[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

CathyMoran · 04-07-2011 3:25pm

I have bad hypos too, am trying to up my HbA1c so that I have less of them and am trying not to correct below 6 (was supposed to be 7 but I found that too hard to do). My husband is always nervous about what could happen to me, I have to test more often as my blood sugars are eratic (I had surgery which makes it hard to calculate how an identical meal will affect my blood sugars day to day.)

5live · 05-07-2011 3:04pm

CathyMoran wrote: »

I have bad hypos too, am trying to up my HbA1c so that I have less of them and am trying not to correct below 6 (was supposed to be 7 but I found that too hard to do). My husband is always nervous about what could happen to me, I have to test more often as my blood sugars are eratic (I had surgery which makes it hard to calculate how an identical meal will affect my blood sugars day to day.)

Yeah i had a small op a month ago and it took about a week for my levels to get back to normal. You would think that trying to rise sugar levels would be the easiest thing about diabetes:). And it is very stressful on the OH when you get bad hypos a lot:(. Mind yourself Cathy (and the little one too;))

CathyMoran · 06-07-2011 9:00am

Had a chinese last night, bloods went up to 11, still have the headache - is not worth it.

robinph · 06-07-2011 10:01am

You seem to run your levels way to low to be safe Cathy. Thinking of doing correction doses at the likes of 6's just seems dangerous, especially if your doing that by pen. It's possible to give 0.05 type corrections on a pump, but with pens I can't see how you could be accurate enough with the amount your dialing up if it's only in the 1 unit amounts?

CathyMoran · 06-07-2011 10:43am

robinph wrote: »

You seem to run your levels way to low to be safe Cathy. Thinking of doing correction doses at the likes of 6's just seems dangerous, especially if your doing that by pen. It's possible to give 0.05 type corrections on a pump, but with pens I can't see how you could be accurate enough with the amount your dialing up if it's only in the 1 unit amounts?

Several people have advised me to go on the pump, it just never seems to be the right time plus I do not know how it would feel to wear it at night. I have been told that I have "fragile diabetes", it is not fun for me or my husband, he is always worried that I could go into a coma. I do more blood tests but sometimes you miss lows.

robinph · 06-07-2011 11:17am

I know that it doesn't matter what I say, but wearing the pump constantly and at night is really not an issue. It is barely noticeable.

But a couple of months ago I wouldn't have believed that comment either as until you are actually on it most of what "scares" you about it is the being attached to something all the time.

If they are offering you the chance to go on a pump then take it. If it doesn't happen to work out then you can always switch back easily, but the getting on it in the first place is the more difficult step, so if it's on offer grab the opportunity as you can't loose. It might not be for you, but unless you try you'll not know.

It will give you much finer control over the basal levels and exactly how much you dose for each bolus, and the giving of an extra bolus would no longer mean another needle.

You'll still have to test a lot, but you do that anyway. I have found myself less bothered by the constant testing now than I used to be, hopefully that is something that I keep up and don't get bored of.

Pumps are great and every insulin dependent diabetic should be given the chance of one if they want.

CathyMoran · 06-07-2011 11:24am

I do know that I can not continue the way that I am, I survived it during pregnancy but diabetes has taken over my life and it should not - I would be the clasic case for the pump. I tend to move a lot in my sleep and I would be afraid that I would pull it out, I know that sounds stupid but it is one big fear.

robinph · 06-07-2011 11:40am

You won't pull it out.

It would take some serious effort to get pulled out and you'd be awake and giving whoever was doing the pulling on the tubing a slap long before that happened.

Alanstrainor · 06-07-2011 4:40pm

I have to agree it takes a fair amount of force to pull it out. i've had my pump fall from a height while connected and "yank" my set and it didnt budge an inch. It does suck having to pull off the set when you're done though! hairy legs + infusion sets = oweeeee!

Nothing to lose by giving it a go! If you have any questions at all, ask here or drop me a PM.

robinph · 06-07-2011 5:12pm

Extra sticky wipes to stop the mild reaction to the glue on the pads I was having, and makes it stick extra too.

Then some other wipes to dissolve the glue when it comes to removal and it then pretty much falls off me.

Alanstrainor · 06-07-2011 6:48pm

robinph wrote: »

Extra sticky wipes to stop the mild reaction to the glue on the pads I was having, and makes it stick extra too.

Then some other wipes to dissolve the glue when it comes to removal and it then pretty much falls off me.

Too much effort for my liking;):D:pac:

robinph · 06-07-2011 6:49pm

Went along for my regular MOT visit at the hospital this afternoon and it was mentioned about someone else who had been in to see them that morning and was doing am English Channel swim. They have a team of six people swimming for an hour each on the way across to France, but they are all insulin dependant diabetics and using a pump.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Animas-UKIreland-Relay-Channel-Swim-Event-July-2011/201679589853792?sk=info

CathyMoran · 06-07-2011 7:58pm

Have mastitis, that might explain the reason why my blood sugars were even more akward than usual. I do think that I will look into the pump, have been encouraged to get it for years. What do you do for baths? Do you take it off then? Sorry if my questions seem stupid.

eilo1 · 06-07-2011 8:04pm

Best to have a look at the videos online Cathy to get a good idea. Its hard to explain with out seeing how the pump connects. But there is no need to worry about baths or swimming etc. You simply "unclick" (for want of a better word) This is done in literally a second and you can just click it back on after. There is no need for a new set up or any hassle.

I had probably had more fears than yourself when I started thinking about the pump as I am in my twenties and still single. But honestly its just not a problem in anyway, shape or form!

Alanstrainor · 06-07-2011 8:09pm

CathyMoran wrote: »

Have mastitis, that might explain the reason why my blood sugars were even more akward than usual. I do think that I will look into the pump, have been encouraged to get it for years. What do you do for baths? Do you take it off then? Sorry if my questions seem stupid.

There are no stupid questions; only stupid answers!

You can remove the pump for up to an hour I think without issue. It really depends on what you're doing i suppose. The only issue with it is your blood sugars rising since you wont be receiving any insulin.

The pump and tubing etc has three main components. The pump, the tubing and the infusion set. The infusion set is what you inject every couple of days. No needles remain inside you, only a soft plastic "canula". The pump and the tubing will stay together until you need to replace the entire set. However, the tubing can be unclipped from the infusion set completely; as it's just clipped in with a plastic clip. (It sounds flimsy...but it's not!). Once you unclip yourself, you can just put the pump aside and take your bath or swim or whatever it may be.

When you're finished, simply clip the tubing back on and you're ready to go.

robinph · 06-07-2011 9:04pm

This is the picture of me from when they had me on saline for a week and just trying out some different infusion sets:

The thing with the blue bit on top on the left of the picture is the infusion set of the type that I'm actually now using all the time, but without the tubing connected. So that is all you are left with once you disconnect the pump, actually the blue bit is just a cover, but isn't really needed as the disconnected site on it's own is still safe and secure from anything else getting in. You'd only need the cover you were going swimming in the sea to keep sand out of the plastic clip for instance. That type of cannula I'm using is 5mm long and plastic going into you at 90degrees.

The bits on the other side of me with the tubing still connected are a 30degree steel canula, which is the lower white sticky pad. That is then connected to a short length of tube and the white pad just above on the right is just stuck on the skin surface and is the point at which you actually disconnect the tubing from. So with that type you would have a bit more gubbins still attached when you disconnect the pump. Some people prefer that type and it is allegedly more secure because if there is any pull on the pump then it's not directly on the infusion set site.

Anyway, the gist of the above is that it's really not an issue...no really it isn't.

ElBarco · 06-07-2011 9:15pm

CathyMoran - you get used to it surprisingly quickly. It only dawned on me recently that I'm using one for nearly 8 years now.

It really does help improve control (I haven't always kept in control but can't blame the pump!).

As for the disconnecting it really isnt' an issue. And I've never pulled one out. I have an 18 month old wrecking the house these days so that really is saying something.

Hal Emmerich · 06-07-2011 10:13pm

The pump itself......it clips onto your waistband/belt, yes?

Alanstrainor · 06-07-2011 10:15pm

Hal Emmerich wrote: »

The pump itself......it clips onto your waistband/belt, yes?

Mine has a clip. But i just chuck it in my pocket tbh.

ElBarco · 06-07-2011 10:28pm

Hal Emmerich wrote: »

The pump itself......it clips onto your waistband/belt, yes?

I got a clip for the pump that goes on my belt. Lasted two days before I caught it on a desk and broke it. Got another one, same thing happened the first day I used it.

Generally use the leather case that clips onto a belt. Mine has gotten a bit grotty and I've started using a phone case I found in tesco. Finding it better as there is a little pocket on it I keep a spare battery in.

robinph · 06-07-2011 10:54pm

The Animas one has a pretty sturdy metal clip that itself locks into the body of the pump. It all stayed in place fine when I got tripped up in a race last week and I went rolling down the road. You'll have to wait a bit before I can verify how secure it is during other daft activities.

CramCycle · 07-07-2011 1:58am

Hate to be the one to ask it but whats it like during more "intimate" occasions (trying not to get myself banned with the language)? or is this something I should just bring up with the diabetes team at my next appointment when I demand my pump.

CathyMoran · 07-07-2011 9:12am

CramCycle wrote: »

Hate to be the one to ask it but whats it like during more "intimate" occasions (trying not to get myself banned with the language)? or is this something I should just bring up with the diabetes team at my next appointment when I demand my pump.

Ahem, I was thinking the same thing!

robinph · 07-07-2011 9:52am

Just unplug for the duration so you don't get all tangled up.

Remember to plug back in again afterwards.

tbh · 07-07-2011 10:02am

robinph wrote: »

Just unplug for the duration so you don't get all tangled up.

Remember to plug back in again afterwards.

plug in after you've plugged i....eh....../nvm:pac:

robinph · 07-07-2011 10:03am

Damn, I missed that one.

ElBarco · 07-07-2011 10:33am

CathyMoran wrote: »

CramCycle wrote: »

Hate to be the one to ask it but whats it like during more "intimate" occasions (trying not to get myself banned with the language)? or is this something I should just bring up with the diabetes team at my next appointment when I demand my pump.

Ahem, I was thinking the same thing!

Fairly minimal impact. Just disconnect and reconnect when ready!

xxshebeexx · 11-07-2011 11:18pm

Can a type 1 diabetic work as cabin crew for an airline?

CramCycle · 11-07-2011 11:26pm

xxshebeexx wrote: »

Can a type 1 diabetic work as cabin crew for an airline?

No reason why not, AFAIK the armed forces/services is the only job description we can be excluded from, some employers demand a letter from your doctor confirming you have had good control/no mishaps for a long stretch, e-mailing the likes of Aer Lingus would be your best bet but as I have done for all my jobs before, I hid the fact I was a diabetic until I had established myself as a competent worker, not that I am saying you should have to, just found it to make life easier.

robinph · 11-07-2011 11:40pm

xxshebeexx wrote: »

Can a type 1 diabetic work as cabin crew for an airline?

Should be OK I think.

Would be next to impossible to get a job in the front seats flying it though, although I'm sure I've heard of some pilot who managed to keep his ratings after diagnosis. But they were already in the job then. Getting some jobs once you're already diagnosed will be tough, or just plain banned.

Mostly along the lines of situations where having a hypo is an incredibly bad idea, you are responsible for other peoples lives and the job doesn't really allow for you to take a couple of minutes off to drink some Lucozade.

xxshebeexx · 12-07-2011 12:08am

robinph wrote: »

Should be OK I think.

Would be next to impossible to get a job in the front seats flying it though, although I'm sure I've heard of some pilot who managed to keep his ratings after diagnosis. But they were already in the job then. Getting some jobs once you're already diagnosed will be tough, or just plain banned.

Mostly along the lines of situations where having a hypo is an incredibly bad idea, you are responsible for other peoples lives and the job doesn't really allow for you to take a couple of minutes off to drink some Lucozade.

CramCycle wrote: »

No reason why not, AFAIK the armed forces/services is the only job description we can be excluded from, some employers demand a letter from your doctor confirming you have had good control/no mishaps for a long stretch, e-mailing the likes of Aer Lingus would be your best bet but as I have done for all my jobs before, I hid the fact I was a diabetic until I had established myself as a competent worker, not that I am saying you should have to, just found it to make life easier.

Thanks, guys, what you're saying makes sense. I did some googling before and some British websites include it in the category of airline pilots and say you can't, but I wasn't really sure. It's something I've been thinking about maybe doing (urgh, trying to find a job these days as a graduate...!) but not sure if it's even worth investigating and getting excited about if I can't on account of the diabetes. Short of ringing the airlines and asking, how would I find out for sure?

tbh · 12-07-2011 7:26am

xxshebeexx wrote: »

Thanks, guys, what you're saying makes sense. I did some googling before and some British websites include it in the category of airline pilots and say you can't, but I wasn't really sure. It's something I've been thinking about maybe doing (urgh, trying to find a job these days as a graduate...!) but not sure if it's even worth investigating and getting excited about if I can't on account of the diabetes. Short of ringing the airlines and asking, how would I find out for sure?

unfortunately most airlines won't hire type 1's as cabin crew. This is due to the potential problems of hypos mid-shift. sorry shebee. On the plus side tho, being a stewardess would make managing your diabetes a nightmare - think of all the time-zone changes!

http://www.mydiabetesmyway.scot.nhs.uk/resources/leaflets/employment.asp?thesection=employment&thetitle=Employment&thetype=leaflet

graflynn · 12-07-2011 9:02am

I wonder what the actual anti discrimination law says about not hiring people with Type 1 Diabetes. Maybe these blanket bans need to be challenged? Because with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices available today there would be no reason for hypos mid shift.

I mean if a man can fly an aircraft around the world with Type 1 diabetes, why can't there be cabin crew members with Type 1?

tbh · 12-07-2011 9:31am

graflynn wrote: »

I wonder what the actual anti discrimination law says about not hiring people with Type 1 Diabetes. Maybe these blanket bans need to be challenged? Because with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices available today there would be no reason for hypos mid shift.

I mean if a man can fly an aircraft around the world with Type 1 diabetes, why can't there be cabin crew members with Type 1?

hopefully it won't be something thats in place for too much longer - but I think at the moment even if you were able to do it, it'd be a bit of a nightmare - I do a fair amount of work in South America and Asia and it's a bit of a grueller adjusting insulin to take account of the different timezones.

robinph · 12-07-2011 9:40am

graflynn wrote: »

I mean if a man can fly an aircraft around the world with Type 1 diabetes, why can't there be cabin crew members with Type 1?

If that is the same guy I've heard of before I think he still had to fly around a few countries on his route. Not because of US no fly zones due to bombing places, but he had to get special permission from each country to use their airspace as a diabetic.

CramCycle · 12-07-2011 10:35am

graflynn wrote: »

I wonder what the actual anti discrimination law says about not hiring people with Type 1 Diabetes. Maybe these blanket bans need to be challenged? Because with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices available today there would be no reason for hypos mid shift.

In Ireland we are alot less strict on it than other countries. The armed forces ban is due to the obvious issues of being placed abroad and being left in a situation were access to Insulin is untenable.

The other stories about a blanket ban on other jobs such as the Gardai are in fact incorrect, a letter and examination from a doctor stating you are fit for purpose is all that is needed. This was brought up in the oireachtas a few years ago only for the senator to find that no such ban existed, despite everyone's belief to the contrary.

Anyone know what the story of working at sea is, that was under the EU directive but I never heard if it was repealed or not?

robinph · 12-07-2011 10:53am

I suspect that a certain amount of the confusion in what is "banned" or not will come from UK regulations getting heard by Chinese whispers, and I apologize if I'm guilty of that at all.

The UK do have more restrictive driving licenses, but I actually feel better about having to renew mine every three years and that there appears to be some kind of check in my suitability to keep a license each time. I was uncomfortable when I was just given an Irish license so easily years ago, it felt wrong. They took the extra large van categories off my UK license, and it would be a bit of a palaver to get a PSV category, but I have no problem with that.

Most of the things that there are restrictions for outside of Ireland make sense though I think. I would be quite happy to have a go at piloting a plane myself, but I would not want to be a passenger in a plane being driven by a diabetic, or someone with any number of other medical conditions or dodgy eyesight.

CramCycle · 12-07-2011 10:54am

LOL, if I knew this is what I was doing wrong all these years I would have been cured by now:

http://www.watercure2.org/diabetes_a_simple_fix.htm

:pac::pac::pac:

robinph · 12-07-2011 11:09am

LOL

robinph · 12-07-2011 4:43pm

UCD ITT wrote:

Are you overweight?
Would you like to improve your health?

UCD and ITT are conducting a research study involving a walking exercise programme. Middle aged male volunteers, with or without type 2 diabetes are needed.

Please see this link for contact details or PM CramCycle.

5live · 12-07-2011 8:31pm

CramCycle wrote: »

LOL, if I knew this is what I was doing wrong all these years I would have been cured by now:

http://www.watercure2.org/diabetes_a_simple_fix.htm

:pac::pac::pac:

WTF:eek::eek:. Madness. Absolute madness. I mean, any kind of beans at night is definately going to cause problems from diabetics partners kicking them out of bed from methane toxicity:D:D:D

robinph · 16-07-2011 4:32pm

Just had a hypo in Tesco.

Was just at the till when I finally copped what was going on. Luckily I'd picked up a couple of packs of Lucozade so was stood by the till, sweating buckets, looking a bit off colour and downing a bottle that I'd not yet paid for.

kowloon · 17-07-2011 9:59am

I had to quit my plans at becoming a pilot thanks to T1D, got diagnosed after I did my first set of IAA exams. At least I didn't develop it later after I had sunk tens of thousands more into the training. Did piss me off at the time though.

Did enjoy blowing my savings though.

5live · 17-07-2011 9:37pm

robinph wrote: »

Just had a hypo in Tesco.

Was just at the till when I finally copped what was going on. Luckily I'd picked up a couple of packs of Lucozade so was stood by the till, sweating buckets, looking a bit off colour and downing a bottle that I'd not yet paid for.

I hate that. It happens occasionally when im away from home and my routine out of kilter. I always think of trainspotting while i am waiting for a 'fix' in the shop and am paranoid enough that they are going to think i am going to rob the lucozade or chocolate while i get out my belt and wrap it around my arm:rolleyes:

And then inject into my stomach:D

mike65 · 17-07-2011 10:43pm

CramCycle wrote: »

LOL, if I knew this is what I was doing wrong all these years I would have been cured by now:

http://www.watercure2.org/diabetes_a_simple_fix.htm

:pac::pac::pac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMGIbOGu8q0

robinph · 19-07-2011 12:54pm

Just had an eye test today. Apparently todays prescription says my eyes are not as bad as last time, neither of us were overly convinced by that though, so he's having me back again in a few weeks for the contact lens check and will see what he comes up with then. Eye tests for diabetics can never be that accurate as there is too much else going on that can effect it and will test differently from one month to the next or even at different times of the day depending on BG levels. He'll see what I can see next time and then split the difference I think.

Did still see some retinopathy spot on the back of one of my eyes though.

Was in a different place to the ones that were seen before so he wasn't concerned about it.

gerrybbadd · 19-07-2011 10:17pm

robinph wrote: »

Just had an eye test today. Apparently todays prescription says my eyes are not as bad as last time, neither of us were overly convinced by that though, so he's having me back again in a few weeks for the contact lens check and will see what he comes up with then. Eye tests for diabetics can never be that accurate as there is too much else going on that can effect it and will test differently from one month to the next or even at different times of the day depending on BG levels. He'll see what I can see next time and then split the difference I think.

Did still see some retinopathy spot on the back of one of my eyes though.
Was in a different place to the ones that were seen before so he wasn't concerned about it.

I've an eye test coming up on the 9th August myself - dying to get them looked at now, as seemingly, I've a touch of Glaucoma in one. The other ones not great either!

eilo1 · 19-07-2011 11:32pm

Heading into the clinic tomorrow morning, wish me luck!

I have that guilty feeling that nothing will be better:(

robinph · 19-07-2011 11:33pm

Good luck.

Mars Bar · 21-07-2011 8:16pm

Hey guys, is cranberry juice suitable for a diabetic? I'm not sure which type this person has in case that's relevant info.

[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

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