[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123436248#Comment_123436248

An update from a very surprised diabetic here. I'm 20 years diagnosed, originally as a type 2, then in 2022 my diagnosis was switched to T1.

I'd posted in January regarding how much I was struggling with staring on top of my BG, my Hba1c was okayish, at 55 but my time in range was awful and getting worse. My basal insulin had grown to 50iu and it was climbing. Spoke with my GP and Endo and the plan was to switch to Ozempic Nd see how I got on.

I started in Feb and my basal needs kept dropping. By early June I managed to completely drop my basal. From 50iu and rising in January to 0 in June. My time in range is also absolutely brilliant, up from 65% in the 90 days before Feb 12th, to now 94% and a drop in GMI from 7.3% to 6.4% and by the time I have my Hba1c actually checked next week? I reckon I'll be at 6% or maybe lower.

I don't understand how I've gone from T2, to T1 to whatever the fúck type of diabetes I am currently. I'll take the win though and I'll keep on fighting to stay on top of it.

jeffk

Starting to do my sugar levels more and wondering is OneTouch Verio Reflect the go to machine or more the only machine that is given out an inturn can only get lancetts and strips for?

Not having issues, just always interested in the next thing

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123691288#Comment_123691288

I have a verio as my finger prick and calibration machine. Over the course of my time I've used Accuchek, Contour next and Freestyle as well.

I use a CGM now but still finger prick a couple of times a week to calibrate my sensor. They are all pretty much on par now IMO. Things I think are a must have, like Bluetooth are available on all the main players now. The one thing I prefer re: Accuchek is their cassette system, no need to fiddle with test strips! Just prick and test.

jeffk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123701061#Comment_123701061

Yeah I remember the mother had that machine with flap door thing and then you put the blood on the cassette

Looking and says discontinued as far as I can see

Wonder do I ask the doctor or chemist or just keep going as I am

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123701526#Comment_123701526

Generally either will sort you out. If you attend your GP/Nurse for Chronic disease management appointments? Ask there but, I've previously gotten a monitor in my chemist when I was stuck, free of charge.

The usual place to pick them up was at your local hospital's diabetes clinic. They'd often have the manufacturer reps there giving away the latest versions.

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123663926#Comment_123663926

Got my Hba1c results back today. I came in at 39/5.7% I'm absolutely delighted with it! My CGM predicted 48/6.5% but I was expecting a 42.

In January, I was 55/7.2% with a 50iu basal and it was only going up.

Started Ozempic in early Feb, my insulin resistance started dropping immediately as did my basal dose. Since the 12th June, it's been zero. My Hba1c is the best it's been since 2019.

Being T1.5 and antibody +, I know this won't last forever, that my pancreas will eventually pack in entirely but, days like today? Little wins where you I can see the immediate benefit, really do make the grind of keeping on top of diabetes worthwhile.

My retinopathy is stable, my tight control is paying off and I'm insulin free again, for a little while at least 😉👍

jeffk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123701673#Comment_123701673

I've to see the doctor Monday so I'll ask her and then if not I'll go up to the chemist to see

Have to be careful changing and then if issues getting the needles etc

I seen a contour free online but have to be sure the chemist stock stuff for it

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123701758#Comment_123701758

You'll have no issue getting lancets or test strips for any of the main manufacturers meters. Usually when you change the meter, you just let your chemist know what you're using and they'll arrange to get the consumables in for you. New meters used to come with a little form to drop off to your GP to let them know to update your script too.

My advice would be cast your net wide, get a few in via the websites, your GP and your pharmacist, see which you like best and then get your prescription updated for the lancets and strips.

jeffk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123704319#Comment_123704319

Thanks for the help, ill see what happens Monday (in doc and chemist) and report back

Romero

Hi got a T2 pump during the summer and heading off to Spain next weekend flying via Ryanair which has me a bit paranoid with their new strict rules for hand lugguage, I've priority boarding so will have a back pack with my diabetic supplies in it.I know the G7 & Pump cannot go through the X ray machines in security but just wondering anyone have issues over the last few months travelling with pump and supplies via ryanair?

For reference I'll be bringing 4 veals of Insulin, a backup Novorapid and Toujeo pens and needles (in case pump fails) meter and test strips. box of 10 TSlim cartridges & 10 Tslim diffusion sets. 3 Dexcom G7's

jeffk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123704415#Comment_123704415

Forgot to update this

Went doctor to be told no

Went chemist to be told go hospital or the hospital will give me one

Google and found diabetes.ascensia.ie and they sent it a contour next, and then eventually got my strips and Lancet changed over

I miss the plastic cradle thing onetouch had, looked and found a 3d print diy version for this machine for like 40 euro, so the pouch thing will have to do (only doing it every so often at home anyway)

ohnonotgmail

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123704319#Comment_123704319

Does your prescription mention a particular brand? Mine just says "stripe and lancets"

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123752380#Comment_123752380

No, mine doesn't. AFAICR once you are prescribed items via an LTI core list F prescription the brand doesn't need to be specified. I only use test strips to calibrate my CGM these days. Now that said, the limits on annual for Type 2 patients would still apply.

https://www.diabetes.ie/hse-changes-to-the-number-of-blood-glucose-strips-supplied-to-people-with-type-2-diabetes/

jeffk

I had issues as my doctor sent up for glucorx lancets and the chemist was giving out Microlet Coloured Lancets

To me it sounded like the doc sent a generic one and the chemist insisted on the branded one

cnocbui

I've been using the same lancet in my Contour for over a year. It must have over 400 jabs on it now.

jeffk

Are you not meant to change after everyone

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123754151#Comment_123754151

Similarly when I was pricking multiple times a day, mine was lucky to get changed every 6 months.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123754373#Comment_123754373

Yes, you absolutely are supposed to but, in practice? A lot folk tend to change when it gets blunt and just carry on that way.

cnocbui

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123754373#Comment_123754373

Yes you are, but you can't infect yourself with pathogens you already have. I wipe it clean, put it away and use again. It's not going to pick up AIDS or Ebola between uses.

I'm not advocating anyone else do likewise, but if you happen to be caught short..

banie01

This may well be old news but, the roll out of appointment visibility on the HSE app has begun.
My Public Hospital endo appointments are now listed within the app with the usual "add to calendar" option as well as a handy "share" button which allows you to share the details via messaging app.
Very handy if you are looking after someone or need to share details.

I know the roll out was to get Maternity services up and running 1st before rolling the rest of the services out.
My Mrs noticed that her next Oncology & Surgery appointments were populated on the app for her, so I took a look at mine.

My last set of appointments at the Endo in February were added retrospectively and I've shared a couple of screenshots to illustrate.

It's great to see the app getting more useful and it has great potential to keep us all on top of our health, our records and our HSE.

ohnonotgmail

Had a look and my appointment in 2 weeks is not listed. It turns out that only certain hospitals have signed up to share appointments with the app. Plenty of hospitals around the country have signed up but oddly Connolly hospital is the only dublin hospital to sign up.

ohnonotgmail

Had my annual checkup on beaumont earlier. Hba1c was 40. They were about to discharge me to my GP when I asked about my neuropathy. The doctor noticed it at my last checkup. A quick check of my feet later and I'll be staying with them for another year

stuffit

GP has determined that I've got a bit of metabolic dysfunction.

Fasting Glucose = 6.1, was 5.6 six months ago.

HBA1C = 40

Not dangerous territory yet, but I'd like to make some diet/lifestyle changes. See if I can send these numbers into reverse.

I want to determine which foods cause a sugar spike.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a Continuous Glucose Monitor.

Maybe one that comes with a good phone app.

ebbsy

Just waiting to board the return flight from Newcastle after getting another 6 months of Noctura 400 masks.

The scans over here showed no progression of the Retinopathy.

So no bleeds/laser/injections since I started this in 2018.

And so I will repeat the question that I have asked many times on here...why isn't this treatment available in Ireland ????

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123936935#Comment_123936935

Brilliant to see another positive update on this from you Ebbsy.
We really do need to start pushing our TDs and the HSE on this.
The Retinopathy surveillance programme is great but surely an early intervention such as Noctura is better than just going straight to injections, Laser and vitrectomy!?

ebbsy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123936947#Comment_123936947

Mr B

They are using it in hospitals in the UK

If you go on to their website you can also order it online.

However I like to have a scan as well.