Recent Posts by Phil Maskell

Jul 31, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Warwick,

Quick question, like I said above I often go out on 5+ hour rides (sometime 15+), while trying to become fat adapted how did you deal with low BG? For the interim did you cut insulin to allow BG to run higher? I like the idea of not needing so many gels in my pockets, but until I am fat adapted do I ease off the exercise?

With all the exercise I do I am also on the low end of my ideal weight, being fat adapted, will this cause more weight loss? I just want to stay the same weight... What did you notice?

How do you deal with the stigma from family/friends? What do you order when eating out?

Sorry for all the questions, nice to find a diabetic that's actually done it.

Thanks,

Phil

Jul 30, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Low Carb

Warwick, cheers for the info, just bought the kindle version.

I like the fact you say after only 1 month you did a half ironman on cheese and olives Very Happy

I am impatient and most things I have read say it can take 6 months to a year to become fat adapted...

Jun 5, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Low Carb

Has anyone tried a Low Carb High Fat diet? Nutritional Ketosis?

https://lowcarbrn.wordpress.com/diabetes/type-1-diabetes/

I am a keen cyclist (therfore avg to low weight for my height, this isn't to loose weight) and struggle on long rides, from about the half way point with low BG, I have to have a bar bag or pockets full of sugar, I was hoping something like this would mean I could function on less sugar, but I have also read that Low Carb is only really good for endurance sport and you loose some of the kick type power you get from glucose as an energy.

Anyone tried this, any sporty people had a go?

I am currently doing a more halfway house and lowering gradually my carbs, but not increasing my fat intake too much as this worries me.

What are peoples thoughts, is High Fat a bad idea?

Jun 5, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

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

I have had it since October (ish) last year, I've had a few teething troubles (Abbott have been brilliant). I had my last sensor pack up 6 days early last week (Abbott replaced it, without any issue), but this caught me off guard without a sensor for 2 days, I felt lost.

I know I shouldn't, but I only really test my blood at meal times now, so gone from 10 to 15 finger prick tests a day to 3, my fingers appreciate the relief

With seeing the overnight highs I have been unknowingly having my HbA1c has gone from 7.9 to 6.8

The drop in HbA1c and less finger prick test the NHS have to pay for, surely there are cost benefits? Its more of a known cost too, if it doesn't fail, they know it will cost X amount per 14 days, not a guess as to how many finger prick tests someone will need to do in a day.

I love it, and will continue to pay (I justify it by the fact I don't smoke and rarely drink so why not), but would rather get it on prescription, if nothing else for the ease of being able to go into the pharmacy and collect it, rather than waiting on DPD deliveries!

Jun 5, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre

Type1Bri, I have had it since October (ish) last year, I've had a few teething troubles (Abbott have been brilliant). I had my last sensor pack up 6 days early last week (Abbott replaced it, without any issue), but this caught me off guard without a sensor for 2 days, I felt lost.

I know I shouldn't, but I only really test my blood at meal times now, so gone from 10 to 15 finger prick tests a day to 3, my fingers appreciate the relief Very Happy

With seeing the overnight highs I ahve been unknowingly having my HbA1c has gone from 7.9 to 6.8

Hope it works for you.

Mar 27, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

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

Following on from my recent comment about the mark and glue, I would be annoyed if I found they had changed the glue and I was allergic as I have got my HbA1c from 7.4 to 6.8 using the Libre and for the hour or so when I change the sensor I feel lost without it.

Even though its not perfect or 100% accurate I do like the knowledge of generally where by BG is Very Happy

Mar 27, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

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

Hi,

Swimming wise I am going to wait until the last few days of my sensor (as they're a bit expensive to waste one on a test) and try it. If and when I go I will update my findings here Very Happy

Phil

P.S Have any other users found when they remove a sensor it leaves a nasty red circle for about a week, I didn't have this to start with, but last one has left quite a sore mark, bit like a lovebite Very Happy

P.P.S Following on from the mark, the next one I am using is sooo itchy, worried about itching near it and pulling it out, have they changed the glue? Am I allergic? Anybody else having issues?

Feb 12, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Kit bags

I have the Accu-Chek Mobile and use the larger case they send you for free, it holds both NovoPens and spare needles test strips batteries for meter and the meter. Like above it looks and feels like a mans wash/shaving bag, maybe something similar?

https://images.accu-chek.com/microsites/en_AU/mobile/images/freecase/case-a_image.jpg

Feb 11, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / "Smart" insulin

Sounds great, but we've been promised so much since the Tomorrows World days in the 80s that have come to nothing, even if it works it will be decades before we see anything!

Still hoping though Very Happy

Feb 10, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

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

From what I've been told by Abbot about ordering, they have been well over subscribed and are struggling to produce enough sensors, I wanted to buy 4 so I knew I had plenty and cut down on carriage/waiting in, website only lets you order 2 and won't let you order another 2 for 14 days. This supply issue might be why people are having issues ordering?

As for the device, I have had a few teething problems, but I love it, I work in IT so am a techie numbers guy and love allows knowing (although not overly accurate) where my BG is, I don't care about the software or the accuracy, its a general number, am I 4 going down or 15 going up?

2 years ago my HbA1c was 12% recently with effort I have got this to 7.9%, even with Xmas in between (always an issue BG wise) my latest was 6.8% Very Happy

Jan 21, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / English v. Scottish Diabetes care

Hi,

In England, I am under the hospital for my diabetes care (although I still have a yearly review with the GP as they sign off my repeat prescriptions, this is probably what you're getting), if you are well controlled they tend to see you every 12 months, as I'm a bit slack they tend to see me every 6 months, a looming appointment forces me to behave! There are diabetic nurses (DAFNE trained/trainers) at the hospital I can call/email or see them any time with an appointment or certain days you can just drop in.

I know PCTs are all different, this is in Nottingham, but I would have thought you should be under a consultant at the hospital and would guess you have slipped through the net.

Phil

Jan 14, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Got the flu, and now high

Hi,

I never have in date (don't use them often enough) ketone sticks, I just assume (I can tell, usually taste it, pear drops, thirst too) when I have BG over 16+ there are going to be issues, I just correct as normal if its food related (bad carb counting). Or try follow DAFNE sick day rules of checking every few hours etc... if I'm ill.

On a side note, who else feels hot and bothered (just clothes rubbing when high makes me irritable), irritable as though they could kill when they're stupidly high 20+

Phil

Jan 12, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Anaerobic exercise and rising sugar levels

Hi,

From what I've found, most exercise (something that gets heart rate going, not just walking) will dump glycogen/glucose for the first hour (or longer if your bigger or more musclar) until muscles/liver have none left, then if you do prolonged exercise your BG will drop as this glucose is used. Non diabetic cyclist train to do this, known as a glycogen ride, they train with little or no sugar on board, a) to burn fat, b) to be better in races when they have extra sugar on board. As diabetics we can't easily do this, but good to know about this sugar dump.

It was strange when I first started exercising a lot, at school I always assumed exercise lowered BG, turns out I wasn't pushing myself enough, coz if you do it goes up! This makes it awkward to control, you need some QA onboard for the first hours dump, but not too much coz prolonged activity, it will drop after. From that point for me I am constantly eating during cycling, not sure you'll have this issue with weight-lifting, but what will happen if take QA for this dump is after the session your muscles will relax and try to replenish the glycogen./glucose which will come from the blood, so hours after a good workout you could go hypo.

I know this is a bit of a ramble, hope it makes sense and helps.

Phil

EDIT: Just realised I waffled on, but didn't really answer your question, yes BG will go up anyway if you push hard enough, so carbs on board will probably make it worse.

Jan 6, 2015

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / BI

I agree with Gary & Mark, I probably wouldn't split the Lantus, maybe lower it if you're dropping and give a little bit of QA for the exercise.

I am a keen cyclist and found this when I first started, I always assumed exercise just lowered BG, but I have found an early morning ride with no carbs or QA, if I push it really hard my BG will rocket for the first hour as hormones and liver kick in, any longer on the bike and the BG will lower, but not as much as you expect without a bit of QA, with exercise especially prolonged it is a fine line between some QA for the liver/muscle glycogen/glucose dump and too much, still not mastered this yet, if you do try a bit of QA as I suggested, have some sugar ready! Also if its prolonged exercise remember what Mark said that you may need to lower, even half your QA for the next few meals.

Hope this rambling makes sense and helps.

Dec 30, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

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

I expect with a GP letter airports should be fine, I'm not a pumper, but I assume they let pumps through Very Happy

Dec 9, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Skiing

Hi,

Never been skiing, but out on the bike in cold weather I have found taking gloves off to do a blood test only to find the meter says too cold is a pain.

I am currently self funding the Freestyle Libre, this is against your skin so I am hoping as it works through clothing it won't have this problem, might be worth looking at as you can scan your arm through ski gear without taking gloves off, just an idea.

Phil

Dec 8, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: Questions for HCPs / Weight

Like other have said, exercise is the key, not changed my diet much, but have lost 20kg in about 18 months by cycling, finding an exercise/sport you enjoy makes it easier.

Dec 5, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / No QA Insulin with me....

Had a thought (this is way too late, but might be an idea for the future for others), meat/cheese salad or those health snacks of carrots from Boots etc...

Dec 5, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / No QA Insulin with me....

Do you have access to food (supermarket or something), get a carb free lunch (not sure what though, tinned tuna/mackerel, eggs, cheese, meat), this might be a good test of how you background works Very Happy

Hardest part is thinking of a carb free lunch! At home I would have an omelette or scrambled eggs or meat and veg, but at work it might be more difficult.

Personally I wouldn't mess with background, not sure what others think?

Dec 3, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

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

I've had my first sensor fall off after a couple of days, I went out on the bike and got very sweaty, when I took my top off it slid off, the second sensor just wouldn't seem to attach.

I called Abbott, they were very good and apologetic, got both replaced, after a conversation it was suggested I shave the area (I am quite hairy) to give a better grip.

My first replacement sensor lasted the 14 days after shaving the area (not sure this helped?), speaking to the people at the hospital they suggested some clinical glues that pumpers use, I am now on the second replacement and have not needed the glue.

Not sure what happened with the first couple (early teething probs?), but the second 2 have stuck well and I like the graphs it gives, I am currently having night time hypos and this is sooo much easier than night time 2/3 am checks Very Happy

Dec 2, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Night time Hypo - Depression!

CurlyWurly, hope you don't feel too bad today, I felt lousy yesterday, headache and washed out (probably more cos I didn't sleep properly maybe?). How do others feel after a big nighttime hypo? I always feel worse than a daytime one, probably cos I often don't treat as I'm asleep and my liver has to kick in, whereas I treat daytime ones.

Without a CGM alarm do others manage to wake up? I normally do, but often after when I'm coming up.

As the title says, all this rubbish gets me down, really into my fitness, but find it sooo difficult. If I lower background and find I can't ride the bike (weather/family gets in the way) or don't push myself hard enough I run high, but if I don't lower my background I am constantly eating!

Dec 1, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Night time Hypo - Depression!

Hi,

Just a quick one, I had a massive hypo last night (several hours cycling, didn't decrease background enough), I am self funding the new Freestyle Libre and it shows I was low from 1:30 to about 5. I didn't wake up though until 5:30, did a real BG test which was 4.1, I guess liver had kicked out some glycogen! Waking like this in the past (very sweaty) and testing I would not have known how low for how long I had been.

Question, if/when others have hypos like this at night how do you feel the next day? What are your BGs like, I am now running about 10 to 11!

Rubbish like this is getting me down, this is why I have funded the Libre, I am finding with massive amounts of exercise (keen cyclist, about 150+ miles a week) I yo-yo BG wise all over and this effects my moods massively, which isn't fair on my family.

Where is the cure that tomorrows world promised in the 80s?

Rant over!

Phil

Sep 2, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / So many things to watch our for.....

If you're having problems I would make sure basal is correct first, zero or v. low carb day of testing (plus the dreaded overnight/3am tests), BG should hold steady, once this is dialled in you can play with QA and ratios, without that you could be going up or down due to basal and not know.

Aug 28, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Insulin and power loss

Previous post about broken pens, I asked about carrying spare cartridges, someone said that Insulin as long as it doesn't get too hot or cold can be out of the fridge for 30 days, I have had a spare and one in my pen for days at room temp (I always worry when in hot countries about this).

Aug 26, 2014

Phil Maskell 194 posts

Topic: General Discussion / Faulty Novopens

I've had this, but I've also had a cartridge fail, the plunger went down, but I knew none (or very little) insulin had gone in as the rest had come out the sides of the cartridge due to a small crack.

I too wasn't prepared, was working in London, living in Nottingham, had to go all day at work with little or no insulin and use a new cartridge when got home. I only keep a spare cartridge with me on a daily basis if I'm nearly out as I don't want them out of the fridge too long.

Do other people carry spares? Is it ok out of the fridge? Suppose it must be, once in my pen its out for a few days.

Jul 31, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Low Carb Warwick, Quick question, like I said above I often go out on 5+ hour rides (sometime 15+), while trying to become fat adapted how did you deal with low BG? For the interim did you cut insulin to allow BG to run higher? I like the idea of not needing so many gels in my pockets, but until I am fat adapted do I ease off the exercise? With all the exercise I do I am also on the low end of my ideal weight, being fat adapted, will this cause more weight loss? I just want to stay the same weight... What did you notice? How do you deal with the stigma from family/friends? What do you order when eating out? Sorry for all the questions, nice to find a diabetic that's actually done it. Thanks, Phil

Jul 30, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Low Carb Warwick, cheers for the info, just bought the kindle version. I like the fact you say after only 1 month you did a half ironman on cheese and olives I am impatient and most things I have read say it can take 6 months to a year to become fat adapted...

Jun 5, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Low Carb Has anyone tried a Low Carb High Fat diet? Nutritional Ketosis? https://lowcarbrn.wordpress.com/diabetes/type-1-diabetes/ I am a keen cyclist (therfore avg to low weight for my height, this isn't to loose weight) and struggle on long rides, from about the half way point with low BG, I have to have a bar bag or pockets full of sugar, I was hoping something like this would mean I could function on less sugar, but I have also read that Low Carb is only really good for endurance sport and you loose some of the kick type power you get from glucose as an energy. Anyone tried this, any sporty people had a go? I am currently doing a more halfway house and lowering gradually my carbs, but not increasing my fat intake too much as this worries me. What are peoples thoughts, is High Fat a bad idea?

Jun 5, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I have had it since October (ish) last year, I've had a few teething troubles (Abbott have been brilliant). I had my last sensor pack up 6 days early last week (Abbott replaced it, without any issue), but this caught me off guard without a sensor for 2 days, I felt lost. I know I shouldn't, but I only really test my blood at meal times now, so gone from 10 to 15 finger prick tests a day to 3, my fingers appreciate the relief With seeing the overnight highs I have been unknowingly having my HbA1c has gone from 7.9 to 6.8 The drop in HbA1c and less finger prick test the NHS have to pay for, surely there are cost benefits? Its more of a known cost too, if it doesn't fail, they know it will cost X amount per 14 days, not a guess as to how many finger prick tests someone will need to do in a day. I love it, and will continue to pay (I justify it by the fact I don't smoke and rarely drink so why not), but would rather get it on prescription, if nothing else for the ease of being able to go into the pharmacy and collect it, rather than waiting on DPD deliveries!

Jun 5, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Freestyle Libre Type1Bri, I have had it since October (ish) last year, I've had a few teething troubles (Abbott have been brilliant). I had my last sensor pack up 6 days early last week (Abbott replaced it, without any issue), but this caught me off guard without a sensor for 2 days, I felt lost. I know I shouldn't, but I only really test my blood at meal times now, so gone from 10 to 15 finger prick tests a day to 3, my fingers appreciate the relief With seeing the overnight highs I ahve been unknowingly having my HbA1c has gone from 7.9 to 6.8 Hope it works for you.

Mar 27, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Following on from my recent comment about the mark and glue, I would be annoyed if I found they had changed the glue and I was allergic as I have got my HbA1c from 7.4 to 6.8 using the Libre and for the hour or so when I change the sensor I feel lost without it. Even though its not perfect or 100% accurate I do like the knowledge of generally where by BG is

Mar 27, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) Hi, Swimming wise I am going to wait until the last few days of my sensor (as they're a bit expensive to waste one on a test) and try it. If and when I go I will update my findings here Phil P.S Have any other users found when they remove a sensor it leaves a nasty red circle for about a week, I didn't have this to start with, but last one has left quite a sore mark, bit like a lovebite P.P.S Following on from the mark, the next one I am using is sooo itchy, worried about itching near it and pulling it out, have they changed the glue? Am I allergic? Anybody else having issues?

Feb 12, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Kit bags I have the Accu-Chek Mobile and use the larger case they send you for free, it holds both NovoPens and spare needles test strips batteries for meter and the meter. Like above it looks and feels like a mans wash/shaving bag, maybe something similar? https://images.accu-chek.com/microsites/en_AU/mobile/images/freecase/case-a_image.jpg

Feb 11, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / "Smart" insulin Sounds great, but we've been promised so much since the Tomorrows World days in the 80s that have come to nothing, even if it works it will be decades before we see anything! Still hoping though

Feb 10, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) From what I've been told by Abbot about ordering, they have been well over subscribed and are struggling to produce enough sensors, I wanted to buy 4 so I knew I had plenty and cut down on carriage/waiting in, website only lets you order 2 and won't let you order another 2 for 14 days. This supply issue might be why people are having issues ordering? As for the device, I have had a few teething problems, but I love it, I work in IT so am a techie numbers guy and love allows knowing (although not overly accurate) where my BG is, I don't care about the software or the accuracy, its a general number, am I 4 going down or 15 going up? 2 years ago my HbA1c was 12% recently with effort I have got this to 7.9%, even with Xmas in between (always an issue BG wise) my latest was 6.8%

Jan 21, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / English v. Scottish Diabetes care Hi, In England, I am under the hospital for my diabetes care (although I still have a yearly review with the GP as they sign off my repeat prescriptions, this is probably what you're getting), if you are well controlled they tend to see you every 12 months, as I'm a bit slack they tend to see me every 6 months, a looming appointment forces me to behave! There are diabetic nurses (DAFNE trained/trainers) at the hospital I can call/email or see them any time with an appointment or certain days you can just drop in. I know PCTs are all different, this is in Nottingham, but I would have thought you should be under a consultant at the hospital and would guess you have slipped through the net. Phil

Jan 14, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Got the flu, and now high Hi, I never have in date (don't use them often enough) ketone sticks, I just assume (I can tell, usually taste it, pear drops, thirst too) when I have BG over 16+ there are going to be issues, I just correct as normal if its food related (bad carb counting). Or try follow DAFNE sick day rules of checking every few hours etc... if I'm ill. On a side note, who else feels hot and bothered (just clothes rubbing when high makes me irritable), irritable as though they could kill when they're stupidly high 20+ Phil

Jan 12, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Anaerobic exercise and rising sugar levels Hi, From what I've found, most exercise (something that gets heart rate going, not just walking) will dump glycogen/glucose for the first hour (or longer if your bigger or more musclar) until muscles/liver have none left, then if you do prolonged exercise your BG will drop as this glucose is used. Non diabetic cyclist train to do this, known as a glycogen ride, they train with little or no sugar on board, a) to burn fat, b) to be better in races when they have extra sugar on board. As diabetics we can't easily do this, but good to know about this sugar dump. It was strange when I first started exercising a lot, at school I always assumed exercise lowered BG, turns out I wasn't pushing myself enough, coz if you do it goes up! This makes it awkward to control, you need some QA onboard for the first hours dump, but not too much coz prolonged activity, it will drop after. From that point for me I am constantly eating during cycling, not sure you'll have this issue with weight-lifting, but what will happen if take QA for this dump is after the session your muscles will relax and try to replenish the glycogen./glucose which will come from the blood, so hours after a good workout you could go hypo. I know this is a bit of a ramble, hope it makes sense and helps. Phil EDIT: Just realised I waffled on, but didn't really answer your question, yes BG will go up anyway if you push hard enough, so carbs on board will probably make it worse.

Jan 6, 2015 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / BI I agree with Gary & Mark, I probably wouldn't split the Lantus, maybe lower it if you're dropping and give a little bit of QA for the exercise. I am a keen cyclist and found this when I first started, I always assumed exercise just lowered BG, but I have found an early morning ride with no carbs or QA, if I push it really hard my BG will rocket for the first hour as hormones and liver kick in, any longer on the bike and the BG will lower, but not as much as you expect without a bit of QA, with exercise especially prolonged it is a fine line between some QA for the liver/muscle glycogen/glucose dump and too much, still not mastered this yet, if you do try a bit of QA as I suggested, have some sugar ready! Also if its prolonged exercise remember what Mark said that you may need to lower, even half your QA for the next few meals. Hope this rambling makes sense and helps.

Dec 30, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I expect with a GP letter airports should be fine, I'm not a pumper, but I assume they let pumps through

Dec 9, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Skiing Hi, Never been skiing, but out on the bike in cold weather I have found taking gloves off to do a blood test only to find the meter says too cold is a pain. I am currently self funding the Freestyle Libre, this is against your skin so I am hoping as it works through clothing it won't have this problem, might be worth looking at as you can scan your arm through ski gear without taking gloves off, just an idea. Phil

Dec 8, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: Questions for HCPs / Weight Like other have said, exercise is the key, not changed my diet much, but have lost 20kg in about 18 months by cycling, finding an exercise/sport you enjoy makes it easier.

Dec 5, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / No QA Insulin with me.... Had a thought (this is way too late, but might be an idea for the future for others), meat/cheese salad or those health snacks of carrots from Boots etc...

Dec 5, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / No QA Insulin with me.... Do you have access to food (supermarket or something), get a carb free lunch (not sure what though, tinned tuna/mackerel, eggs, cheese, meat), this might be a good test of how you background works Hardest part is thinking of a carb free lunch! At home I would have an omelette or scrambled eggs or meat and veg, but at work it might be more difficult. Personally I wouldn't mess with background, not sure what others think?

Dec 3, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Cyborg Times (new BG meter) I've had my first sensor fall off after a couple of days, I went out on the bike and got very sweaty, when I took my top off it slid off, the second sensor just wouldn't seem to attach. I called Abbott, they were very good and apologetic, got both replaced, after a conversation it was suggested I shave the area (I am quite hairy) to give a better grip. My first replacement sensor lasted the 14 days after shaving the area (not sure this helped?), speaking to the people at the hospital they suggested some clinical glues that pumpers use, I am now on the second replacement and have not needed the glue. Not sure what happened with the first couple (early teething probs?), but the second 2 have stuck well and I like the graphs it gives, I am currently having night time hypos and this is sooo much easier than night time 2/3 am checks

Dec 2, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Night time Hypo - Depression! CurlyWurly, hope you don't feel too bad today, I felt lousy yesterday, headache and washed out (probably more cos I didn't sleep properly maybe?). How do others feel after a big nighttime hypo? I always feel worse than a daytime one, probably cos I often don't treat as I'm asleep and my liver has to kick in, whereas I treat daytime ones. Without a CGM alarm do others manage to wake up? I normally do, but often after when I'm coming up. As the title says, all this rubbish gets me down, really into my fitness, but find it sooo difficult. If I lower background and find I can't ride the bike (weather/family gets in the way) or don't push myself hard enough I run high, but if I don't lower my background I am constantly eating!

Dec 1, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Night time Hypo - Depression! Hi, Just a quick one, I had a massive hypo last night (several hours cycling, didn't decrease background enough), I am self funding the new Freestyle Libre and it shows I was low from 1:30 to about 5. I didn't wake up though until 5:30, did a real BG test which was 4.1, I guess liver had kicked out some glycogen! Waking like this in the past (very sweaty) and testing I would not have known how low for how long I had been. Question, if/when others have hypos like this at night how do you feel the next day? What are your BGs like, I am now running about 10 to 11! Rubbish like this is getting me down, this is why I have funded the Libre, I am finding with massive amounts of exercise (keen cyclist, about 150+ miles a week) I yo-yo BG wise all over and this effects my moods massively, which isn't fair on my family. Where is the cure that tomorrows world promised in the 80s? Rant over! Phil

Sep 2, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / So many things to watch our for..... If you're having problems I would make sure basal is correct first, zero or v. low carb day of testing (plus the dreaded overnight/3am tests), BG should hold steady, once this is dialled in you can play with QA and ratios, without that you could be going up or down due to basal and not know.

Aug 28, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Insulin and power loss Previous post about broken pens, I asked about carrying spare cartridges, someone said that Insulin as long as it doesn't get too hot or cold can be out of the fridge for 30 days, I have had a spare and one in my pen for days at room temp (I always worry when in hot countries about this).

Aug 26, 2014 Phil Maskell 194 posts	Topic: General Discussion / Faulty Novopens I've had this, but I've also had a cartridge fail, the plunger went down, but I knew none (or very little) insulin had gone in as the rest had come out the sides of the cartridge due to a small crack. I too wasn't prepared, was working in London, living in Nottingham, had to go all day at work with little or no insulin and use a new cartridge when got home. I only keep a spare cartridge with me on a daily basis if I'm nearly out as I don't want them out of the fridge too long. Do other people carry spares? Is it ok out of the fridge? Suppose it must be, once in my pen its out for a few days.