[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

tadgho wrote: »

Probably been discussed or mentioned before so apologies. Can anyone give me a rough idea of the cost of Life Assurance on their mortgage as Type 1 diabetic? Single applicant, aged 30, mortgage amount around 190k. Hba1c in normal range usually and generally well controlled. Thanks!

CalisGirl wrote: »

I've recently found out that Lyft and Dextrose are available on the LTI scheme if they are included on a prescription. Same with batteries for an insulin pump. Are there any other non-medication items available under the LTI for diabetics?

Just an update on the Cold Therapy Laser.

I've been using it for a month or so now and I have some completely unscientific thoughts. Part of the theory behind the concept is that they encourage internal tissues to grow and repair tissue via a photochemical reaction triggered by the wavelengths used.

In my case, I think this may have actually worsened my issue. I have regular nerve ablation which temporarily destroys the sheath of a nerve and interrupts the transmission of pain signals. Usually last about 12 or so weeks before the pain starts ramping again.

Anyway I have been using the laser a month or so and my pain in certain areas has worsened significantly. Then it dawned on me that the laser is working directly at odds with the nerve ablation. Causing (in theory at least) faster repair of the nerve and better pain transmission.

So for its initial use in my case, not much help and probably worsened my condition overall.

Now that said it has provided what I feel has been an improvement to my dodgy arthritic shoulder.

TLDR: Don't use on areas that are reliant on nerve ablation as it shortens duration of action.

Do use on injured, inflamed or arthritis for "some" improvement that may well be a placebo but I'll keep updating.

Will the HSE cover the cost of DEXCOM for all Type 1 diabetics ?

AFAIK the dilation is used to ensure the entirety of the vascular retina is photographed. Its also why there are photos taken in different positions. The dilatated pupils are a diagnostic aid to ensure that the maximum area possible is assessed and any retinopathy is caught before it becomes a problem and that intervention can be made as early as possible.

The digital retina photography offered by your friendly local optician is not a diagnostic or screening tool. It is useful only in if there is an immediately apparent problem or bleed. The screening programme will alert to incipient retinopathy and forward any for review and if needed additional screening, the optician based one will tell perhaps to see your GP if they spot something.

As an aside, I have incipient retinopathy in both eyes. DRS picked it up and referred my to local opthamology clinic who assessed me, monitored it for 18months and confirmed no progression. In the time I was 1st flagged and eventually discharged back to DRS? I had 3 eye tests with the photography none of those photos flagged an issue.

I would not rely upon an Optician to manage or assess my retinopathy risk.

Glad it helped. The drops can mean a half a day wasted but worth it for the chance of heading off something worse and far longer lasting. Good luck at your screening!

Diabetes general who is going to read 155 pages long thread?

That is fine just bear in mind that test carry red label warning. So you know.

Red label warning on medications serious safety risks. Very small percentage of people could end up in the hospital, encounter disability or die.

Before the procedure they will ask you to sign documents make sure you read and understand the consequences.

When you go to retinology centre for retina exam you will be given injection that have red label warning. Your regular optician won't have any of that.

This is nothing to do with regular eye exams at the local optician.

there is no injection prior to a retinopathy exam. There are eye drops to dilate the pupils but that is it. I'm struggling to think what they might need to inject you with.

there is a small questionnaire beforehand but that is it. I always being sunglasses with me so I have some vision on the way home

The paperwork is linked in my post.

You've gone from there being an injection, (there isn't) to not being allowed to share something online?

What are you not allowed share? You have enough posts for linking privileges? You can post whatever link you'd like

you're talking nonsense and hiding behind some sort of privacy when called out. you should be threadbanned for spreading misinformation.

Well I am not argue all I said check paperwork, questionary or whatever you are signing for retinopathy test. Make sure you understand what it says in a small or large print. Anyway good luck.

But that's not all you said. You waded in to a thread, threw out utter bullshit as a contribution and then rather than back up said bullshit? Make the above mealy mouthed post? Any more input on those injections? Or the things you aren't left share online?

People who find this thread are often a little shook after a diagnosis and are looking for help, advice and reassurance. Not utter scutter that is designed to frighten them, or poorly informed BS with no actual basis in reality of treatment.

Yet you spout off and then decide to leave it at "make sure you understand what it says in a small or large print"?

there is no injection. unless you can post proof to the contrary you are lying.