[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120200727#Comment_120200727

There are prescribing guidelines for test strips for non-insulin dependent diabetics that limit the number of test strips you can have via the LTI scheme.

If you aren't on insulin, but are on Metformin, Glp1 and other similar meds? The limit is 50 strips per month. More info on the prescription limits for test strips in the link at the end.

You also have the added complications of intestinal issues. That could well have an effect on your glucose absorption and how you approach your control.

It's important for you to have a meter to get a grip on what foods spike your BG and how best to control it.

I don't see why your GP wouldn't at least prescribe the meter. A lot of focus is placed on the Hba1c as the best baseline for monitoring control. It is a very important number, but if you can get a patient engaged in monitoring their own number and motivated in their control? It will lead to better outcomes long term.

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/clinical-strategy-and-programmes/type-2-diabetes-test-strips-questions-and-answers-for-patients.pdf

Tony H

Thanks Banie

I think I’ll just but the meter and strips if she refuses , at least for the first few months I’ll have a better idea of what’s good and bad ,

my other problem is getting enough exercise , bad arthritis on hips and ankles , so it looks like I’ll have to back into the sea early this year 🥶

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120201322#Comment_120201322

If you have any problem getting a meter? Drop me a PM and I'll send you on one of my spares and a fresh tub of strips. I have a one touch verio flex that you can have if stuck.

Tony H

Thanks

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120201420#Comment_120201420

thanks for the offer banie , went down to my local pharmacy and she gave me a freestyle optimum neo for nothing ,

GlucoNavii seem to have the cheapest strips but don’t ship to Ireland ,

any recommendations for a decent monitor with more economical strips ?

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120202508#Comment_120202508

Don't buy strips, if you have the monitor get the script for those strips from your GP. I mean even "cheap" strips are €30 or so per 50.

Have you applied for an LTI card yet? You shouldn't be paying for your diabetes meds or devices at all. If you haven't already applied? Get it done.

I've never heard of that particular monitor so others might chime in on that.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120198607#Comment_120198607

My GP has amended my LTI script to include the G7 as an alternative to the G6 "if available".

My pharmacist has said that he will go with the G7 as my default from now on. Fingers crossed it will all play nicely as a simple substitution and HSE will continue to reimburse.

Price of G7 is €75 per unit, price of G6 sensors (which I'm already getting on LTI) €225 per 3. Plus the additional €215 every 90 days for a transmitter.

The cost to the HSE stays the same and I save nearly €1k a year in transmitter cost. I will let the thread know how it goes.

Galbin

None of my local pharmacies are able to supply me with Ozempic due to national shortage. They told me to ask my GP for another GLP-1 med. Are others having this issue? If so, what did your doctor substitute?

Leinstertomas

Hi everyone,

I'm T1 and recently moved to Ireland. I have got on the LTI scheme so have accessed my insulin, needles etc with no hassle, but I've not managed yet to be taken on by a diabetes specialist team and therefore haven't been able to get a CGM system on my prescription.

I rang the hospital and they informed me that I would need a GP referral for this. This annoyed me as when I saw the GP to have him fill in my LTI application he never brought this up (I should have asked about hospital appointments but I was overwhelmed at the time and just desperate to get the application sent), and seemed to have zero knowledge of diabetes or the scheme.

When looking through my UK prescription to write down all my diabetes meds, he had no clue what was and wasn't for diabetes (I had eczema and asthma medications on as well). He asked me what he needed to do and had to flip to the front of the form to remind himself of the name when writing it down. His English was poor so communication was really difficult. I would have thought a GP would be well accustomed to both the illness and scheme which must be pretty common amongst patients.

So basically I'm kind of resenting going back and spending 60 euro for him just to email the hospital for me. I know I should have asked but he knew I had just arrived in the country and I think a good GP would think to ask this.

I've seen mentioned in places about having appointments with doctors online for 25 euro? Does anyone have any experience of these or know if they could refer me? I wouldn't be so hesitant to go back only he seemed so unprofessional.

Thank you

ohnonotgmail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120217086#Comment_120217086

No issue with getting ozempic from my pharmacy. I see there was a reported shortage of the 0.25mg and 0.5mg versions. I am on the 1mg so perhaps that is why i'm not affected

https://www.hpra.ie/docs/default-source/Shortages-Docs/ozempic-shortage_jan-2023_dear-hcp_21dec2022.pdf?sfvrsn=2#:~:text=The%20shortage%20is%20expected%20to,www.hpra.ie).

Dempo1

Had my 2nd Nurse appointment at my GP surgery yesterday. Bloods done, feet checked. Loss of feeling in left foot but I've an ongoing separate issue which might be the cause. Next Endo appointment in May, so full bloods being done in advance , I've also got Graves disease (Thyroid) so added complications. Medications seem to be making a difference.

Big relief getting on the LTI scheme. Seeing a chiropodist soon also. Very fortunate to have such a great GP practice 😏

CramCycle

G6 user question. On a G6 and I got a 30 day warning this week. They have sent me out a new one in the post already. Do you keep using yours until you are under 10 days? Does the new one only start the countdown after my first time using it?

Galbin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120218858#Comment_120218858

Are you in Leinster? Wondering if I might have luck ringing a pharmacy down or up the country.

ohnonotgmail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220329#Comment_120220329

In dublin. are you on 1mg as well?

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120220272#Comment_120220272

If you have less than 10days left on the transmitter it won't allow you to start a new sensor AFAICR. So I tend to run mine until the transmitter expires.

The new one only starts counting down once activated. My usual strategy was to let the active sensor get to it's last day and then swap over to the new sensor and transmitter.

If memory serves you are using yours with a pump? If you are looping I don't know anything at all about that other than there will be 2hrs with no CGM data while the new sensor and transmitter starts up but that's a situation you've already had with normal sensor changes.

I've always found r/Dexcom on Reddit to be a mine of info.

In a related aside, I've got some spare G6 sensors if you need any spares.

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120221328#Comment_120221328

Excellent, that pretty much answers my query. I've also started using xdrip on my mobile. Not on a loop but not far from it. You are right about the 2 hour gap but that's fine, and also why it's not looping as you do need to stay on top of your basal and not just let it auto adjust. Also no need for spares but I appreciate the offer.

banie01

I'm a happy diabetic today 😁

Will get this setup via xdrip later today. I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs. I thing I'll already for anyone coming from a G6? The new applicator is a ⅓ of the size of old one. Similar to a libre sized one.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120223890#Comment_120223890

For anyone who is going to use the Dexcom G7 with Xdrip+. Some pointers that I hope will help.

1st off, I don't think that Xdrip+ is yet capable of starting the sensor. Not to worry though as there is a work around. You do need to run the native Dexcom app . Which is restricted to only the phones approved by Dexcom.

Again not too much of a worry. I am running the Dexcom app on a Xiaomi and it is working fine.

To use Dexcom app on a non Dexcom approved device, you should use the "Build your own Dexcom App" tool that is created and maintained by u/shabado8 over on Reddit's r/dexcom

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScD76G0Y-BlL4tZljaFkjlwuqhT83QlFM5v6ZEfO7gCU98iJQ/viewform

This is a Google doc that once completed, will email you a link to a modified .apk, install that will bypass the Dexcom compatible devices check. Connect your sensor/transmitter and that's step 1 complete.

Now to be clear, the Dexcom app will do pretty much everything you "need" it to do but, Xdrip integration does offer more particularly in regards to tidepool integration, BG and insulin prediction and other tools.

Now to get your Dexcom G7 data available in Xdrip? Open Xdrip settings, open hardware data source, and switch to "companion app". That's it done, your Dexcom data now populates in your Xdrip+ app.

So far, the only thing that's jumped out at me is that Xdrip+ doesn't pull your insulin data from Dexcom, it's just your BG data. So if you are tracking insulin use and need via Xdrip+? You will need to enter the data directly in the app.

I have been using Xdrip for over a year now and I really do like the info and tweakability of it. That said I am a bit of a numbers and modding nerd. It's not for everyone.

banie01

My darling wife gifted me a 360g Toblerone last night😁. My being a savage with limited self control meant I demolished it inside an hour 😟

Anyway, here's a look at how my wonky pancreas and 45units of Lantus fought back 🤷‍♀️ I started eating around the same time I took my basal.

Self inflicted and stupid... I think next time she buys my chocolate it'll be by the square🤣

robinph

Self inflicted and stupid, but don't deny yourself indulgence because of a faulty pancreas.

kippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120227889#Comment_120227889

Hi Banie01,

I've been using test strips since I was diagnosed T1 a few years ago. I'd tried a couple of free style libre sensors when trying to pin down some night time readings at my own cost.

A few weeks ago another T1 advised me that it was a bit easier now to get the G7 on the LTI - so I made enquiries. The nurse advised me I would need a specifc compatible phone (which I dont have - I have a decent phone but not on the list provided by Dexcom) or I would need to seek funding to get the additional reader that comes with the G7.

Not really in the mood to splash out 350 odd minimum for a compatible phone or wait around for funding.

If I can back and advise I have a compatabil phone will the apps you mention work with the existing phone and sensor? (I am techie so no issues with messing around with apps etc)

Also, on the question of how the sensor communicates with the phone, is it over NFC or some other technology - don't think the phone I have is NFC which might force me into a new one anyway.

Thanks for any advice.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120278801#Comment_120278801

You don't need a compatible phone. Yes the official Dexcom app only works on a limited range of phones but, thanks to a very dedicated developer over on Reddit. We have a tool called BYODA (Build your own Dexcom app) that builds a compatible version of the Dexcom app for you.

https://www.reddit.com/r/dexcom/comments/y4vixk/oc_build_your_own_dexcom_app_update_now_with_g7/

If/when Dexcom support ever ask what phone you are using ? Tell them one from the approved list😉

On connecting G7 to your phone. No need for NFC, the connection is via Bluetooth. 1 piece of advice I'd offer here is, delete each old sensor from your Bluetooth devices list before you pair the new one. Or you will end up with a lot of Dexcom connections within a few months.

All you really need is the BYODA Dexcom app mentioned above. The other apps I have mentioned in my earlier post are great. They can even predict your basal dose for you but they aren't needed unless you want to get into the numbers of managing your carb load, insulin need and lots of other data points.

Any more questions that you think I can help with, fire away.

kippy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120278900#Comment_120278900

Much appreciated - thanks and best wishes.

uli84

Hi All, I have a question- what are private consultants charging, does anybody know? Thinking of changing from public to private, however, slightly worried..- in case i can’t afford private at some stage would I be able to go back to the public hospital (?)

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120281108#Comment_120281108

The last time I saw my Endo privately was in 2016 and that cost me €220. I saw an endo privately for 6 or so years up til then and tbh, it was a waste of money. No change in treatment or anything I didn't or couldn't get on the public system.

Even on the public system, I'd advise cultivating a good relationship with the DNS's at the clinic you're attending. Even without getting to know them, they are always very helpful(my clinic is Limerick) Any time I've had an issue? A phone call to the DNS,a chat through the issue and if needed an appointment for clinic within a week or 2.

I won't say that a private Endo is a waste of money. I will say that you will be paying for blood tests, dietician and every other thing you can be charged for. All without really gaining nothing other than not seeing a registrar at clinic.

xeresod

Paid €150 the first time I saw him about 6-7 years ago and €100 each time since

banie01

On the Dexcom G7, I am finding that it is far more sensitive to location/placement than the G6.

I usually wear my sensor on the back of my upper arm. I've so far had 1 die after 3 days (replaced straight away by Dexcom CS) and another is currently not updating. It's displaying a signal loss error.

When I was talking to Dexcom, the agent did mention that they are seeing higher sensor failure rates from patients using sensor on upper arms or areas with thinner fat layer. May well be that abdomen is the best place for the sensor if one has muscular arms.

Donutz

Have my first clinic since before covid in Limerick today. I am going to enquire about getting a dexcom and perhaps maybe an insulin pump.

I had been self funding freestyle libres and managed to get my hba1c down to 49, but now without them it's back up to 60.

Is there anything I can say to the endo to help my case along the way?

Snake Plisken

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120290324#Comment_120290324

Yeah same for me with over patch I've had 2 G7's peel off, didn't knock against door frame or anything. So i have switched to my stomach and not had any issues. Readings are accurate and not had any problem with them peeling off even when in bed.

I did have a G7 fail on my stomach a few weeks back had a shower and kept getting messages about temporary issue please wait, it would come back for short periods but eventually failed.

Checking some forums it is quite common after 6-7 days. Spoke to Dexcom and they replaced. But for any failed G7's they asked me to keep track of the lot number and one of the serials on the applicator. And actually they are asking me to hold onto the box applicator and failed sensor next time I have an issue they will send out a label for DHL to collect as they want to analyze the failure be it the G7 or the applicator. So recommend keeping the applicator and box in a drawer in case you have an issue.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120301196#Comment_120301196

I've read the same, mainly over on r/Dexcom. 2nd replacement sensor this week arrived today. This time a return box and label arrived for the faulty one too.

I've started just taking a photo of the lot no & serial when I fit a new sensor.

What I do find handy is, if you log the faulty sensor from within the app via the contact us section. You can choose if you want a call back from Dexcom. My latest replacement arrived with no further contact from Dexcom.

Snake Plisken

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120301253#Comment_120301253

Last conversation I had with them they wanted the applicator as well as I was just taking photos of the box llot.numbers and the applicator numbers (take them anyways Incase I have to reinstall the app)

I suppose it depends on who you speak with on their helpdesk.