[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

Buford T. Justice XIX · 29-07-2016 2:17pm

Meauldsegosha wrote: »

You should definitely have some chocolate to celebrate.

Chocolate doesn't have much effect on my BG level so I don't see it as a treat really. Pizza on the other hand, always spikes my BG so I avoid it as much as possible.

Yeah, pizza is a PITA. I have to do a combo bolus but I can never seem to get it right.

Buford T. Justice XIX · 29-07-2016 2:22pm

CramCycle wrote: »

Are Diabete-versarys a big thing. I never thoguht about it until social media eg twitter pointed them out. I remember very little before I was a Diabetic and never think about it.
Do alot of people celebrate/remember them?

30+ years myself, I don't think I have ever stopped to take it in and remember in a birthday style event.

this said I was born a grumpy old sh1t and didn't celebrate my birthday until my kids started doing that for me.

I wouldn't normally think about it either except a friend pointed out that I've spent nearly half my life diabetic a while back so I checked out the date of diagnosis. I had tickets to Bryan Adams at the Trip to Tipp, I think it was called, and had to give them to a friend. I'm still cross with my pancreas for that:pac:

CathyMoran · 30-07-2016 11:13am

CramCycle wrote: »

Are Diabete-versarys a big thing. I never thoguht about it until social media eg twitter pointed them out. I remember very little before I was a Diabetic and never think about it.
Do alot of people celebrate/remember them?

30+ years myself, I don't think I have ever stopped to take it in and remember in a birthday style event.

30 years was kind of a biggie for me, that was last year - I used to make a point of the date of diagnosis anniversary when I was a child to allow myself one day to get upset about it if I felt like it.

CramCycle · 31-07-2016 9:51am

It's weird, I remember being unwell, the drinking, peeing, general ****tiness. I remember the diagnosis. The first time I went in to the Diabetes clinic and all that went with it.

I have memories of life before Diabetes, but I don't remember what it was like not to have to be a diabetic.

Just weird, I know it happened, I remember a few things from the time before but there is a disconnect in regards the comparable freedom. BG testing and insulin are so much of me that there is no memory where I can say, I wasn't doing those things.

Suppose I don't celebrate the anniversary because, while I remember life before Diabetes, I don't remember not being a diabetic, which sounds stupid when I say it out loud.

I can see the point of it though, just not for me, different strokes for different folks.

Buford T. Justice XIX · 31-07-2016 10:04am

CramCycle wrote: »

It's weird, I remember being unwell, the drinking, peeing, general ****tiness. I remember the diagnosis. The first time I went in to the Diabetes clinic and all that went with it.

I have memories of life before Diabetes, but I don't remember what it was like not to have to be a diabetic.

Just weird, I know it happened, I remember a few things from the time before but there is a disconnect in regards the comparable freedom. BG testing and insulin are so much of me that there is no memory where I can say, I wasn't doing those things.

Suppose I don't celebrate the anniversary because, while I remember life before Diabetes, I don't remember not being a diabetic, which sounds stupid when I say it out loud.

I can see the point of it though, just not for me, different strokes for different folks.

+1

I know there was a time when I didn't have to check my blood or take insulin or make sure there was some snack nearby in case I had a hypo but it's like it's a bit removed from reality at this stage. The whole process of managing my diabetes is so ingrained into my routines every day that I think I would struggle not to carry out those routines at this stage.

I would like to give it a try though:pac:

rm212 · 02-08-2016 1:46pm

Was diagnosed in April with Type 1 (age 20), got my first HbA1c today (apart from the one a few weeks after diagnosis) and it is 4.9%

Buford T. Justice XIX · 02-08-2016 1:50pm

rm212 wrote: »

Was diagnosed in April with Type 1 (age 20), got my first HbA1c today (apart from the one a few weeks after diagnosis) and it is 4.9%

Fair play, that's great going.

rm212 · 02-08-2016 2:47pm

Buford T. Justice V wrote: »

Fair play, that's great going.

Thanks a lot! I'm very happy, I've been working really hard on my control and eating habits and it is nice to see it pay off

cocker5 · 02-08-2016 7:03pm

rm212 wrote: »

Thanks a lot! I'm very happy, I've been working really hard on my control and eating habits and it is nice to see it pay off

Just checking to see if u received my PM? X

Lolzipop · 03-08-2016 10:34am

hello everyone,

new here so hi!

Have a question - how do you deal with sweating issues if you have a hypo at night? ive moved in with my partner and whenever i have a hypo at night the bedding is destroyed. need to buy a new mattress.

I know I shouldn't be having them but if im sick or something they occassionally do.

Would you use mattress protectors? Pillow protectors? I bought one mattress protector and it was so flimsy it ripped during the night.

Any advice appreciated.

JP Liz V1 · 09-08-2016 9:00pm

Can type 2 be reversed?

CramCycle · 09-08-2016 10:39pm

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Can type 2 be reversed?

In some cases, depends on so many factors, it is impossible to answer as a sweeping yes or no statement. If you are a type 2 Diabetic, no matter the stage or causes, the things that can help lead to reversal in some cases are probably worth doing anyway, even if they do not reverse it.

RobbingBandit · 04-09-2016 12:28pm

Anyone here any experience with retinopathy, macular edema or vitreous surgery. I am going in for my second vitrectomy surgery early next week, first one was unsuccessful a couple of months back. I am type 2 with better control but had very poor sugar readings for the past two years due to a number of issues beyond my control the past 4 months now my sugar readings have been under 10 where in the past they were in the high teens to mid twenties.

gctest50 · 07-09-2016 2:50am

Recall :

Recall of Four Batches of GlucaGen HypoKit to Patient Level in Ireland

The reason for the recall is that in a small number of units (0.006%) the syringe needle has become detached from the syringe.

https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/safety-notices/item?t=/recall-of-four-batches-of-glucagen-hypokit-to-patient-level-in-ireland&id=89130726-9782-6eee-9b55-ff00008c97d0

banjobongo · 07-09-2016 9:50am

hi all
Im fairly recently diagnosed with Type 1 (June 2016). Im early 50s and pretty fit (I train 6 - 7 sessions per week.
Seem to be managing OK so far.
Two questions for more experienced people out there, IM guessing there are pretty strange queries and I might not get any answers!!
1/as my name suggests I play the banjo so I dont prick the 4 fingers on my left hand so that means I need to rotate pricking my left thumb and all the digits on my right hand....so I suppose this is not really a questions, more about does anybody elsle have the same situation and handle it the same yay?
2/my main sport is swimming, Im competitive, ie I go to swimming galas, so I track my times and for my main event (100m fly), I noticed around the time I was diagnosed that I was about 2 - 3 seconds slower per 100m. Is this fairly typical for people who get Type 1 and how long does this dip in performance last for, is it typically a temporary blip or longer term?

CramCycle · 11-09-2016 5:25pm

banjobongo wrote: »

1/as my name suggests I play the banjo so I dont prick the 4 fingers on my left hand so that means I need to rotate pricking my left thumb and all the digits on my right hand....so I suppose this is not really a questions, more about does anybody elsle have the same situation and handle it the same yay?

I don't play banjo but I know some diabetics who play string instruments. Why would you avoid pricking the four fingers?

2/my main sport is swimming, Im competitive, ie I go to swimming galas, so I track my times and for my main event (100m fly), I noticed around the time I was diagnosed that I was about 2 - 3 seconds slower per 100m. Is this fairly typical for people who get Type 1 and how long does this dip in performance last for, is it typically a temporary blip or longer term?

While I was diagnosed at a young age, it makes sense that your competitive times would take a dip, the fact that is was only 2 or 3 seconds is good as I could imagine the way some people are at diagnosis, they would not have bothered getting in the pool. It should only be a blip, so long as you get yourself on track. Reading Diabetic athlete blogs from around the world, some even claim improved performance due to the enforced requirements (regiment, no performance gains from Diabetes unfortunately). I certainly have never had any issues competing and when I am looking after myself, my times are far better. Good control, good diet and stick to your training plan, and T1DM should not hinder your times in anyway, it may just take a bit of time to get yourself on target, but once that is achieved, you will be back to normal.

banjobongo · 18-09-2016 1:39pm

thanks for your feedback CramCycle!
re fingers for hte banjo, I found pricking them and then playing the banjo that my fingers hurt, so now I avoid using these four fingers when Im pricking for blood....
re competing/training times, glad to hear that, I hope if I keep training to be at least back where I was before I got the diabetes....
cheers!

JP Liz V1 · 19-09-2016 11:27pm

Can you not donate blood if you are diabetic

Meauldsegosha · 19-09-2016 11:32pm

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

Can you not donate blood if you are diabetic

Not if you are taking insulin. Don't know about other medication, check with the BTSB.

RobbingBandit · 20-09-2016 8:12pm

RobbingBandit wrote: »

Anyone here any experience with retinopathy, macular edema or vitreous surgery. I am going in for my second vitrectomy surgery early next week, first one was unsuccessful a couple of months back. I am type 2 with better control but had very poor sugar readings for the past two years due to a number of issues beyond my control the past 4 months now my sugar readings have been under 10 where in the past they were in the high teens to mid twenties.

Still looking for info if anyone has any.

BlackEdelweiss · 22-09-2016 10:59am

Insulin Pump:
I am going to be put on a pump soon and have been asked to choose which one I want from the 2 available.
I can get either the Animas Vibe or the Medtronic Paradigim. Has anybody any experience with either of these? Any recomendations?

Buford T. Justice XIX · 22-09-2016 11:51am

BlackEdelweiss wrote: »

Insulin Pump:
I am going to be put on a pump soon and have been asked to choose which one I want from the 2 available.
I can get either the Animas Vibe or the Medtronic Paradigim. Has anybody any experience with either of these? Any recomendations?

I'm on the Animas Vibe since last year, no problems so far. Easy to use but must get some calculations adjusted soon.

It takes a bit of time to get your basal rates set up but after that it's very simple.

Edit. A good book to read might be 'Think like a pancreas' by Gary Scheiner. I found it very good anyway, recommended by someone on here.

ebbsy · 22-09-2016 10:23pm

RobbingBandit wrote: »

Still looking for info if anyone has any.

Yeah I have it. Have had some laser and injections over last 3 years, eyesight is ok.

Mate blood pressure is the most important thing with your eyes. I went to my GP when I was having bleeds, he put me on one tablet a day. I have only had a small one in the last year.

Also keep your average bloods at about 7.5 or less. Helps a lot.

Snake Plisken · 28-09-2016 5:07pm

So just out of my 7 month checkup Hba1c's on the way back up, my Doc has suggested maybe looking at the Freestyle Libre apparently it's launching here in November but he said HSE won't entertain putting it on the LTI scheme so it would have to come out of the patients pocket currently the starter pack is 159.99 sterling which is 185 euros and £57.95 which translates to €67.24 per 14 day patch I am sure the prices will be higher here when they launch anyone thinking of getting one of these?
For those who don't know it's a patch you stick under your arm has a little needle and you just pass the meter over it and it will take a reading.

uck51js9zml2yt · 28-09-2016 11:01pm

Guys
I've a load of test strips cassettes and fast click lancettes for an accuceheck mobile tester.
If anyone wants them please let me know.
I've also got the machine.
Got it for my mother and she didn't like it so I went back to contour for her.
I'm in Dublin. Just PM me

Edit to say it's about 6 months worth of stock.

C-Shore · 30-09-2016 5:51pm

Snake Plisken wrote: »

So just out of my 7 month checkup Hba1c's on the way back up, my Doc has suggested maybe looking at the Freestyle Libre apparently it's launching here in November but he said HSE won't entertain putting it on the LTI scheme so it would have to come out of the patients pocket currently the starter pack is 159.99 sterling which is 185 euros and 57.95 which translates to 67.24 per 14 day patch I am sure the prices will be higher here when they launch anyone thinking of getting one of these?
For those who don't know it's a patch you stick under your arm has a little needle and you just pass the meter over it and it will take a reading.

I use it. I just use the sensor and the LibreLink app, rather than the monitor. So essentially my phone works as the monitor.

The price in Ireland will likely be around that, if not 59.90 as that is the price in France.

In terms of benefit, it's amazing. Compared to the cost, not as amazing.
If you can afford it, then do it. If it makes your budgets tight, then use it intermittently.

I would definitely recommend it if you have an increased Hba1c. You will learn a lot from it. I started using it after 15 years and learned from it.

So if you have a smarphone with NFC, just get the sensor and use it that way. You'll get a great understanding of the effect of exercise, different foods, and how you recover from Highs and Lows.

Investing 120 in 2 sensors and using it for a month could be the difference between a 6-7 average and a 9-10 average.

The cost over time though will add up, but there's no shame in going back to strips. You'll still have the new understanding of how your body works, and you can apply that to fill in the gaps between finger pricks.

Buford T. Justice XIX · 16-10-2016 10:34am

Stupid headline but an article on the costs of Diabetes for Ireland is 265,000 euro a day.

I thought it would be more, tbh.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/obesity-diabetic-bill-now-at-265k-each-day-35133789.html

uli84 · 21-11-2016 2:47pm

Guys, do you have to pay to your GP for the prescription with the new date? I always thought LTI book prescription doesn't have to be renewed every 6 months but was told by the pharmacy it has to.

ohnonotgmail · 21-11-2016 3:18pm

uli84 wrote: »

Guys, do you have to pay to your GP for the prescription with the new date? I always thought LTI book prescription doesn't have to be renewed every 6 months but was told by the pharmacy it has to.

Prescriptions do have to have an expiry date so the pharmacy is correct about that. As for paying it is completely down to your GP. Some do charge, some dont.

CramCycle · 21-11-2016 3:42pm

I do try and get it done at my hospital appointment to save hassle on this.

As said above, depends on your GP. Mine down the country never charges, I just give him the list over the phone and he leaves it behind the counter. My GP up here charged me 65euro the first time but told it would be left behind the counter if I ever need one again.

uli84 · 23-11-2016 12:10pm

hmmm,
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]I spoke with HSE information line and they stated that the long term illness book doesn t need to be updated every 6 months, only as treatment changes and new medication / devices are added. [/font][font=Calibri","sans-serif]However, it is common practice that your prescription from your doctor will need to be updated every 6 months to reflect either renewal or review of your diabetes treatment following diabetes check by doctor/ nurse.[/font]
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]Now, I am even more confused - do I need the prescription at all so or LTI book is enough?[/font]

ohnonotgmail · 23-11-2016 12:18pm

uli84 wrote: »

hmmm,
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]I spoke with HSE information line and they stated that the long term illness book doesn t need to be updated every 6 months, only as treatment changes and new medication / devices are added. [/font][font=Calibri","sans-serif]However, it is common practice that your prescription from your doctor will need to be updated every 6 months to reflect either renewal or review of your diabetes treatment following diabetes check by doctor/ nurse.[/font]
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]Now, I am even more confused - do I need the prescription at all so or LTI book is enough?[/font]

your prescription should be written into your LTI book. it is the prescription that is renewed every 6 months not the book. the book is valid until there is no more space for additional prescriptions.

palmcut · 23-11-2016 1:28pm

uli84 wrote: »

hmmm,
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]I spoke with HSE information line and they stated that the long term illness book doesn t need to be updated every 6 months, only as treatment changes and new medication / devices are added. [/font][font=Calibri","sans-serif]However, it is common practice that your prescription from your doctor will need to be updated every 6 months to reflect either renewal or review of your diabetes treatment following diabetes check by doctor/ nurse.[/font]
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]Now, I am even more confused - do I need the prescription at all so or LTI book is enough?[/font]

Any prescription is only valid for a maximum of 6 months. Some prescriptions are only valid for one dispensing.
In the case of the LTI you have to renew your prescription every six months for all items including strips, needles and devices.
A pharmacist who dispenses without a valid prescription can be taken to fitness to practice and may lose their licence to practice.
From a health point of view it makes sense to get your medicines reviewed every 6 months at least.

ebbsy · 23-11-2016 1:50pm

uli84 wrote: »

hmmm,
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]I spoke with HSE information line and they stated that the long term illness book doesn t need to be updated every 6 months, only as treatment changes and new medication / devices are added. [/font][font=Calibri","sans-serif]However, it is common practice that your prescription from your doctor will need to be updated every 6 months to reflect either renewal or review of your diabetes treatment following diabetes check by doctor/ nurse.[/font]
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]Now, I am even more confused - do I need the prescription at all so or LTI book is enough?[/font]

I can give you my experience on this. When you go to the clinic for the checkup get the doctor to write REPEAT on your prescription. You do not have to get a new one every 6 months.

My previous chemist pulled me up on my prescription. I now go to a different chemist with no problems. Do the same if you have to.

ebbsy · 23-11-2016 1:50pm

uli84 wrote: »

hmmm,
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]I spoke with HSE information line and they stated that the long term illness book doesn t need to be updated every 6 months, only as treatment changes and new medication / devices are added. [/font][font=Calibri","sans-serif]However, it is common practice that your prescription from your doctor will need to be updated every 6 months to reflect either renewal or review of your diabetes treatment following diabetes check by doctor/ nurse.[/font]
[font=Calibri","sans-serif]Now, I am even more confused - do I need the prescription at all so or LTI book is enough?[/font]

I can give you my experience on this. When you go to the clinic for the checkup get the doctor to write REPEAT on your prescription. You do not have to get a new one every 6 months.

My previous chemist pulled me up on my prescription. I now go to a different chemist with no problems. Do the same if you have to.

ebbsy · 23-11-2016 1:50pm

Apologies Multiple post.

ebbsy · 23-11-2016 1:53pm

I was so annoyed that the chemist was gIving me a lecture on it, especially since I was attending the clinic every year.

Although now I have graduated to a 2 yearly appointment I might go to the GP next year anyway.

uli84 · 23-11-2016 3:32pm

ebbsy wrote: »

I can give you my experience on this. When you go to the clinic for the checkup get the doctor to write REPEAT on your prescription. You do not have to get a new one every 6 months.

My previous chemist pulled me up on my prescription. I now go to a different chemist with no problems. Do the same if you have to.

Thanks, will do, the care of my diabetes is fully in the hospital, I don't see how the GP can review my medications if he hasn't prescribed them in the first place or seen me in 6 years, my hospital visit is in 3 months.

ebbsy · 23-11-2016 4:05pm

uli84 wrote: »

ebbsy wrote: »

I can give you my experience on this. When you go to the clinic for the checkup get the doctor to write REPEAT on your prescription. You do not have to get a new one every 6 months.

My previous chemist pulled me up on my prescription. I now go to a different chemist with no problems. Do the same if you have to.

Thanks, will do, the care of my diabetes is fully in the hospital, I don't see how the GP can review my medications if he hasn't prescribed them in the first place or seen me in 6 years, my hospital visit is in 3 months.

My GP put me on blood pressure tablets. Helps the eyes a lot. When I went back to the hospital clinic the Doctor updated the script for me. Make sure they write repeat prescription on it.

Ocean Blue · 23-11-2016 4:11pm

ebbsy wrote: »

I can give you my experience on this. When you go to the clinic for the checkup get the doctor to write REPEAT on your prescription. You do not have to get a new one every 6 months.

My previous chemist pulled me up on my prescription. I now go to a different chemist with no problems. Do the same if you have to.

The doctor writing 'repeat' turns it from a single prescription to a 6 month one. 6 months is the longest any prescription can be valid for. Your pharmacist just isn't abiding by the law.

uli84 · 23-11-2016 5:11pm

ok, so is it fine asking the GP who hasn't seen me once to copy that prescription and put a new date on it or I should post it to the hospital asking for the same thing? I'm just worried the GP will be like - oh you need to come for a visit blah blah as I have no time for that since it's the end of the year and all my hols are taken at this stage and I'm not sick to take sick from work.

palmcut · 25-11-2016 9:14am

Two pharmacists have been censured for supplying medication without prescription. Both were found guilty of poor professional performance by the Irish pharmacy the regulator.
In this case there was an original prescription but it had not been renewed in over 14 months.(see PSI website psi.ie)

All prescriptions have to be renewed at least every 6 months and some prescriptions have to be renewed more often.

CramCycle · 25-11-2016 9:24am

uli84 wrote: »

ok, so is it fine asking the GP who hasn't seen me once to copy that prescription and put a new date on it or I should post it to the hospital asking for the same thing? I'm just worried the GP will be like - oh you need to come for a visit blah blah as I have no time for that since it's the end of the year and all my hols are taken at this stage and I'm not sick to take sick from work.

It is OK in that you probably know better than your GP the list of meds for your LTI booklet. As for time to go in, it is unlikely if they have any sense but if they do, it would be a fairly ****ty employer who would not let you go for a check up.

uli84 · 02-12-2016 5:20pm

Unless the GP gives ma a different pump my medication will NOT change, it's simple as that and l'm not trying to be smart. As for work they don't know I have diabetes but in any case no annual leave left means I can't be off. Anyhow, end of topic.

CramCycle · 02-12-2016 10:44pm

Ring up your GP and explain the situation and you just need the script for your LTI. Most GPs will be grand and leave it behind the desk. You may have to pay, you may not. Not sure anyone can say better than that. you could also ring the hospital and ask them to post one out, not impossible if you have been attending the clinic regularly.

ebbsy · 03-12-2016 10:43pm

When will diabetics get free GP visits ? Never probably.

Buford T. Justice XIX · 07-12-2016 12:08pm

For anyone on the Animas Vibe pump and wondering about trying CGM, Animas have a special offer on atm where you can get 4 CGM patches and 1 transmitter for £250 delivered. You can't have used a CGM for the pump before to qualify for the offer.

You will have to register with them first which takes a few days but delivery times seem quick. I ordered today and should get delivery on Thursday

Loopylou1 · 08-12-2016 2:15am

Hey just seen ur comment if u click on vat on the English site works out a bit cheaper but nearly the same €59.95 on the Irish site, it will take some time to come available on LTI but hopefully soon, there a group on Facebook that has been set up with parents that are paying for it to try and get on LTI, writing to local tds and also at petition also set up for this

banie01 · 08-12-2016 12:07pm

Folks,

Had a rough time of it lately with stomach issues.
Luckily it has been rectified and identified as a side effect of Victoza.
I had been on it with fantastic control for 3yrs+, Initially apart from the ramping issues when adjusting to the dose I had no issues.

Stomach issues kicked of just over a year ago and have gotten steadily worse. My Endo didn't think Victoza was the cause but as a boot and braces measure discontinued it a month ago.
3 days after my last dose, the stomach issues stopped and have not reoccured

So after my follow up with the Endo yesterday he was of delighted the side effects are sorted.
My control however is totally blown.
During the course of discussing my treatment options, it transpires that he believes I may not be a Type 2 at all, but rather a "Latent autoimmune Diabetes of Adults" and as such basically have slowly developing late onset type 1 diabetes.
I'm waiting on the results of antibody tests to confirm,but he is basing this on my age at diagnosis, BMI, lifestyle and a few other factors.

I am feeling a little de-flated, I had approached my type 2 as self inflicted to a great degree and fought hard to maintain control of my HbA1c and did a good job in the main over the last 4 years, with a control range of 6.5 for the vast majority of the time.

That said, if it is the type of diabetes the Endo suspects.
I will shortly be going on insulin therapy as my treatment regime, any advice on how to get to grips with insulin?
Pitfalls, quick wins and general advice will be appreciated

Meauldsegosha · 08-12-2016 1:06pm

If you are taking insulin I would suggest to ask to attend a DAFNE or BERGER course asap. These courses show you how to carb count so you match the amount of fast acting insulin you take to the amount of carbs in your meal/snack.

[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

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