[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

CramCycle

Your hospital or pharmacy will have a few free ones lying about. Some pharmacists will try and charge you but most get them FOC from companies so that you will order their strips.

iamwhoiam

Fearsneachta in Poland wrote: »

Hi all I’ve had type one diabetes for two years now. My glucose monitor that the hospital gave me broke down today. It’s an accu-chek Aviva. Does anyone know how on earth you get a new one. But then I am starting to think is there a better one that you can get under the illness book. I’m really lost with this. Any help would be much appreciated. (And it was all going so well!!!!!!)

Are you sure its not just the battery ? Ask in a pharmacy to put a new battery in and try it out . I know this happens to my daughters monitor every few years
A new battery and off it goes again as good as new

Fearsneachta in Poland

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Are you sure its not just the battery ? Ask in a pharmacy to put a new battery in and try it out . I know this happens to my daughters monitor every few years
A new battery and off it goes again as good as new

Thanks I stuck a new battery in but no luck!!

CramCycle

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Are you sure its not just the battery ? Ask in a pharmacy to put a new battery in and try it out . I know this happens to my daughters monitor every few years
A new battery and off it goes again as good as new

For some of the newer ones, not all, that don't do calibration, they recommend you do not go over a year. I cant give the reasoning behind that date, it came straight from the DSN.

iamwhoiam

CramCycle wrote: »

For some of the newer ones, not all, that don't do calibration, they recommend you do not go over a year. I cant give the reasoning behind that date, it came straight from the DSN.

Thank you I will let my daughter know .

iamwhoiam

Fearsneachta in Poland wrote: »

Thanks I stuck a new battery in but no luck!!

Ask the pharmacy for a new monitor and some strips . Then next time in GP or clinic ask the to write Glucostrips ( not specific to a monitor ) then just tell pharmacist which ones you need .

Fearsneachta in Poland

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Ask the pharmacy for a new monitor and some strips . Then next time in GP or clinic ask the to write Glucostrips ( not specific to a monitor ) then just tell pharmacist which ones you need .

Thanks. Is there a better sort of monitor that I can get on the illness book?

iamwhoiam

Fearsneachta in Poland wrote: »

Thanks. Is there a better sort of monitor that I can get on the illness book?

The pharmacist just handed one out to my daughter . It wasn't even prescribed on the book . The manufacturer hand the monitors out for free as its the strips that cost . Sorry I am not sure which one is best though
Explain you dilemma to the pharmacist as you can't be without one . Try a few if first one doesn't have one

thehorse

iamwhoiam wrote: »

The pharmacist just handed one out to my daughter . It wasn't even prescribed on the book . The manufacturer hand the monitors out for free as its the strips that cost . Sorry I am not sure which one is best though
Explain you dilemma to the pharmacist as you can't be without one . Try a few if first one doesn't have one

Blood glucose meters don’t need to be prescribed on your LTI book and neither do the strips. Strips are listed in the list of approved diabetic medicines supplied by the HSE. I think this list is called diabetic list A or B, I can’t recall. Get whatever meter you want by ringing up the manufacturer (I use an accu check mobile) and get your strips from Chemist

Fearsneachta in Poland

thehorse wrote: »

Blood glucose meters don’t need to be prescribed on your LTI book and neither do the strips. Strips are listed in the list of approved diabetic medicines supplied by the HSE. I think this list is called diabetic list A or B, I can’t recall. Get whatever meter you want by ringing up the manufacturer (I use an accu check mobile) and get your strips from Chemist

This is great. Did a google on the accu check mobile and it is much better. Thanks for the advice

ohnonotgmail

I received a free fastclix finger pricker from the manufacturers in the post. Cant say i am terribly keen on it. I much prefer my old multiclix. I guess i will just have to get used to it.

iamwhoiam

thehorse wrote: »

Blood glucose meters don’t need to be prescribed on your LTI book and neither do the strips. Strips are listed in the list of approved diabetic medicines supplied by the HSE. I think this list is called diabetic list A or B, I can’t recall. Get whatever meter you want by ringing up the manufacturer (I use an accu check mobile) and get your strips from Chemist

Can I ask are the 50 strip cassettes then free if prescribed on the green book ? Or will the chemist hand them out ?

CramCycle

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Can I ask are the 50 strip cassettes then free if prescribed on the green book ? Or will the chemist hand them out ?

If on your book, they are free. As someone else said, get your script to say glucose meter strips to cover changes. If you don't have your LTI book yet, you can either buy them across the counter or most chemists will just either take note until you get sorted if they know you, or fill out an emergency script for you.

iamwhoiam

CramCycle wrote: »

If on your book, they are free. As someone else said, get your script to say glucose meter strips to cover changes. If you don't have your LTI book yet, you can either buy them across the counter or most chemists will just either take note until you get sorted if they know you, or fill out an emergency script for you.

Thank you . I am asking for my daughter and she has a LTI book and so should be ok to get the cassettes on the book .

iamwhoiam

Thanks for the info on the accu check mobile . I got the company number from the pharmacist as they will only post it out to the patient and not to the pharmacy
Spent hours dialling the 1800 number for Ireland and it would just ring once and then ring off
Eventually I phonec the UK number for customers service and he said they are now dealing with UK and Ireland
He took details and said it would be posted to us and two days later it arrived
Pharmacist had said she can dispense the lancets and strip cartridges no problem .

Fearsneachta in Poland

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Thanks for the info on the accu check mobile . I got the company number from the pharmacist as they will only post it out to the patient and not to the pharmacy
Spent hours dialling the 1800 number for Ireland and it would just ring once and then ring off
Eventually I phonec the UK number for customers service and he said they are now dealing with UK and Ireland
He took details and said it would be posted to us and two days later it arrived
Pharmacist had said she can dispense the lancets and strip cartridges no problem .

How is your daughter finding the accu check mobile?

iamwhoiam

Fearsneachta in Poland wrote: »

How is your daughter finding the accu check mobile?

It came on Friday and she hasnt had time to have a good look at it .She just needs to read the instructions how to insert the lancets etc . But will let you know ! She is set in her ways with her old machine so it will take time ! She has a big event coming up so is up to her eyes but she will definetly use it in time .I used the UK number 1800 701000

https://www.accu-chek.co.uk/

Accu-Chek Customer Careline: 0800 701 000 (UK) or 1 800 709 600 (ROI)
Accu-Chek Pump Careline: 0800 731 2291 (UK) or 1 800 882 351 (ROI).

kellyshell

I haven't been on in soooooo long. Was diagnosed as a type 2 couple of years ago and in February this year they then started to treat me as a Type 1. Last week I was back for a check up and they now say I am in between both, a grey area. I am having terrible weight gain with my insulin and I have started Victoza today. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks for any advice.

Snake Plisken

kellyshell wrote: »

I haven't been on in soooooo long. Was diagnosed as a type 2 couple of years ago and in February this year they then started to treat me as a Type 1. Last week I was back for a check up and they now say I am in between both, a grey area. I am having terrible weight gain with my insulin and I have started Victoza today. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks for any advice.

Yes was threated as a type two to begin with just tablets but after about a year they decided to move me on to insulins. They called me a 1.5 as in type two symtoms but needing insulins. Just class yourself as a.type 1 from now on. One thing I would check as I think it had a bearing on me getting it was a couple of years back I was diagnosed with haemochromatosis. Too much iron in the blood and known to damage Organs like the pancreas. That's what I attributed to me getting Diabetis in my early 30's. Anyway there aren't too many of us 1.5's out there. I'm on the long acting Lantus and short acting NovoRapid.

questionmark

Snake Plisken wrote: »

Yes was threated as a type two to begin with just tablets but after about a year they decided to move me on to insulins. They called me a 1.5 as in type two symtoms but needing insulins. Just class yourself as a.type 1 from now on. One thing I would check as I think it had a bearing on me getting it was a couple of years back I was diagnosed with haemochromatosis. Too much iron in the blood and known to damage Organs like the pancreas. That's what I attributed to me getting Diabetis in my early 30's. Anyway there aren't too many of us 1.5's out there. I'm on the long acting Lantus and short acting NovoRapid.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin (normally this can be managed with tablets and may progress to the person requiring insulin)

The type you have is diagnosed based on if you have anti-GAD antibodies (both type 1 and type 1.5 (also known as LADA) have antibodies , type 2 dose not. you cant just class your self as type 1.

banie01

questionmark wrote: »

The type you have is diagnosed based on if you have anti-GAD antibodies. you cant just class your self as type 1.

Agreed.
Unfortunately a lot of the clinics seem to be very eager to push type 2's towards insulin treatment.
It's become de riguer to tell type 2's that they are "type 1.5" or LADA diabetics.
Properly used in type 2 insulin does have an important role, there is a danger of weight creep on insulin however that causes further problems for type 2's treated that way.

The Anti-Gad test is something I've only had in the last couple of years.
And even then it took an inordinate amount of time waiting for the results.
Even at that the test was pointless in my case as they had already started me on insulin, so the results were inconclusive.

I know there is a move to differentiate Diabetes into even more categories than the currently recognised 2, but there needs to be meaningful engagement between the diabetes teams and their patients to get the best balance of care and knowledge on both sides of the coin.

At present my diabetes review consists of a form filling exercise by a junior doctor with little in the way of reassurance.
Would much prefer to see the specialist nurses on each review, rather than rinse and repeat visits with the junior docs.

Snake Plisken

questionmark wrote: »

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin (normally this can be managed with tablets and may progress to the person requiring insulin)

The type you have is diagnosed based on if you have anti-GAD antibodies (both type 1 and type 1.5 (also known as LADA) have antibodies , type 2 dose not. you cant just class your self as type 1.

I have anti-gad antibodies I'm seen in the type 1 clinic for over 10 years they continue to class me as 1.5. I always look to see the main consultant that I'm under if he is attending the clinic even if I have to wait extra time.

kellyshell

I don't class myself as Type 1. I was quite happy to be told I am type 2 and I may be able to get rid. I am insulin dependent 1.5 years now (also on Metformin 1000mg twice a day) and its just frustrating that I have been given three different diagnosis.

hopefully the Victoza helps some what with the weight gain and I can come of the insulin.

Thanks everyone for the info. I will be speaking with my nurse in three weeks and I will have some questions for her. Much appreciated

silverharp

this might be of interest to anyone with type 2 , the doctor being interviewed is a canadian kidney specialist Jason Fung who treats his type 2 patients with a fasting protocol and low carb and gets his patients off meds within a few months . its one and a half hours long but download it to your phone and go for a walk so it wont be a waste either way ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXXGxoNFag4

pew

I've struggled somewhat with being diabetic. Mentally I haven't dealt with it. I outright denied it for years.

After a shocking hba1c this year, I copped on. Got back into exercise and really looked at what I was eating. My average reading has been 6. Which I much better than what I was. Of course I've had bad days too where I've been a bad diabetic, but those are rare and far between.

I'm due to go back into the clinic soon and I'm really hoping I've improved.

gerrybbadd

Just wondering, at what kind of stage should i be headed to the hospital with high blood sugars?

I ran out of metformin and didn't have any for 2 days. I take insulin as well.

For the past week now, my blood sugars have been very high. Last night, before dinner, they were 24.3. I took my insulin and a corrective dose of 15 units with dinner. Prior to bed, i checked the bloods again - they were 13.3. So i took another 6 units to help bring it down.

Ketones were 0.9 - i've never had high ketones, always 0.0 or 0.1

When i woke up this morning, the bloods had raised again to 18.4.

They've been like this the past week or so

arybvtcw0eolkf

gerrybbadd wrote: »

Just wondering, at what kind of stage should i be headed to the hospital with high blood sugars?

I ran out of metformin and didn't have any for 2 days. I take insulin as well.

For the past week now, my blood sugars have been very high. Last night, before dinner, they were 24.3. I took my insulin and a corrective dose of 15 units with dinner. Prior to bed, i checked the bloods again - they were 13.3. So i took another 6 units to help bring it down.

Ketones were 0.9 - i've never had high ketones, always 0.0 or 0.1

When i woke up this morning, the bloods had raised again to 18.4.

They've been like this the past week or so

Just noticed you're in Sligo, if it was Dublin I'd have given you enough Metformin to get you through.

I've often ran short when I didn't notice my perscription was up and my pharmacist always looked after me for a week's supply, maybe you could ask there.

Sorry I don't have answers to the rest.

thehorse

gerrybbadd wrote: »

Just wondering, at what kind of stage should i be headed to the hospital with high blood sugars?

I ran out of metformin and didn't have any for 2 days. I take insulin as well.

For the past week now, my blood sugars have been very high. Last night, before dinner, they were 24.3. I took my insulin and a corrective dose of 15 units with dinner. Prior to bed, i checked the bloods again - they were 13.3. So i took another 6 units to help bring it down.

Ketones were 0.9 - i've never had high ketones, always 0.0 or 0.1

When i woke up this morning, the bloods had raised again to 18.4.

They've been like this the past week or so

Something may be wrong so Contact your diabetes Team cause you don’t want to go dka

gerrybbadd

I should probably mention I have meformin now again and have been taking it, but the bloods are still coming in high

gctest50

( since meters can be off at high/low end of scale )


HHS maybe

gerrybbadd

gctest50 wrote: »

( since meters can be off at high/low end of scale )


HHS maybe

What's HHS?

C-Shore

Did anybody hear what the results of the latest insulin pump tender was with the HSE?

I heard there was approval for a wireless pump like the Omnipod, but not the Omnipod.

Buford T. Justice XIX

C-Shore wrote: »

Did anybody hear what the results of the latest insulin pump tender was with the HSE?

I heard there was approval for a wireless pump like the Omnipod, but not the Omnipod.

I'm on the Animas Vibe with 2 years now and was told we were being changed over to the Medtronic according as our pumps come up for replacement. Haven't heard anything else about different pumps being available, tbh.

CramCycle

gerrybbadd wrote: »

Just wondering, at what kind of stage should i be headed to the hospital with high blood sugars?

I ran out of metformin and didn't have any for 2 days. I take insulin as well.

For the past week now, my blood sugars have been very high. Last night, before dinner, they were 24.3. I took my insulin and a corrective dose of 15 units with dinner. Prior to bed, i checked the bloods again - they were 13.3. So i took another 6 units to help bring it down.

Ketones were 0.9 - i've never had high ketones, always 0.0 or 0.1

When i woke up this morning, the bloods had raised again to 18.4.

They've been like this the past week or so

If your ketones are still up, ring your Diabetes Care team straight away as your probably teatering on the edge of DKA. Change your insulin pen and/or get a fresh one from the Pharmacist. Drink plenty of water and try and get some light exercise in while your trying to get the rest sorted to help lower the sugar levels.

Buford T. Justice V wrote: »

I'm on the Animas Vibe with 2 years now and was told we were being changed over to the Medtronic according as our pumps come up for replacement. Haven't heard anything else about different pumps being available, tbh.

I am getting a new one at the end of the month and it is the Medtronic 640G

gctest50

gerrybbadd wrote: »

What's HHS?

DKA without the ketoacidosis i suppose , rare though


HHS = probably around 15% fatality

DKA ~ = 5 %

gerrybbadd

Christ! I'd best have a chat with them if things don't improve. Ketone down to 0.1 again, but sugars still high enough (18.1 this morning)

silverharp

gerrybbadd wrote: »

Christ! I'd best have a chat with them if things don't improve. Ketone down to 0.1 again, but sugars still high enough (18.1 this morning)

would you find light exercise like walking might help?

gerrybbadd

silverharp wrote: »

would you find light exercise like walking might help?

It does at the best of times. The sugars have come down again somewhat anyhow, their not at the very scary high levels they were.

thehorse

gerrybbadd wrote: »

Christ! I'd best have a chat with them if things don't improve. Ketone down to 0.1 again, but sugars still high enough (18.1 this morning)

Seriously, contact your diabetes Team cause something is clearly wrong.

robinph

Buford T. Justice V wrote: »

I'm on the Animas Vibe with 2 years now and was told we were being changed over to the Medtronic according as our pumps come up for replacement. Haven't heard anything else about different pumps being available, tbh.

I've got a year to go on my Animas now I think, but wasn't given any indication of what I'd be changed to when that warranty runs out. I had been given a choice between an Animas and a Medtronic back in the day, but as far as I know my NHS area doesn't currently supply anything other than Medtronic.

I'm hoping that they do get a choice of models in before I'm due. It's good to feel that we get a say in these things, and it's also good that Medtronic don't end up with a monopoly on the insulin pump market.

silverharp

gerrybbadd wrote: »

It does at the best of times. The sugars have come down again somewhat anyhow, their not at the very scary high levels they were.

I know Im a little insulin resistant so I picked up a glucose monitor recently, I have a fasted level of about 5.9 , and tested it a few weeks back after going for a 2 hr walk first thing in the morning and it came in at 4.3 or .7 , which as a % is quite a drop. I was just curious would you get a similar proportional drop or would it just drop by a couple of points?

Buford T. Justice XIX

robinph wrote: »

I've got a year to go on my Animas now I think, but wasn't given any indication of what I'd be changed to when that warranty runs out. I had been given a choice between an Animas and a Medtronic back in the day, but as far as I know my NHS area doesn't currently supply anything other than Medtronic.

I'm hoping that they do get a choice of models in before I'm due. It's good to feel that we get a say in these things, and it's also good that Medtronic don't end up with a monopoly on the insulin pump market.

All those on pumps with my Endo were on the Animas Vibe and we are being brought together again later this year to introduce us to the Medtronic.


I'll be last to be changed over as my pump dropped last year and broke so I'll be one of the last on the Vibe in the country.

RobbingBandit

Has anyone any experience wearing a vacoped boot long term. Wonder how you copped in rain or bad weather

ebbsy

RobbingBandit wrote: »

Has anyone any experience wearing a vacoped boot long term. Wonder how you copped in rain or bad weather

I had to wear one a few years ago when I had an ulcer. Mind you, it was completely my own fault and I've had to cop on a lot with my feet since then.

Where possible I tried to stay off my feet where possible. Shoe off foot on pillow in office. I used the boot outside obviously but not really in bad weather. Your feet cannot stay wet when you have diabetes.

Offloading where possibe is better. Otherwise you must wear it, even when going to the toilet.

RobbingBandit

Went through 9 months of ulcers bought better footwear and limited my activities and they healed and are gone this is Charcot arthropathy now though so can't really do less that what I'm already doing and any and all activities seem bad I'm coping well enough with the boot though not going to let this keep me down very uncomfortable though.

ebbsy

So I was back in Newcastle on Wednesday regarding the eye mask. Had an eye scan, no changes since the last time I was there.

This time I took 6 months supply, £500.

See how it goes.

ebbsy

Mind you, I am not saying that is due to the mask. But I want to give it more time.

ebbsy

Gel insoles in Aldi for €2.99.

Fantastic for my feet.

pew

Got my hba1c down to 48 I'm delighted with that. It is a massive improvement from my first visit!

Wanton

hi folks,

has anyone tried to order a Libre sensor through their local Pharmacy lately??

Been reading Pharmacy's in the UK are selling them over the counter, in the case of Superdrug they are cheaper than ordering direct.

I have rang my local and they are going to call me back, she remembers a email recently and needs to look into it.


**************************

edit to above. you can indeed now purchase the libre sensor in many pharmacys, and most are selling at cost it would appear (€55).