, 2016 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Is it worth attending a DAFNE course 89 is a mmol/mol reading HelenP. Regards Garry

Jan 10, 2016 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Can DAFNE consider changing from the use of CPâ€™s to g of carbohydrate? I Ilike to work using the KISS principle...Keep It Simple (because I'm) Stupid. Present system is easy to understand and although over the dafneonline years there have been contributors who have occasionally needed help with understanding ratios, I think that their numbers have been relatively small and this change would likely make their dose calculations more difficult. Prefer to stay as is. Thanks Regards Garry

Jan 6, 2016 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / RESIDUAL INSULIN GENAREATION? alanG You may have significant natural insulin production remaining at this time. Have you been diagnosed as Type 1 long? Yelekreb We are all different. Our physiologies are all very different. Personally, I need to use ratios of 2:1 at breakfast, 2.5:1 at lunch and back to 2:1 at dinner. If I ever eat more than 10 CPs at dinner I need 2.2:1. In the morning, many type 1s need higher ratios than during the day as their insulin uptake is hindered by Adrenaline and other hormones released naturally into the bloodstream used to wake us up, thus you could think of it as Adrenaline causes insulin resistance. It's hard to understand. You'll get a handle on it with experience. I've got over 36 years...and still haven't cracked it! Regards Garry

Jan 6, 2016 Garry 328 posts	Topic: DAFNE Online Mobile / HBA1c recording etc I have a windows phone and no app available unfortunately. Hence, I can't check what I'm suggesting for your phone, but I have always typed in and used the comments field within My Blood Glucose Diary to record the type of info you wish to store. Regards Garry

Nov 24, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diagnosed just over a year ago Meant to ask Paul. Were you advised on your DAFNE course about this forum or was it your own research? Regards Garry

Nov 24, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Diagnosed just over a year ago Welcome to the forum Paul We are all here to help DAFNE graduates and others, particularly with Type 1 if we are able. Lots of useful help out here. Ask away. Regards Garry

Nov 23, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / concern about effect of hypos Great advice Jim S. Gus...you must up you blood testing regime to ensure that at all times you are in normal range. I tried for many years to keep my BGs low to avoid perceived long term damage, but suffered far too many associated problems. Stick in the normal 4.5 to 7.5 mmol/l before meals and you will see how over time, things gradually improve. Best Wishes Regards Garry

Oct 28, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Red spot on leg Bit late to reply I'll admit. Is it around an injection site? Have you been bitten? Hope it has cleared up now and you are back to normal. Regards Garry

Sep 21, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Site Development / Updated Forum Items Sorry I forgot to get back to you. I logged out that day and logged back in again and it hadn't changed. But it must be fixed as today we are back to the usual, helpful green indicator showing new forum entries. Thanks very much. Regards Garry

Sep 16, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Site Development / Updated Forum Items Thanks for reviewing Simon. Still does not seem to be working for me I'm afraid. I'll try quitting out and see what happens. Regards Garry

Sep 9, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Site Development / Updated Forum Items Whenever a new entry was made within a forum item, a green flag would appear in the PC list and it helped me to quickly catch up. Once reviewed the marker disappeared. It now seems that each time I open up the forums after a disconnect, the flags reappear even though I have reviewed the item. I realise that I can review by time posted but I did find the previous marking method very helpful. Would you have a look please Simon/Marke. Regards Garry

Sep 7, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Site Development / Diary changes Thanks Simon. Much more user friendly. Regards Garry

Sep 4, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: Site Development / Diary changes Not very friendly on a PC for first time users as drop downs would have to be used for sites as Alan said. Long term users know the order of the site fields but it would help if the text could be seen in the field. Have a look yourself Simon and see what you think. Regards Garry

Jul 8, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / highs Welcome ruthhiggins. Lots of stuff to learn about your body and it's insulin demands. You will need more insulin as your body weight has increased. Take it easy on yourself and try to note all of the significant changes that you make in your diary. It will help you understand what is happening. Regards Garry

Jun 17, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Glucophage Sorry to show my ignorance Susanf. Needed me to look up Glucorpharge...afraid I only knew it as Metformin. Might get you some more feedback now. I'm not on a pump, but I find 2 x 500mg Metformin a day have helped me combat insulin resistance, in a limited way. Been using it for nearly 3 years now. I have been able to reduce my QA:CP ratios across the day by -0.5. Took some 4 or 5 days for me to be sure of it's positive influence and to reduce my QA. Through experimentation upping the dose, I discovered my personal limit...it's nickname is 'Metf*rtin' and it had that affect upon me at higher doses I was originally advised that I could take up to 3g per day by my Diabetologist but stay at 1g a day without any problems. Hope that gives you some confidence. Regards Garry

May 31, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Ratio settings Which diary do you want to change them in wim. My Blood Glucose Diary here? Or is it within your iPhone app? Regards Garry

May 22, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / QA:CP and QA:BG? BI? Help! If you completed the DAFNE course Tans, you should be able to register as a DAFNE graduate. Talk to your trainers and they will be able to give you the details needed to register. If you are able to do that, you can access the current DAFNE Course Handbook which is available through this website. You may have an original copy of the handbook buried in that drawer at home that never gets opened! QA:CP is the ratio of Quick Acting to Carbohydrate Portion (1 CP is 10 g of Carbohydrate or CHO). If you are lucky, you may be able to use a ratio of 1:1 i.e. 1 unit of QA to 1 CP (10 g CHO). This ratio varies across the day and needs a disciplined approach to get right. Don't recognise the ratio QA:BG but BG is Blood Glucose. BI is the Background Insulin that you probably use. So I use Humalog QA and Lantus BI for instance. Regards Garry

May 20, 2015 Garry 328 posts	Topic: General Discussion / SPLITTING LANTUS DOSE Which Quick Acting insulin do you take CHEZPEZ? Please tell us how many Blood Glucose tests do you do a day? Regards Garry