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[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

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  • Options
    #1622
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,445 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    cocker5 wrote: »
    He did contact the aminas rep, and I do think they are cheaper, but they won’t / cant supply to him until he gets the pump (hopefully early next year) etc.

    I can't understand why, presuming its a separate unit (and not a CGM attached to the pump), what are the chances you could BS and say you have the pump already? That's a huge chunk of dosh over a non issue, they all make commission, I am quite surprised they wouldn't work around the issue.

    Sorry to hear your getting screwed over on it.

    As a matter of interest on the sensor in the arm, is there any increase in discomfort or is it virtually unnoticeable?


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    #1623
    graflynn
    Registered Users Posts: 499 ✭✭graflynn


    cocker5 wrote: »
    If you are getting the Dexcom you won’t be disappointed, my husband finds it excellent, it’s a massive help , especially of you are very active and on the go.
    While sometimes the reading can be a little out i.e. if your rising very quickly etc., it may be out by 10&% or 15% (max), it’s still very reliable.

    Just giving you the heads up on the placement of the sensors…
    For the first 4 months he would position the sensors around his stomach area which was grand, but he decided to try another area, so he tried the back of his upper arm and he found the readings very very accurate – just something to think about.

    Plus when he puts the sensors on his tummy area it usually last 10 – 12 days per sensor… but on his arm it lasted 20 days with very accurate reading up until the end J

    Also the transmitter doesn’t need to be covered over etc. as long as you “click” it into place correctly (it’s very easy) its waterproof. My husband goes swimming etc. and no bother at all. Plus covering it with tape could affect its transmitting if that makes sense J

    after 5 days of wearing the sensor we do place a clear skin plaster (I can get you name and size if you need it they are 60 cents each in a chemist), we could a hole so the transmitter isn’t covered and its great keeps it on for the rest of the life of the sensors etc., it’s a very fine clear plaster so it’s not obtrusive etch


    Best of luck with it, if you go ahead let me know what you think J

    Thank you so much for all that info. I'm happy to hear that I could, possibly get 20 days out of a sensor. And yes, its the Dexcom G4® PLATINUM CGM system but I don't need to buy the receiver as the Animas Vibe insulin pump is also a receiver. The telephone number for Animas is IRE 1800 812 715 if you want to give them a call about buying your sensors from them.

    One more question for you; the rep mentioned that the transmitter would only last 6 months, have you had to replace yours yet?

    Thanks again for all your information; it's been great, Grainne


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    #1624
    Meauldsegosha
    Registered Users Posts: 7,595 ✭✭✭Meauldsegosha


    Hi is anyone using the new Optium Neo? I got one in April from the diabetic clinic and it was working fine until a few weeks ago. I have found lately that the test strip area has become very sensitive. If I move the test strip even slightly when putting to my finger to it, it won't work. Sometimes I have to use 4 or 5 strips before I get a reading.

    Anyone else having issues?


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    #1625
    Yakuza
    Registered Users Posts: 5,141 ✭✭✭Yakuza


    Anecdotal evidence (many posts on Diabetes FB groups) would suggest the Neo isn't as good as its predecessor; wildly varying results when compared to other devices. I sent off for one as a box of strips had an extra wrapper inviting us to get it, but I've held off on using it so far, based on what I've read.


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    #1626
    gctest50
    Registered Users Posts: 9,605 ✭✭✭gctest50


    Meauldsegosha wrote: »
    Hi is anyone using the new Optium Neo? I got one in April from the diabetic clinic and it was working fine until a few weeks ago. I have found lately that the test strip area has become very sensitive. If I move the test strip even slightly when putting to my finger to it, it won't work. Sometimes I have to use 4 or 5 strips before I get a reading.

    Anyone else having issues?

    Just post it back to them with a little note - might help them solve the issue of it being less than useless


    GLUCOSE METER TESTS :

    http://www.skup.nu


    .


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    #1627
    Eurovisionmad
    Registered Users Posts: 1,160 ✭✭✭Eurovisionmad


    CramCycle wrote: »
    What pump will lI get based on the following order? Answers on a postcard.

    3ml Reservoir mmt 332a
    MIO infusion set 60 cm MMT 943
    NOVOrapid 10 ml vials


    All I can figure out is that it is Medtronic

    It seems to be a Medtronic (Minimed) Paradigm insulin pump, the larger 3ml size one rather than 1.5ml.


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    #1628
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,445 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Eurovisionmad wrote: »
    It seems to be a Medtronic (Minimed) Paradigm insulin pump, the larger 3ml size one rather than 1.5ml.
    Cheers, five more days till I confirm it, anything to be wary about on my first day with the pump?


  • Options
    #1629
    Rucking_Fetard
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,260 ✭✭✭Rucking_Fetard


    gctest50 wrote: »
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK9F221JF48
    BlackEdelweiss wrote: »
    http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/17/google-health-smart-contact-lenses-diabetes/?ncid=rss_truncated

    Google and Novartis join forces to produce smart contact lenses
    On Monday, Novartis announced an agreement with Google to license and commercialize contact lenses that measure the patients' glucose level, which were first unveiled by Google X team back in January. The lenses consist of a tiny sensor and antenna, measuring the glucose level through tears.


    Google described the electronics used as "so small they look like bits of glitter" and stated the antenna is thinner than a human hair. The electronics used are placed between two soft layers of the contact lens and can transmit data wirelessly to other devices. The prototype can assess glucose levels every second.


    Novartis Chief Executive Joe Jimenez stated this technology can also be used to improve eye health and this kind of advancement is a step towards going beyond traditional treatment techniques. Novartis is now hoping to produce the first prototypes for research and development purposes by early 2015. The financial details of the deal are not yet known, but Jimenez believes the smart contact lens technology will generate considerable new revenues for Novartis.

    Not often the stuff you'll read about actually arrives.

    Usually "in 10 years" stuck in there somewhere. This *should* be along *soon*.


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    #1630
    Eurovisionmad
    Registered Users Posts: 1,160 ✭✭✭Eurovisionmad


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Cheers, five more days till I confirm it, anything to be wary about on my first day with the pump?

    Can't think of anything massive, it won't be perfect of course to start so lots of testing, and be careful around door handles ;)
    Rucking_Fetard wrote: »
    Google and Novartis join forces to produce smart contact lenses



    Not often the stuff you'll read about actually arrives.

    Usually "in 10 years" stuck in there somewhere. This *should* be along *soon*.

    In fairness with Google behind stuff it almost always enacted upon, I suppose a few billion in the back pocket helps ;)


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    #1631
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,445 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    For the type 2s: http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/one-injection-reverses-diabetes-symptoms-without-side-effects

    Getting my pump today so haven't fully read through it yet


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    #1632
    gctest50
    Registered Users Posts: 9,605 ✭✭✭gctest50


    CramCycle wrote: »
    .......
    Getting my pump today so haven't fully read through it yet

    Sweet !
    CramCycle wrote: »
    Cheers, five more days till I confirm it, anything to be wary about on my first day with the pump?


    You won't have any basal/background insulin any more so if it gets disconnected/stops etc the little ketones will appear quickly

    Bring along your ordinary day-to-day diabetes stuff as normal ( cos of ^^^^ )

    Make sure its primed right to the end and all the air is gone before you stick it in ya

    If you see blood in the little tube near the needle after sticking in you - congrats you've probably found a blood vessel - try again

    You'll probably need less of an insulin bolus for the same amount of food - beware of hypos till you suss it


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    #1633
    graflynn
    Registered Users Posts: 499 ✭✭graflynn


    I know I shouldn't discard any progress being made on the Bionic/Artificial Pancreas but this would definitely get me way more excited.

    Innovative Encapsulated Cell Replacement Therapy Product for Type 1 Diabetes


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    #1634
    graflynn
    Registered Users Posts: 499 ✭✭graflynn


    This lady, IMO, will be one to watch in diabetes advocacy in the future. She has appeared on almost every blog I read and lots of National news programmes & papers in the US since she won the Miss Idaho title last weekend.

    http://missidahoorg.blogspot.ie/2014/07/wow-wow-wow-where-do-i-even-start-i.html


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    #1635
    Eurovisionmad
    Registered Users Posts: 1,160 ✭✭✭Eurovisionmad


    So CramCycle, how's life as a robot? ;)


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    #1636
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,445 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Eurovisionmad wrote: »
    So CramCycle, how's life as a robot? ;)

    Odd, really can't feel it but my son noticed it today and has started to try and remove it. I get anxious about the time my lantus is due and I am working on the bolus, bloods are running high in the afternoon but steady at all other times. The bolus wizard is great for my simple mind although I have edited the dosages consistently based on how I normally react to certain foods.

    Went racing tonight with no issues, like the wireless meter that loads my blood sugars to the pump so I can't err there either. Makes pattern tracking far easier.

    Definitely a thumbs up from me despite my anxiousness on occasion.


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    #1637
    CathyMoran
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 7,458 Mod ✭✭✭✭CathyMoran


    Latest Hba1c was 32 or 5.1 in old units - pity that I have brittle type 1 due to having a total oesophagectomy a few years ago and I do work hard to look after it but happy with this - I want to be around to see my young children grow up.


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    #1638
    Alanstrainor
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 23,157 Mod ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    CathyMoran wrote: »
    Latest Hba1c was 32 or 5.1 in old units - pity that I have brittle type 1 due to having a total oesophagectomy a few years ago and I do work hard to look after it but happy with this - I want to be around to see my young children grow up.

    And here I am delighted at my hba1c being 7.1! That's ridiculously good! Congrats!


  • Options
    #1639
    gerrybbadd
    Registered Users Posts: 10,301 ✭✭✭✭gerrybbadd


    Hey guys.

    I've finally got an appointment in Sligo General after having my care transferred from Vincent's over 12 months ago. Sligo are requesting that I have bloods done prior to going in.

    Does anyone know if there is a drop in clinic to have bloods done in Sligo General by any chance? Vincent's used to have a system where they would give you the required baggie things for the different blood tests to bring with you. Then just take a ticket and queue for your test!

    Also, If i go to a GP to have the blood tests done, should these tests be free, or will I be looking at the €50 standard GP Fees?

    Thanks guys!


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    #1640
    Eurovisionmad
    Registered Users Posts: 1,160 ✭✭✭Eurovisionmad


    gerrybbadd wrote: »
    Hey guys.

    I've finally got an appointment in Sligo General after having my care transferred from Vincent's over 12 months ago. Sligo are requesting that I have bloods done prior to going in.

    Does anyone know if there is a drop in clinic to have bloods done in Sligo General by any chance? Vincent's used to have a system where they would give you the required baggie things for the different blood tests to bring with you. Then just take a ticket and queue for your test!

    Also, If i go to a GP to have the blood tests done, should these tests be free, or will I be looking at the €50 standard GP Fees?

    Thanks guys!


    I go to my GP, I've never been offered the opportunity to do it in the hospital. In my GP's practice, whoever's free be it the nurse or the doctor takes the blood and they charge €30 rather than the full €50.


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    #1641
    graflynn
    Registered Users Posts: 499 ✭✭graflynn


    gerrybbadd wrote: »
    Hey guys.

    I've finally got an appointment in Sligo General after having my care transferred from Vincent's over 12 months ago. Sligo are requesting that I have bloods done prior to going in.

    Does anyone know if there is a drop in clinic to have bloods done in Sligo General by any chance? Vincent's used to have a system where they would give you the required baggie things for the different blood tests to bring with you. Then just take a ticket and queue for your test!

    Also, If i go to a GP to have the blood tests done, should these tests be free, or will I be looking at the €50 standard GP Fees?

    Thanks guys!

    Sligo General may have a phlebotomy (a place where all they do is take bloods) clinic where it can done for free. The diabetic clinic would be able to tell you if the hospital has such a thing.


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    #1642
    gerrybbadd
    Registered Users Posts: 10,301 ✭✭✭✭gerrybbadd


    graflynn wrote: »
    Sligo General may have a phlebotomy (a place where all they do is take bloods) clinic where it can done for free. The diabetic clinic would be able to tell you if the hospital has such a thing.

    Thanks graflynn - I couldn't think of the name of the place (phlebotomy). Must research that now!


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    #1643
    Preset No.3
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,385 ✭✭✭Preset No.3


    Can I assume that the option for the pump is not available on the LTI?


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    #1644
    Meauldsegosha
    Registered Users Posts: 7,595 ✭✭✭Meauldsegosha


    Preset No.3 wrote: »
    Can I assume that the option for the pump is not available on the LTI?

    As far as I know the pump (and/or ancillary equipment) is available on the LTI. But you have to be approved for it by your diabetic consultant to get it on the LTI. The waiting list is long and you have to be in good control of your diabetes.


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    #1645
    graflynn
    Registered Users Posts: 499 ✭✭graflynn


    Preset No.3 wrote: »
    Can I assume that the option for the pump is not available on the LTI?

    The first thing you can do if you want to get an Insulin Pump is find out if your Diabetes Clinic runs a pump therapy programme. A Diabetes Clinic has to have specialist staff to treat patients on insulin pumps and not all clinics have this. If your clinic doesn't have an insulin pump therapy clinic for adults (I assume you want one for yourself and not a child?) then they can't offer you a pump.

    If your clinic does have an insulin pump therapy programme then the next step is to convince them how you would benefit from being on a pump. They have to assess your compatibility for it. The best way to convince them is to search online and use all the pump companies sales pitches. Also, use what other people have said about how much they love their pumps.

    Once your clinic applies for the pump for you the funding comes through fairly quickly and the wait comes from the clinic having all the necessary resources available at the same time to provide your pump training.

    My advice to anyone looking for a pump is to do a lot of homework about why you want one and then find a clinic that has an Insulin Pump therapy programme relevant to you. I live in the West so I know that UHG have an adult pump clinic but beyond Munster I couldn't tell you. A lot of the Dublin hospitals offer pumps too but I couldn't be sure which ones.

    Hope this helps.

    P.S. HSE funding for pumps has loosened up considerable in the last 2-3 years and they are much easier to get.


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    #1646
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,445 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    graflynn wrote: »
    My advice to anyone looking for a pump is to do a lot of homework about why you want one

    +1 on this, it is not as simple as I had thought it would be even after all my homework had been done. 30 years of injections is a hard habit to break and my control has worsened in the first three weeks. My biggest issue so far is something hitting against the cannula and myself not noticing until my bloods start spiking. My son in particular loves to kick me exactly where the cannula is inserted. The third night in a row it stopped working I was nearly throwing it in the bin. I took it out for half a day and went back to injections. Finally seem to be hitting my stride this week but the second week where i was already exhausted from our son deciding sleeping was not his thing, and getting ketones for the first time I remember, having it kicked, caught in seat belts, getting hooked on a bag of turf etc.

    As a matter of interest, does anyone insert it anywhere other than there abdomen? could you put it on your arm or leg with an ipod style holder for the pump itself?


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    #1647
    gerrybbadd
    Registered Users Posts: 10,301 ✭✭✭✭gerrybbadd


    CramCycle wrote: »
    +1 on this, it is not as simple as I had thought it would be even after all my homework had been done. 30 years of injections is a hard habit to break and my control has worsened in the first three weeks. My biggest issue so far is something hitting against the cannula and myself not noticing until my bloods start spiking. My son in particular loves to kick me exactly where the cannula is inserted. The third night in a row it stopped working I was nearly throwing it in the bin. I took it out for half a day and went back to injections. Finally seem to be hitting my stride this week but the second week where i was already exhausted from our son deciding sleeping was not his thing, and getting ketones for the first time I remember, having it kicked, caught in seat belts, getting hooked on a bag of turf etc.

    As a matter of interest, does anyone insert it anywhere other than there abdomen? could you put it on your arm or leg with an ipod style holder for the pump itself?

    Wondered this myself - I'm not a pump user. Would it be possible to insert into the buttocks? (not meaning to be funny here, genuine question!):o


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    #1648
    cocker5
    Registered Users Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    CramCycle wrote: »
    +1 on this, it is not as simple as I had thought it would be even after all my homework had been done. 30 years of injections is a hard habit to break and my control has worsened in the first three weeks. My biggest issue so far is something hitting against the cannula and myself not noticing until my bloods start spiking. My son in particular loves to kick me exactly where the cannula is inserted. The third night in a row it stopped working I was nearly throwing it in the bin. I took it out for half a day and went back to injections. Finally seem to be hitting my stride this week but the second week where i was already exhausted from our son deciding sleeping was not his thing, and getting ketones for the first time I remember, having it kicked, caught in seat belts, getting hooked on a bag of turf etc.

    As a matter of interest, does anyone insert it anywhere other than there abdomen? could you put it on your arm or leg with an ipod style holder for the pump itself?

    Not sure if this helps but my other half uses a CGM and he has the sensors etc, while the Dexcom recommends you only place it on your belly area, he prefers the back of his arm works perfectly, readings are generally bang on. Now i know its wireless etc but the sensor is till like the pod for the pump only it sticks out a lttle more etc.

    Have you tried place a protective skin over it? like a breathable, clear, patch this will ehlp keep it in place and reduce movement etc.

    but you could try in the back of your upper arm with like an iphone holder etc, seems like it could be a good idea?


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    #1649
    cocker5
    Registered Users Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    gerrybbadd wrote: »
    Wondered this myself - I'm not a pump user. Would it be possible to insert into the buttocks? (not meaning to be funny here, genuine question!):o

    its inserted for 3/4 days a tme, with a small tube attached, how would you sit down, put your trousers on etc? plus with your buttcoks and walking there would be too much movement.... so the pod wouldnt stay in place :)


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    #1650
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 24,445 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    cocker5 wrote: »
    but you could try in the back of your upper arm with like an iphone holder etc, seems like it could be a good idea?

    Most of the time it holds in place, just wondering would it be possible to do somewhere else, might try the back of my arm and the pump in an ipod style case next. Probably have to have the cable coming down my arm though and the pump on my wrist for boluses though. Will think it over. Probably end up looking like a 60s/70s BBC sci fi adventurer as I punch in things to my giant oversized wrist band.


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    #1651
    Dick Dastardly
    Registered Users Posts: 67 ✭✭Dick Dastardly


    Cramcycle,

    I've been approved for one and am waiting (a long time) to get hooked up so doing bits of research - have seen plenty of youtube videos of different pump users inserting them into arms, thighs etc - presumably all locations have different absorption rates and I'm guessing each manufacturer will have a recommended location - same way they recommend stomach for mdi's?
    BTW - I used to inject into my calf muscle - don't know why I got to injecting there - but when I moved to my stomach as a result of dafne my daily ratio dropped by 66% - some of which was counting discipline, but I'm convinced some was muscle versus fat. Hope it works out. Stick with it!


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