[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

Buford T. Justice XIX · 25-02-2015 9:18pm

A bit of good news for a change. I liked this story...

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/mother-pays-heartfelt-tribute-to-hospital-that-saved-her-miracle-baby-ava-from-a-rare-strain-of-diabetes-31021462.html

Wheelio · 09-03-2015 3:18pm

Hi All,

Was diagnosed Type 1 2yrs ago and curious about going for an Insulin pump when came across this thread. My current consultant only does MDI regime. Anyone know of anyplace in Cork that support pump therapy for adults or is it only in certain Hospitals/Counties.

My HbA1c's have been good on MDI but I find it restricting and would like the great flexibilty
of he pump (I think)

Thanks
Wheelio

robinph · 09-03-2015 3:55pm

Buford T. Justice V wrote: »

I have an SOS talisman in a chain around my neck(it's NOT a neck...

I used to have one of those not a necklace things as well. Now I use RoadID around my wrist instead. Have to order them from the US, but they are much better at staying in place without annoying me whilst running or doing other things and just looks like a watch strap most of the time.

Was running my local parkrun on Saturday, then whilst hanging around and chatting afterwards someone came up and introduced herself as the diabetes consultant in the local children's hospital and that she noticed my insulin pump on my waist as I had lapped her during the run on my way to finishing in the top ten. Was then chatting for a bit about running and marathons etc, and she then seemed to be interested in me to maybe go in and speak to the kids about how a bit of diabetes doesn't stop you being active at a decent level. Actually their parents as much as anything I guess as what kid wants to know about what an old bloke is doing?

Not sure if she'll make contact, but made me feel good about the day.

gctest50 · 10-03-2015 5:49am

Now Available
Afrezza® Inhalable Insulin
Afrezza® is a rapid acting insulin inhaled at mealtimes to improve blood sugar control in adult patients with diabetes.

https://www.afrezza.com/

graflynn · 12-03-2015 1:00pm

Wheelio wrote: »

Hi All,

Was diagnosed Type 1 2yrs ago and curious about going for an Insulin pump when came across this thread. My current consultant only does MDI regime. Anyone know of anyplace in Cork that support pump therapy for adults or is it only in certain Hospitals/Counties.

My HbA1c's have been good on MDI but I find it restricting and would like the great flexibilty
of he pump (I think)

Thanks
Wheelio

Hello Wheelio,

I am a member of this facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/39741400937/ and recently I remember some people who attend UHC who are on insulin pumps. And also Dr. Tuthill.

Hope that helps!

Happy2015 · 13-03-2015 2:54pm

I am a newly diagnosed T1 and have to attend a Berger Course-“3 day Intensive Insulin Education Programme” next month. Just wondering if anyone else has done this course? Would you recommend it? Am I entitled to time off work to attend this course? Would love to hear from someone.

CramCycle · 13-03-2015 4:36pm

Happy2015 wrote: »

I am a newly diagnosed T1 and have to attend a Berger Course-“3 day Intensive Insulin Education Programme” next month. Just wondering if anyone else has done this course? Would you recommend it? Am I entitled to time off work to attend this course? Would love to hear from someone.

Definitely, if your new, it's great, if your old hat, it is a nice refresher.

As for time off work, depends on your job, I got a letter for work from the doctor so I was fine but it may be work place dependent (my work are very accommodating for everyone). I presume you are salary based but I would have thought a letter from the hospital would suffice unless you work for some terrible people.

Happy2015 · 13-03-2015 9:51pm

Thank you.I am salary based-and am hoping that this three day course won't be dealt with as sick leave as I have used a lot of leave over the last two years-pre diabetes illnesses etc before becoming dka at christmas!Is there anywhere where I can get information/reading on the course-what to expect or would it be better to attend with no prior knowledge?
Happy 2015

graflynn · 14-03-2015 3:00pm

Happy2015 wrote: »

Thank you.I am salary based-and am hoping that this three day course won't be dealt with as sick leave as I have used a lot of leave over the last two years-pre diabetes illnesses etc before becoming dka at christmas!Is there anywhere where I can get information/reading on the course-what to expect or would it be better to attend with no prior knowledge?
Happy 2015

The BERGER course is almost a carbon copy of the DAFNE course. You can find loads more information about DAFNE here; http://www.dafneonline.co.uk/ Hope this helps?

gctest50 · 14-03-2015 3:09pm

the new dexcom g4 cgm will "talk" to apple watches, ipods, iphones

- very useful for kids - you can upload it automatically and can monitor it from anywhere

was done diy-stylee a while back :

What is the Nightscout project?

Nightscout (CGM in the Cloud) is an open source, DIY project that allows real time access to a Dexcom G4 CGM from web browsers via smartphones, computers, tablets, and the Pebble smartwatch. The goal of the project is to allow remote monitoring of the T1D’s glucose level using existing monitoring devices.

http://www.nightscout.info <<<<<<<<<<<

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s5o0kD5zUM

they just added bluetooth so less diy-cabling needed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaRc_SVtZfw

http://dexcom.com/dexcom-cgm-with-share <<<<<<<<<

.

&off into the pointless forest for a bit ........

Teardown of (older) cgm receiver :

The NXP (founded by Philips) LH75411 is an ARM7TDMI-S based high-performance 32-bit RISC Microcontroller with Thumb extensions 32KB RAM, Vectored Interrupt Controller, Greyscale LCD Controller, Touch Screen Controller, 8 channel 10 bit A/D Converter, Two 16550-type UARTs, One 82510-type UART, Synchronous Serial Port, Four DMA Channels, Three Timers/Counters with Capture/Compare/PWM, Real Time Clock, Watchdog Timer, General Purpose I/O pins. CPU clock up to 51.6 MHz, On-chip crystal oscillator and On-chip PLL.

The_Conductor · 14-03-2015 8:38pm

Happy2015 wrote: »

Thank you.I am salary based-and am hoping that this three day course won't be dealt with as sick leave as I have used a lot of leave over the last two years-pre diabetes illnesses etc before becoming dka at christmas!Is there anywhere where I can get information/reading on the course-what to expect or would it be better to attend with no prior knowledge?
Happy 2015

You could always take it as annual leave- if you're not willing to ask for the sick leave to attend it? Alternatively- unpaid leave? Ask your Personnel Department- they might be able to give you a better idea- normally it would be considered as sick leave though...........

P_1 · 15-03-2015 9:46pm

Quick q for those who've done the DAFNE. Did ye take it as sick leave or annual leave from work?

Happy2015 · 16-03-2015 10:12am

thanks to all your replies-very very helpful,much appreciated

Preset No.3 · 17-03-2015 12:53am

A good news post, and to celebrate my 1000th post.

Saw my consultant today. Ive lost 11lbs in weight.
Hba1c has gone down from 9.3 to 8.2

Changed one of my meds to Victoza injection, although he told me they may be some adjustment side effects!

Overall very happy, blood sugars are going in the right direction.

Preset No.3 · 18-03-2015 3:52pm

F**K YOU VICTOZA!!!!!!

That is all!

CramCycle · 18-03-2015 4:01pm

P_1 wrote: »

Quick q for those who've done the DAFNE. Did ye take it as sick leave or annual leave from work?

I sent an e-mail to HR and said I had hospital appointments on the two days (I ended up in work later in the day anyway), no one raised a flag about it.

Dick Dastardly · 20-03-2015 12:29am

P_1 wrote: »

Quick q for those who've done the DAFNE. Did ye take it as sick leave or annual leave from work?

I did a 5 day course - took 2 as annual leave and work covered the rest.

_Tombstone_ · 20-03-2015 11:40am

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/03/19/393856788/why-is-u-s-insulin-so-expensive

No Generic Insulin in the US, $400 a month and many have to do without.

calfmuscle · 21-03-2015 12:36am

Got my diabetic retina screen in the post today.
I have mild retinopathy, I turned 30 yesterday. Have had type 1 for 19 years. Feel devastated to be honest, I know it's mild and I can work on it. But I'm very good about testing and correcting so it's very disappointing. What is the point

CathyMoran · 21-03-2015 10:33am

I am sorry to hear that but it would have been far worse if you had not looked after yourself, remember that.

I am over 30 years a type 1 diabetic but I have other health issues too so the diabetes tends to be lower on my list of priorities but I do try my best too.

Buford T. Justice XIX · 21-03-2015 11:11am

calfmuscle wrote: »

Got my diabetic retina screen in the post today.
I have mild retinopathy, I turned 30 yesterday. Have had type 1 for 19 years. Feel devastated to be honest, I know it's mild and I can work on it. But I'm very good about testing and correcting so it's very disappointing. What is the point

The thing is to keep improving. Sometimes things go haywire but you get it back under control and start again.

I had my first screen 4 years ago and had some mild retinopathy too. It was an awful shock because my control had been good. It also showed up some early cataract development.

Now those things are also issues with non diabetic relations so it may not be your glucose control that's at fault, it may just be genetic. Plus, now you are aware of the problem and can take any steps available to limit its progress.

Meauldsegosha · 23-03-2015 8:53pm

Got the results of my retina test today and it says there are some changes to my retina. Like others here I have good control so I'm a bit shocked to get that result. They are referring me to the optomolgy department in the Mater. Has anybody else been referred? What will they do? How long do you have to wait for an appointment?

Happy2015 · 26-03-2015 11:38am

hi,
Just wondering if anyone out there is using this BGM system-FreeStyle® Libre - if you google Freestyle Libre- you'll see what I'm asking about. I was told by my DNS that its not available in Ireland, but I could get it in Northern Ireland for about 1200 £- has anybody gone down this route?

graflynn · 26-03-2015 2:46pm

Happy2015 wrote: »

hi,
Just wondering if anyone out there is using this BGM system-FreeStyle® Libre - if you google Freestyle Libre- you'll see what I'm asking about. I was told by my DNS that its not available in Ireland, but I could get it in Northern Ireland for about 1200 £- has anybody gone down this route?

One or two people were able to get it before the website shut ROI people out. I think it only costs 130 pounds though not 1200. I can't remember how much the sensors are per month. This facebook group might have more information for you https://www.facebook.com/groups/748445301888935/?fref=ts

Happy2015 · 26-03-2015 2:56pm

Thanks graflynn!

Also just wondering if anyone out there is using one?Would you recommend it? My fingers are so sore at the moment!

Happy2015 · 26-03-2015 4:08pm

Hi, just reading back through previous posts as I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible-I'm only diagnosed diabetic type 1 since December 2014- does anyone have any advice about losing weight? I've gone from 9 stone -I'm 5,5 - to 10 stone - in the last three months. I mostly eat very healthily-I haven't really had to change my diet since being diagnosed because I never had a sweet tooth at all -treats being the odd takeaway and a drink. I am in the healthy weight range & bmi -but am very upset about this extra stone. Obviously I have to eat - I include a carb in most of my meals-usually a slice of McCambridge Brown bread- i dont eat potatoes/porridge/pasta or rice very often and I try to eat small portions-usually on a side plate or a bowl. I also walk or cycle to work-I only use my car for the grocery shopping or when absolutely necessary. There's so much information on dieting online-could someone recommend a diet that they've used or know someone with T 1 that has been successful. I'd really appreciated at the moment-its bad enough having diabetes and getting my head around it,without coping with my gaining dress size!

CramCycle · 26-03-2015 4:35pm

Happy2015 wrote: »

Hi, just reading back through previous posts as I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible-I'm only diagnosed diabetic type 1 since December 2014- does anyone have any advice about losing weight? I've gone from 9 stone -I'm 5,5 - to 10 stone - in the last three months. I mostly eat very healthily-I haven't really had to change my diet since being diagnosed because I never had a sweet tooth at all -treats being the odd takeaway and a drink. I am in the healthy weight range & bmi -but am very upset about this extra stone. Obviously I have to eat - I include a carb in most of my meals-usually a slice of McCambridge Brown bread- i dont eat potatoes/porridge/pasta or rice very often and I try to eat small portions-usually on a side plate or a bowl. I also walk or cycle to work-I only use my car for the grocery shopping or when absolutely necessary. There's so much information on dieting online-could someone recommend a diet that they've used or know someone with T 1 that has been successful. I'd really appreciated at the moment-its bad enough having diabetes and getting my head around it,without coping with my gaining dress size!

The first thing is to differentiate between weight gain and increase in fat levels, going up a stone is not always a bad thing, if you are doing more exercise or have toned up, at a certain point the weight loss through fat loss is counteracted by muscle gain and toning.

Don't look at the weight, look at your lifestyle and general fitness levels, if these have not dropped/changed then it is less cause for concern. If it is the other way though, the simplest is, other than changing your diet to foods that are unlikely to encourage weight gain (although what you have described doesn't sound like that) is to burn more than you put in.

How is your control at the minute? Do you think you were in a diabetic state or close to it for long before being diagnosed (causes weight loss, not in a good way)? Are you suffering many hypos?

graflynn · 26-03-2015 5:12pm

Happy2015 wrote: »

Thanks graflynn!

Also just wondering if anyone out there is using one?Would you recommend it? My fingers are so sore at the moment!

Most people in that facebook group I mentioned in my previous post would be users of the Libre and a number of them are Irish too.

Happy2015 · 27-03-2015 12:15pm

I think my control is good at the moment- according to my meter my daily average is 7.1 mmol/L -which from what I've read seems ok. However I do get a lot of hypos- I've only had one very very bad where I really needed help and I was very lucky -I was in bed,and had help at hand. The rest of the time,when I feel low I realise it very quickly and just drink my lucozade (which I think is a major factor in my weight gain!). As for being diabetic- I reckon - I've been pre-diabetic for years. My sister reminded me of an incident in 2006 when I was unwell and she had to stay with me- and basically-looking back- what I was feeling was a major hypo. I've always had issues with low bloods-things like standing up feeling queasy/dizzy, not having enough energy,tiring easily after physical activity etc BUT because I've also suffered with anaemia - this is what I always put it down to. I am very annoyed with my doc at the moment- because in the last 2 years- I have had 12 kidney infections/UTI's- every flipping cold/bug/virus/sore throat going plus cellulitis . Every time I went to doc,urine tests were done- but I was never referred and my blood sugars were never checked. It was only when I was nearly losing consciousness and DKA in a different doc's office that I was sent to A & E and from there properly diagnosed.Thank God for insulin-because I now feel most days better than I have felt in years. Anyway,vent over- even though I'm feeling well-my diet and activity levels havent changed much since being diagnosed,my main concern now is the weight gain- I'm nervous about upping my exercise in case of hypos and nervous about cutting out any more carbs cos I dont eat that many as it is-any advice would be very welcome

graflynn · 27-03-2015 4:18pm

Happy2015 wrote: »

I think my control is good at the moment- according to my meter my daily average is 7.1 mmol/L -which from what I've read seems ok. However I do get a lot of hypos- I've only had one very very bad where I really needed help and I was very lucky -I was in bed,and had help at hand. The rest of the time,when I feel low I realise it very quickly and just drink my lucozade (which I think is a major factor in my weight gain!). As for being diabetic- I reckon - I've been pre-diabetic for years. My sister reminded me of an incident in 2006 when I was unwell and she had to stay with me- and basically-looking back- what I was feeling was a major hypo. I've always had issues with low bloods-things like standing up feeling queasy/dizzy, not having enough energy,tiring easily after physical activity etc BUT because I've also suffered with anaemia - this is what I always put it down to. I am very annoyed with my doc at the moment- because in the last 2 years- I have had 12 kidney infections/UTI's- every flipping cold/bug/virus/sore throat going plus cellulitis . Every time I went to doc,urine tests were done- but I was never referred and my blood sugars were never checked. It was only when I was nearly losing consciousness and DKA in a different doc's office that I was sent to A & E and from there properly diagnosed.Thank God for insulin-because I now feel most days better than I have felt in years. Anyway,vent over- even though I'm feeling well-my diet and activity levels havent changed much since being diagnosed,my main concern now is the weight gain- I'm nervous about upping my exercise in case of hypos and nervous about cutting out any more carbs cos I dont eat that many as it is-any advice would be very welcome

Hello Happy2015,

When you are talking about your Doc; do you mean your GP or your Diabetes Consultant (Endocrinologist)? The reason I ask is because in general your gp will look after all things not specific to your diabetes and your Endo looks after all diabetes only.

Are you attending a diabetes clinic that is providing you with specific diabetes education? It sounds like you need the help of a diabetes nurse specialist and a dietitian - they would both be of huge help to you.

This book might fill in some of the gaps for you and guide you on where to go for a better diabetes service than the one you have now.

Your daily average of 7.1 is really good but it's just one moment of time. The more you check your blood sugars the better chance you have of seeing the complete picture. That's why Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems are sought after.

I have a feeling that you will have more questions? So keep them coming,
Grainne

CramCycle · 28-03-2015 4:23pm

Happy2015 wrote: »

I think my control is good at the moment- according to my meter my daily average is 7.1 mmol/L -which from what I've read seems ok. However I do get a lot of hypos- I've only had one very very bad where I really needed help and I was very lucky -I was in bed,and had help at hand.

The average is good but it is not an indicator of your overall control, if you are having alot off hypos and your average is 7.1 it means that your average is probably deceiving you and it is in fact not that great, mine was the same when I was younger, my average was perfect, look at my records though and it was pretty awful.

The rest of the time,when I feel low I realise it very quickly and just drink my lucozade (which I think is a major factor in my weight gain!). As for being diabetic- I reckon - I've been pre-diabetic for years.

Its not the lucozade causing the weight gain, it is (most likely) the hypos themselves that are more likely to be causing any unusual weight gain. I won't go into the ins and outs, but excessive hypos and recoveries cause weight gain in alot of people. Talk to a specialist nurse or consultant but their first bit of advice will be to get rid of the hypos, in the short term, they will be the most dangerous, once they are reduced, you can work on your average.

I've always had issues with low bloods-things like standing up feeling queasy/dizzy, not having enough energy,tiring easily after physical activity etc BUT because I've also suffered with anaemia - this is what I always put it down to.

High blood sugars will also give you these symptoms as well unfortunately, it's a tricky one, and why you should always check if you can, often I have felt hypo and when I check my bloods they are hyper, if I hadn't my checker I would have had something sugary which would have made it worse.

Thank God for insulin-because I now feel most days better than I have felt in years. Anyway,vent over- even though I'm feeling well-my diet and activity levels haven't changed much since being diagnosed,my main concern now is the weight gain- I'm nervous about upping my exercise in case of hypos and nervous about cutting out any more carbs cos I dont eat that many as it is-any advice would be very welcome

As Graflynn asked, are you talking to a specialist? If not, make it a priority and get referred immediately. In the meantime focus on getting rid of the hypos, once they have reduced start working on the average. A specialist will be best for all this advice but make sure you are keeping a log book of the following things: blood sugars, insulin taken and carbs as well as a brief description of the food you are eating. look for patterns (it will take a few days to spot), this will save alot of time with the specialist, if they have this, they can start straight away, if they don't they can only talk you through the basics.

Snake Plisken · 31-03-2015 8:32pm

My clinic gave me a Freestyle Optium Neo as a replacement for the Optium and have to say it's crap compared to the Optium, constantly wasting strips due to E3 errors, the provided lancing device is rubbish, I though the first one was broken but got two spare and same issue even at setting 5, it bearly breaks the skin! Anyone else used this meter?

Meauldsegosha · 01-04-2015 9:32am

I got a Neo last year and used it for a week before going back to the Optium Xceed. I found it useless.

Dick Dastardly · 01-04-2015 11:20am

Snake Plisken wrote: »

My clinic gave me a Freestyle Optium Neo as a replacement for the Optium and have to say it's crap compared to the Optium, constantly wasting strips due to E3 errors, the provided lancing device is rubbish, I though the first one was broken but got two spare and same issue even at setting 5, it bearly breaks the skin! Anyone else used this meter?

I have a Neo but only use it for keytones - normally use a Contour Next Link which is excellent - small, fast reliable and wireless connection to my pump. Before that I used a One touch ultra kit which was pretty good too. I know it's only a small thing - but having to unwrap each test strip for the Neo gets a bit painful after a while...

Eurovisionmad · 07-04-2015 1:04pm

Hey has anyone got experience if getting travel insurance for an extended period (just under 90 days) VHI Multitrip won't provide extended insurance to me as Aviva Health Insurance won't cover me abroad for more than 31 days (not due to diabetes, just their policy!)

bd2012 · 23-04-2015 12:22pm

Hi folks. Have a quick question for ye

My history- diagnosed with t2 about a year ago. Been on janumet twice daily since and have made serious changes to my lifestyle. With the result that my hba1c has over halved in that year (110 at diagnosis eek! To 52 my most recent one. Yay:) )

However last week I started on a statin to control cholesterol and my sugars are significantly up (I test twice daily). I have been eating normally (low carb/no sugar) and exercising the bejaysus out of it all week but the levels are still high. I'm 9ish in the mornings (normally low 7s) and even higher in the evening 2 hours after my main meal. I actually got it to 9 yesterday by doing a 4.5 miler after dinner (veggie stir fry with a little brown rice) but normally I'd be in the 6s.

So just wondering if anyone here has experienced something similar with statins or will it all calm down a bit as the body gets used to them.

Sorry for the long post it's just a little frustrating when you're doing everything right and the sugars are staying high.

Thanks in advance.
B

Snake Plisken · 23-04-2015 3:40pm

bd2012 wrote: »

Hi folks. Have a quick question for ye

My history- diagnosed with t2 about a year ago. Been on janumet twice daily since and have made serious changes to my lifestyle. With the result that my hba1c has over halved in that year (110 at diagnosis eek! To 52 my most recent one. Yay:) )

However last week I started on a statin to control cholesterol and my sugars are significantly up (I test twice daily). I have been eating normally (low carb/no sugar) and exercising the bejaysus out of it all week but the levels are still high. I'm 9ish in the mornings (normally low 7s) and even higher in the evening 2 hours after my main meal. I actually got it to 9 yesterday by doing a 4.5 miler after dinner (veggie stir fry with a little brown rice) but normally I'd be in the 6s.

So just wondering if anyone here has experienced something similar with statins or will it all calm down a bit as the body gets used to them.

Sorry for the long post it's just a little frustrating when you're doing everything right and the sugars are staying high.

Thanks in advance.
B

That's interesting, might be just your body getting used to them but worthwhile contacting your diabetic clinic and ask the nurse to check with the specialist your under, just to be on the safe side.

bd2012 · 23-04-2015 4:31pm

Snake Plisken wrote: »

That's interesting, might be just your body getting used to them but worthwhile contacting your diabetic clinic and ask the nurse to check with the specialist your under, just to be on the safe side.

Thanks SP. I will be getting onto them alright. Was just curious if anyone else had experienced something similar.

CathyMoran · 23-04-2015 4:35pm

I have decided that I will try and get the pump again, I was going to wait untll they had the blood glucose montor but I feel thatr now is the time., i have been a type 1 over 30 years at this stage.

graflynn · 26-04-2015 5:14pm

bd2012 wrote: »

Hi folks. Have a quick question for ye

My history- diagnosed with t2 about a year ago. Been on janumet twice daily since and have made serious changes to my lifestyle. With the result that my hba1c has over halved in that year (110 at diagnosis eek! To 52 my most recent one. Yay:) )

However last week I started on a statin to control cholesterol and my sugars are significantly up (I test twice daily). I have been eating normally (low carb/no sugar) and exercising the bejaysus out of it all week but the levels are still high. I'm 9ish in the mornings (normally low 7s) and even higher in the evening 2 hours after my main meal. I actually got it to 9 yesterday by doing a 4.5 miler after dinner (veggie stir fry with a little brown rice) but normally I'd be in the 6s.

So just wondering if anyone here has experienced something similar with statins or will it all calm down a bit as the body gets used to them.

Sorry for the long post it's just a little frustrating when you're doing everything right and the sugars are staying high.

Thanks in advance.
B

Some research has revealed that statins do raise blood glucose levels. Here's the link to one report I found on it. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013

I suppose the trick is managing the elevated blood glucose level and coming up with a new plan for them.

bd2012 · 26-04-2015 6:32pm

graflynn wrote: »

Some research has revealed that statins do raise blood glucose levels. Here's the link to one report I found on it. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013

I suppose the trick is managing the elevated blood glucose level and coming up with a new plan for them.

Thanks gra.

Sometimes I think my body has a mind of its own. For example last week strict diet, loads of exercise. High bg! So on Thursday I had occasion to celebrate. Pigged out on a fancy dinner (high carb). No exercise. Tested my bg 2 hours later. Back to normal!
Anyhoo it seems to be coming back down bit by bit. So going to keep doing what I'm doing (eating healthy and exercising) and hopefully it will continue. I thought it was quite amusing though the one evening I threw caution to the wind it was actually normal. Go figure

gctest50 · 12-05-2015 12:27pm

Type 2 ? more cake and you might be around for a bit longer :

However, being overweight (BMI, 25 to 29.9 kg/m2) was associated with a lower mortality risk, whereas obese patients (BMI >30 kg/m2) had a mortality risk similar to that of normal-weight persons.
Patients with low body weight had the worst prognosis.

http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2288519

sunbabe08 · 20-05-2015 5:36pm

hi, has anyone flown with Aer Lingus before and ordered the Diabetic meal? is it worth my time or should i just stick with an ordinary meal?

The_Conductor · 20-05-2015 8:04pm

sunbabe08 wrote: »

hi, has anyone flown with Aer Lingus before and ordered the Diabetic meal? is it worth my time or should i just stick with an ordinary meal?

Personally I'd advise sticking with the ordinary meal. Most of the meals are either re-heated and/or kept at a hot temperature for a protracted period of time- which means the GI index can be very different from what you might be expecting for any given meal.

The main meal is normally something like Spag bol or something similar- you're going to get a reasonable quantity of cards (60-70grms) without touching the bread roll or desert (somehow I got a raspberry pannacotta on the last flight I was on- but I don't think it came as standard).

The big difference with the diabetic meal- is they don't give you jam with your bread roll, no sweet with your coffee, no desert- aka any high sugar components are excluded- but aside from that its pertty much the same as the standard meal.

If you'd like to treat yourself- and you're on a transatlantic flight- order one of the 'Bia' options. Its about 20 quid extra- but you get properly chef prepared steak, darne of salmon, chicken etc- a proper meal, but one you have to pay for separately....... it is worth it........

If you're type 2- you might like to explore other options......

Toto Wolfcastle · 20-05-2015 8:07pm

Not Aer Lingus, but my husband was given salmon in sweet chili sauce as the diabetic meal on a flight. Thankfully they'd lost it initially so he'd already eaten a regular meal by the time they found it.

sunbabe08 · 21-05-2015 7:04am

The_Conductor wrote: »

Personally I'd advise sticking with the ordinary meal. Most of the meals are either re-heated and/or kept at a hot temperature for a protracted period of time- which means the GI index can be very different from what you might be expecting for any given meal.

The main meal is normally something like Spag bol or something similar- you're going to get a reasonable quantity of cards (60-70grms) without touching the bread roll or desert (somehow I got a raspberry pannacotta on the last flight I was on- but I don't think it came as standard).

The big difference with the diabetic meal- is they don't give you jam with your bread roll, no sweet with your coffee, no desert- aka any high sugar components are excluded- but aside from that its pertty much the same as the standard meal.

If you'd like to treat yourself- and you're on a transatlantic flight- order one of the 'Bia' options. Its about 20 quid extra- but you get properly chef prepared steak, darne of salmon, chicken etc- a proper meal, but one you have to pay for separately....... it is worth it........

If you're type 2- you might like to explore other options......

Bobblehead Panda wrote: »

Not Aer Lingus, but my husband was given salmon in sweet chili sauce as the diabetic meal on a flight. Thankfully they'd lost it initially so he'd already eaten a regular meal by the time they found it.

thank you for your help

much appreciated

Dick Dastardly · 10-06-2015 11:50pm

So, I’m a still a newbie and only a couple of months into the world of pumping – but I thought it might be useful to share what I’ve learnt so far – on the basis there might be others out there who are thinking about it but not convinced yet. I just got my first HbA1C since I went on the pump, and came in at 6.4 in old money – so pretty good and exactly what inspired me to look for a pump day 1...

I had ok control before I went on the pump – good hypo awareness, rare highs, HBA1Cs around 7.5 but am quite a heavy insulin user – I wanted to reduce that and all the research I read said using a pump delivers that… my main driver though was to get continuous glucose monitoring so I could drive my control a bit better. I also reckoned I could go back to injections if it didn’t work out anyway....

What held me back was lack of consistency from the diabetic clinic – seemed every doctor had a different view as to the pumps worth – and none of them were hugely supportive. So I asked a nurse what she’s do if she had diabetes – she said pump, so I reckoned that was as good a recommendation as I could get.

Got the gear and had 2 sessions with the Medtronic rep and a bevvy of nurses / dieticians – who were really supportive and generous with their time & knowledge.
First to the set up – got a Minimed paradigm pump – using a 180ml reservoir and mio sets which I change every 2 days. Started out with the quick set infusion sets – but found quite regularly that I was getting lots of unexplainable persistant highs but never really sky high – so seemed like I was getting some insulin but not all. Nurse recommended moving to Mio’s and no such issues since I changed – simple to apply and I like the click in and click out when you dis/connect. Am using a Bayer next link meter – great bit of kit – quick, small enough and transmits my BG to the pump wirelessly to calibrate the glucose sensor – which is an Enlite – occasional issues when inserted (by accident!) into blood – when it doesn’t seem to calibrate as well. Sensor takes 288 readings a day, and graphs them out for me in real time on my pump – so I can always see what my BG is and where it’s going. It’s not always reliable though and you can't rely on it!
Things I’ve learned:

It’s all relatively easy to use – takes time to get into it and I’m still learning, but none of it is an issue. All pretty intuitive.

I need to stop myself becoming transfixed with the availability of information from the pump and sensor – this is the biggest development for me – I’ve gone from thinking about my diabetes say 5 or 6 times a day – whenever I took an injo or felt low, to having a permanent reminder stuck to me 24/7 – so there’s no escaping it. I find myself pulling out the pump to check my BG and to see if I’ve dosed correctly in the middle of a TV programme or in the middle of the night – I reckon this “always on” could wear me down after a while if I don’t manage it.

Biggest lesson is never change sets close to or just before bed – the impact of not having any background insulin overnight is incredible!! Went to bed at 4.6, woke up at 20….. Change before a meal and take a dose so you can confirm the change has worked.

Tegaderm film is fantastic for keeping the glucose sensor covered and attached. And relatively painless to remove. (And available on LTI - thanks to my nice pharmacist for arranging that!)

Filling an insulin reservoir is like a throw back to the early 80’s and a real retrograde step – reminds me of the old glass syringes – messy, time consuming and fiddly. Sort it out Medtronic!

So – ultimately – highly recommended.

CramCycle · 11-06-2015 11:01am

Dick Dastardly wrote: »

I need to stop myself becoming transfixed with the availability of information from the pump and sensor – this is the biggest development for me – I’ve gone from thinking about my diabetes say 5 or 6 times a day – whenever I took an injo or felt low, to having a permanent reminder stuck to me 24/7 – so there’s no escaping it. I find myself pulling out the pump to check my BG and to see if I’ve dosed correctly in the middle of a TV programme or in the middle of the night – I reckon this “always on” could wear me down after a while if I don’t manage it.

Not the same thing but I have been without my pump for three days now and to be honest,it's a bit of a relief. 3 days of my son not pulling it out, misjudging the length of the cable, not having to remember to do a bit of jiggerry pokery when I use the bathroom.

I have to say, I am enjoying the constant reminder of my condition, not constantly reminding me, getting caught on seat belts, getting caught on door handles, corners of tables. Everytime I sit down, realising it is not in a comfortable position, waking up lying on top of it so its really really hot, that causing expansion so I have to change the set only a day after it goes in or waiting till half way through the workday to find out that, yes, it isn't working properly, again.

I will go back to it but I am enjoying the break. I do want to get something like the Anna PS t shirts but I can't justify 67euro for a cotton t shirt, does anyone have a cheaper version on their radar?

graflynn · 12-06-2015 4:09pm

It is with great pleasure that we announce confirmation of another great speaker at the Thrive-abetes; Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes conference.

Dr. Clare McVicker is the Director of Research Advocacy, at the type 1 diabetes research charity, JDRF in the United Kingdom. JDRF is the world’s leading charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research and its vision is a world without type 1 diabetes.

What is Thrive-abetes?

Thrive-abetes is a one day conference for adults living with type 1 diabetes and parents of children with diabetes, taking place on Saturday, the 3rd October 2015 in The Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

"Thrive-abetes" is a first-of-it's-kind event in Ireland - a conference organised by people with type 1 diabetes for people with type 1 diabetes!

This Type 1 Diabetes conference is going to focus on the psychological impact of living with a chronic, lifelong illness. We aim to provide “Inspiration, Motivation and Information” to people living with type 1 diabetes, both parents of children with diabetes and adults at our conference.

The speakers are internationally renowned in the diabetes community and we have 12 exhibitors from the diabetes pharmaceutical industry.

Find out more here.

Buford T. Justice XIX · 18-06-2015 10:03pm

I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad but I've just been recommended to go on the pump by my consultant. I have to do a 4 hour course when there are enough of us to do the course and i can make up my mind after, probably next month.

I wish i had paid more attention when you pump-people were posting now:o

Any site that you would recommend on pumps etc would be appreciated.

[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

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