[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

bd2012

graflynn wrote: »

Some research has revealed that statins do raise blood glucose levels. Here's the link to one report I found on it. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013

I suppose the trick is managing the elevated blood glucose level and coming up with a new plan for them.

Thanks gra.

Sometimes I think my body has a mind of its own. For example last week strict diet, loads of exercise. High bg! So on Thursday I had occasion to celebrate. Pigged out on a fancy dinner (high carb). No exercise. Tested my bg 2 hours later. Back to normal!
Anyhoo it seems to be coming back down bit by bit. So going to keep doing what I'm doing (eating healthy and exercising) and hopefully it will continue. I thought it was quite amusing though the one evening I threw caution to the wind it was actually normal. Go figure

gctest50

Type 2 ? more cake and you might be around for a bit longer :

However, being overweight (BMI, 25 to 29.9 kg/m2) was associated with a lower mortality risk, whereas obese patients (BMI >30 kg/m2) had a mortality risk similar to that of normal-weight persons.
Patients with low body weight had the worst prognosis.

http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2288519

sunbabe08

hi, has anyone flown with Aer Lingus before and ordered the Diabetic meal? is it worth my time or should i just stick with an ordinary meal?

The_Conductor

sunbabe08 wrote: »

hi, has anyone flown with Aer Lingus before and ordered the Diabetic meal? is it worth my time or should i just stick with an ordinary meal?

Personally I'd advise sticking with the ordinary meal. Most of the meals are either re-heated and/or kept at a hot temperature for a protracted period of time- which means the GI index can be very different from what you might be expecting for any given meal.

The main meal is normally something like Spag bol or something similar- you're going to get a reasonable quantity of cards (60-70grms) without touching the bread roll or desert (somehow I got a raspberry pannacotta on the last flight I was on- but I don't think it came as standard).

The big difference with the diabetic meal- is they don't give you jam with your bread roll, no sweet with your coffee, no desert- aka any high sugar components are excluded- but aside from that its pertty much the same as the standard meal.

If you'd like to treat yourself- and you're on a transatlantic flight- order one of the 'Bia' options. Its about 20 quid extra- but you get properly chef prepared steak, darne of salmon, chicken etc- a proper meal, but one you have to pay for separately....... it is worth it........

If you're type 2- you might like to explore other options......

Toto Wolfcastle

Not Aer Lingus, but my husband was given salmon in sweet chili sauce as the diabetic meal on a flight. Thankfully they'd lost it initially so he'd already eaten a regular meal by the time they found it.

sunbabe08

The_Conductor wrote: »

Personally I'd advise sticking with the ordinary meal. Most of the meals are either re-heated and/or kept at a hot temperature for a protracted period of time- which means the GI index can be very different from what you might be expecting for any given meal.

The main meal is normally something like Spag bol or something similar- you're going to get a reasonable quantity of cards (60-70grms) without touching the bread roll or desert (somehow I got a raspberry pannacotta on the last flight I was on- but I don't think it came as standard).

The big difference with the diabetic meal- is they don't give you jam with your bread roll, no sweet with your coffee, no desert- aka any high sugar components are excluded- but aside from that its pertty much the same as the standard meal.

If you'd like to treat yourself- and you're on a transatlantic flight- order one of the 'Bia' options. Its about 20 quid extra- but you get properly chef prepared steak, darne of salmon, chicken etc- a proper meal, but one you have to pay for separately....... it is worth it........

If you're type 2- you might like to explore other options......

Bobblehead Panda wrote: »

Not Aer Lingus, but my husband was given salmon in sweet chili sauce as the diabetic meal on a flight. Thankfully they'd lost it initially so he'd already eaten a regular meal by the time they found it.

thank you for your help much appreciated

Dick Dastardly

So, I’m a still a newbie and only a couple of months into the world of pumping – but I thought it might be useful to share what I’ve learnt so far – on the basis there might be others out there who are thinking about it but not convinced yet. I just got my first HbA1C since I went on the pump, and came in at 6.4 in old money – so pretty good and exactly what inspired me to look for a pump day 1...

I had ok control before I went on the pump – good hypo awareness, rare highs, HBA1Cs around 7.5 but am quite a heavy insulin user – I wanted to reduce that and all the research I read said using a pump delivers that… my main driver though was to get continuous glucose monitoring so I could drive my control a bit better. I also reckoned I could go back to injections if it didn’t work out anyway....

What held me back was lack of consistency from the diabetic clinic – seemed every doctor had a different view as to the pumps worth – and none of them were hugely supportive. So I asked a nurse what she’s do if she had diabetes – she said pump, so I reckoned that was as good a recommendation as I could get.

Got the gear and had 2 sessions with the Medtronic rep and a bevvy of nurses / dieticians – who were really supportive and generous with their time & knowledge.
First to the set up – got a Minimed paradigm pump – using a 180ml reservoir and mio sets which I change every 2 days. Started out with the quick set infusion sets – but found quite regularly that I was getting lots of unexplainable persistant highs but never really sky high – so seemed like I was getting some insulin but not all. Nurse recommended moving to Mio’s and no such issues since I changed – simple to apply and I like the click in and click out when you dis/connect. Am using a Bayer next link meter – great bit of kit – quick, small enough and transmits my BG to the pump wirelessly to calibrate the glucose sensor – which is an Enlite – occasional issues when inserted (by accident!) into blood – when it doesn’t seem to calibrate as well. Sensor takes 288 readings a day, and graphs them out for me in real time on my pump – so I can always see what my BG is and where it’s going. It’s not always reliable though and you can't rely on it!
Things I’ve learned:

It’s all relatively easy to use – takes time to get into it and I’m still learning, but none of it is an issue. All pretty intuitive.

I need to stop myself becoming transfixed with the availability of information from the pump and sensor – this is the biggest development for me – I’ve gone from thinking about my diabetes say 5 or 6 times a day – whenever I took an injo or felt low, to having a permanent reminder stuck to me 24/7 – so there’s no escaping it. I find myself pulling out the pump to check my BG and to see if I’ve dosed correctly in the middle of a TV programme or in the middle of the night – I reckon this “always on” could wear me down after a while if I don’t manage it.

Biggest lesson is never change sets close to or just before bed – the impact of not having any background insulin overnight is incredible!! Went to bed at 4.6, woke up at 20….. Change before a meal and take a dose so you can confirm the change has worked.

Tegaderm film is fantastic for keeping the glucose sensor covered and attached. And relatively painless to remove. (And available on LTI - thanks to my nice pharmacist for arranging that!)

Filling an insulin reservoir is like a throw back to the early 80’s and a real retrograde step – reminds me of the old glass syringes – messy, time consuming and fiddly. Sort it out Medtronic!

So – ultimately – highly recommended.

CramCycle

Dick Dastardly wrote: »

I need to stop myself becoming transfixed with the availability of information from the pump and sensor – this is the biggest development for me – I’ve gone from thinking about my diabetes say 5 or 6 times a day – whenever I took an injo or felt low, to having a permanent reminder stuck to me 24/7 – so there’s no escaping it. I find myself pulling out the pump to check my BG and to see if I’ve dosed correctly in the middle of a TV programme or in the middle of the night – I reckon this “always on” could wear me down after a while if I don’t manage it.

Not the same thing but I have been without my pump for three days now and to be honest,it's a bit of a relief. 3 days of my son not pulling it out, misjudging the length of the cable, not having to remember to do a bit of jiggerry pokery when I use the bathroom.

I have to say, I am enjoying the constant reminder of my condition, not constantly reminding me, getting caught on seat belts, getting caught on door handles, corners of tables. Everytime I sit down, realising it is not in a comfortable position, waking up lying on top of it so its really really hot, that causing expansion so I have to change the set only a day after it goes in or waiting till half way through the workday to find out that, yes, it isn't working properly, again.

I will go back to it but I am enjoying the break. I do want to get something like the Anna PS t shirts but I can't justify 67euro for a cotton t shirt, does anyone have a cheaper version on their radar?

graflynn

It is with great pleasure that we announce confirmation of another great speaker at the Thrive-abetes; Thrive with Type 1 Diabetes conference.

Dr. Clare McVicker is the Director of Research Advocacy, at the type 1 diabetes research charity, JDRF in the United Kingdom. JDRF is the world’s leading charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research and its vision is a world without type 1 diabetes.


What is Thrive-abetes?

Thrive-abetes is a one day conference for adults living with type 1 diabetes and parents of children with diabetes, taking place on Saturday, the 3rd October 2015 in The Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

"Thrive-abetes" is a first-of-it's-kind event in Ireland - a conference organised by people with type 1 diabetes for people with type 1 diabetes!

This Type 1 Diabetes conference is going to focus on the psychological impact of living with a chronic, lifelong illness. We aim to provide “Inspiration, Motivation and Information” to people living with type 1 diabetes, both parents of children with diabetes and adults at our conference.

The speakers are internationally renowned in the diabetes community and we have 12 exhibitors from the diabetes pharmaceutical industry.

Find out more here.

Buford T. Justice XIX

I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad but I've just been recommended to go on the pump by my consultant. I have to do a 4 hour course when there are enough of us to do the course and i can make up my mind after, probably next month.

I wish i had paid more attention when you pump-people were posting now:o

Any site that you would recommend on pumps etc would be appreciated.

graflynn

Buford T. Justice V wrote: »

I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad but I've just been recommended to go on the pump by my consultant. I have to do a 4 hour course when there are enough of us to do the course and i can make up my mind after, probably next month.

I wish i had paid more attention when you pump-people were posting now:o

Any site that you would recommend on pumps etc would be appreciated.

There are so many sites that it would be hard to narrow it down. But a good start might be to get this book. I found it great when I was trying to prepare for the pump. It's available on amazon and other places, not just easons.

And this is a really good website to start with also.

Once you get the basics, you can start googling and just see what shows up.

KELTICKNIGHTT

Hi guys, I'm new to all this, to trying to make sense of it after shock, just got got told this week i have diabetes 2 and put on tablets called metophage , I'm still in shock a bit , hard to describe, after a month i getting more blood tests by gp and checking my levels to see if tabs dose ok or change needed, i'm told have to get eye test every eye, maybe this affect my vehicle insurance don't know and do my own glucose meter testing , i rang diabetes ireland and they sent me a booklet and a leaflet to join membership which i'm thinking about
I guess the gp picks the meter for me etc

graflynn

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote: »

Hi guys, I'm new to all this, to trying to make sense of it after shock, just got got told this week i have diabetes 2 and put on tablets called metophage , I'm still in shock a bit , hard to describe, after a month i getting more blood tests by gp and checking my levels to see if tabs dose ok or change needed, i'm told have to get eye test every eye, maybe this affect my vehicle insurance don't know and do my own glucose meter testing , i rang diabetes ireland and they sent me a booklet and a leaflet to join membership which i'm thinking about
I guess the gp picks the meter for me etc

If you are in the Munster area there are some type 2 support groups on this list that you can make contact with; https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EnKrcNl9ScZPnCVXmfjaI5zf0RnuMRsfMF_TJYgzxIM/edit?usp=sharing

KELTICKNIGHTT

graflynn wrote: »

If you are in the Munster area there are some type 2 support groups on this list that you can make contact with; https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EnKrcNl9ScZPnCVXmfjaI5zf0RnuMRsfMF_TJYgzxIM/edit?usp=sharing

thank you, i check it out

Aeternum

How did all you pump users go about getting yours? I'm only T1 for a little over a year and a half but seriously thinking along the lines of a pump - at the moment I get so paranoid about my levels that I either check them constantly which is really inconvenient when working - or else I refuse to check them at all because I don't want to know the result . Have an appt with the diabetes nurse next month and was thinking of bringing it up - anyone have any tips? I'm 20 YO and last HBA1C was 8%, am on Novorapid and Lantus.

Buford T. Justice XIX

Aeternum wrote: »

How did all you pump users go about getting yours? I'm only T1 for a little over a year and a half but seriously thinking along the lines of a pump - at the moment I get so paranoid about my levels that I either check them constantly which is really inconvenient when working - or else I refuse to check them at all because I don't want to know the result . Have an appt with the diabetes nurse next month and was thinking of bringing it up - anyone have any tips? I'm 20 YO and last HBA1C was 8%, am on Novorapid and Lantus.

My consultant told me last week i should do a course and think about going on the pump. On Lantus and Novorapid also for years but find the hypos bad on them so am being changed to something else from Novorapid(can't think of the name as bloods low:()

graflynn

Finally!! Registration for Thrive-abetes is open. Register here.

Thrive-abetes is a one day conference for parents of children with type 1 diabetes and adults living with type 1 diabetes.

It takes place on Saturday, October 3rd 2015 in Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

It is a first-of-it's-kind event in Ireland - a conference organised by people with type 1 diabetes for people with type 1 diabetes!

The speakers will include people who are internationally renowned in the diabetes community, including Joe Solowiejczyk who is a certified Diabetes Nurse, a Family Therapist, and has lived with Type 1 diabetes for over 50 years. He is also the author of A Type 1 Diabetes Guide to the Universe.

Kate Fakakerly is mother to Isobel who was diagnosed when she was two years old. Isobel is now 24 and hopes to present with Kate at “Thrive-abetes”. Kate is also Chair of the Families with Diabetes National Network UK, a network of all regional parent representatives in England who represent the views of families.

Helena Farrell, is founder of Diabetes Insight, and specialises in diabetes education, support and nutrition. Helena will give delegates some pointers on how to avoid diabetes burnout; a state of disillusionment and depression, in which all of the effort required of people with diabetes can sometimes lead to.

Dr. Kevin Moore, consultant endocrinologist in Tallaght Hospital and Naas General Hospital. Dr. Moore has worked tirelessly throughout his career to improve the lives of patients with diabetes.

And finally, Dr. Clare McVicker, head of advocacy at JDRF UK will update all of the delegates on the clinical trials of the closed loop artificial pancreas, beta cell encapsulation and other new developments in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.

We hope you can join us,
Grainne, Christine & Rebecca.

Alanstrainor

Quick question for all the pumpers out there, do you have your insulin pump insured in case you lose it, or it gets stolen, dropped in a lake etc etc?

It's something I hadn't considered, but medtronic do not cover such eventualities and charge you if it is lost. Prices range from 2400, to 4400 depending on the model....(excluding cost of sensors etc!)

CramCycle

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Quick question for all the pumpers out there, do you have your insulin pump insured in case you lose it, or it gets stolen, dropped in a lake etc etc?

It's something I hadn't considered, but medtronic do not cover such eventualities and charge you if it is lost. Prices range from 2400, to 4400 depending on the model....(excluding cost of sensors etc!)

I put mine on the house insurance, got a letter from the hospital with the value and submitted to them, seems to cover it even if completely my fault.

Alanstrainor

CramCycle wrote: »

I put mine on the house insurance, got a letter from the hospital with the value and submitted to them, seems to cover it even if completely my fault.

Yeah that seems to be the only way... now if only I had any...:(

CramCycle

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Yeah that seems to be the only way... now if only I had any...:(

If your renting, there are a few places that do renters specific contents insurance, Ulster Bank used to do it (for all types of renters) as well as a few others if you are living with family only.

I dropped gadget insurance and chill an e-mail to see if they cover them but I am doubtful, will let you know if I hear back.

Alanstrainor

CramCycle wrote: »

If your renting, there are a few places that do renters specific contents insurance, Ulster Bank used to do it (for all types of renters) as well as a few others if you are living with family only.

I dropped gadget insurance and chill an e-mail to see if they cover them but I am doubtful, will let you know if I hear back.

Cheers!

CramCycle

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Cheers!

Gadget Insurance have said they are unable to offer cover it.

I presume because most of their items covered are things that they would have access to cheap replacements and can recycle parts if it isn't stolen, therefore off setting the cost, I doubt they are used to gadgets worth up on 3,000euro

Alanstrainor

CramCycle wrote: »

Gadget Insurance have said they are unable to offer cover it.

I presume because most of their items covered are things that they would have access to cheap replacements and can recycle parts if it isn't stolen, therefore off setting the cost, I doubt they are used to gadgets worth up on 3,000euro

Or 4,400 in the case of mine (and that's not including the glucose sensor!)

I was in touch with VHI travel insurance to see what their stance is and was delighted to receive a mail stating that they would cover it. However, after a bit more back and forth they admitted that they would only cover €400 of the €4400 cost of the pump

I really shouldn't get too hung up about the whole situation. I have had a pump for almost 10 years now and not had any trouble, but as is always the way, it's better to have a backup plan in place before you run into any trouble!

kellyshell

Hi All,

just jumping in.......need advice!

So I have just been told I have mild diabetes and I need to control with lifestyle changes before we try medication. I love beer and wine and am overweight. I have cut down on carbs but doctor said I need them in every meal??

Has anyone any tips on carb portions and what to avoid?

thanks a million

CramCycle

kellyshell wrote: »

So I have just been told I have mild diabetes and I need to control with lifestyle changes before we try medication.

Most places will call it pre diabetes if you are looking it up online, never heard it called mild diabetes before.

I love beer and wine and am overweight. I have cut down on carbs but doctor said I need them in every meal??

You don't have to. It would be easier if you gave some info on what a typical day is food wise. Might be a case of little or no change, drastic change or minimal enough.

If you don't want to, thats fair, I would recommend exercise, an increase over your norm, and try and build up over time. Generally eat healthier, many people will have a good idea, lots of differing opinions but just cut down on any food/meal that contains high levels of two of these three things, sugar (anything in the ingredient list near the start that ends in "ose" or "syrup"), high fat and high carbs. You will see alot of fad recommendations recommending one of these things in large supply, my own gut says the issues arise when you mix at least two of them in your general meals.

kellyshell

Thanks CramCycle

typical day

Breakfast - Porridge / fruit and yogurt / roll with sausages (if busy in work but would have no lunch) / weekend eggs and rashers

lunch - tuna pasta / chicken salad / ham and cheese sandwich

dinner - meat two veg / spag bol / chilli / chicken stir fry / salmon & stir fry veg (all pasta is wholemeal).....some evenings I don't bother with dinner and would just have crackers or rice cakes.

wkends I will have a takeaway most of the time......also if lazy one night during the wk. I eat bread and crisps at the wkend

all food I cook would be from scratch as I am not a fan of ready meals. I love wine or beer with my dinner. I have cut down but there would be wks were I would have at least one drink with dinner every night and it would not be a small glass of wine

no exercise as I hurt my back but have been walking a bit more.

sorry about the long post but I wanted to be honest.

CramCycle

kellyshell wrote: »

Breakfast - Porridge / fruit and yogurt / roll with sausages (if busy in work but would have no lunch) / weekend eggs and rashers

Doesn't sound bad, are the yougurts sugary, maybe switch to natural ones (I could be wrong but i think they have less sugar). The rolls have huge levels of carbs, maybe cut it down to small rolls or half rolls. Do you have large bowls of porridge or lots of toast with your eggs and rashers.

lunch - tuna pasta / chicken salad / ham and cheese sandwich

Sounds fine, better than me so far

dinner - meat two veg / spag bol / chilli / chicken stir fry / salmon & stir fry veg (all pasta is wholemeal).....some evenings I don't bother with dinner and would just have crackers or rice cakes.

Again, better than me. Portion sizes are going to be your issue here, if they are large, make them smaller or cut down on the potatoes/pasta/noodles compared to what you normally have.

wkends I will have a takeaway most of the time......also if lazy one night during the wk. I eat bread and crisps at the wkend

Just cut down your levels, nothing wrong with treats

all food I cook would be from scratch as I am not a fan of ready meals. I love wine or beer with my dinner. I have cut down but there would be wks were I would have at least one drink with dinner every night and it would not be a small glass of wine

Doesn't sound terrible.

no exercise as I hurt my back but have been walking a bit more.

Can you look at other forms of exercise, swimming would be good, a bit of gym work. Do you know what causes the back pain, can a physio help? Could they provide you with suitable exercises?

sorry about the long post but I wanted to be honest.

It was quite short and there is nothing overly inappropriate in terms of what you eat, particularly compared to a typical Irish diet you sound like you are on a healthy road.

Do you have any experience with carb counting, can you give us an idea of the grams you are on per meal at the minute?

The simplest advice is more excercise and cut down on the takeaways and booze and your half way there with about as minimal effort as you can get away with. It is tough though, any time I have changed my diet I get severe cravings on par with a drug addict (I imagine), but I have an addictive personality.

kellyshell

from what you are saying portion control, exercise and booze will be what I need to look into. Porridge would be the 30g sachet from aldi. I do add a teaspoon of sugar to porridge and make with full fat milk. I love a big bowl of pasta so will half that bread I wont really buy anymore but I wont lie if its in the house at the wkend I could have four slices of toast so that's why I try not have it there.

physio did not work, I need to walk to ease out the muscles so will step that up a notch.

from the diabetes website, they say low fat yogurts but I thought natural greek yogurt is better for you (that would be what I normally have).

I wouldn't have an additive personality but dreading cutting down booze I love nights out and I know we don't need booze to enjoy ourselves but I love a pint of beer

CramCycle

kellyshell wrote: »

from what you are saying portion control, exercise and booze will be what I need to look into. Porridge would be the 30g sachet from aldi. I do add a teaspoon of sugar to porridge and make with full fat milk. I love a big bowl of pasta so will half that bread I wont really buy anymore but I wont lie if its in the house at the wkend I could have four slices of toast so that's why I try not have it there.

Sounds like a good start

physio did not work, I need to walk to ease out the muscles so will step that up a notch.

From experience, try another physio, they are not all created equal, and some do far more or far better than others. Can you swim or cycle, if it seems possible, and walking is all their is for the minute, just start increasing the distance once a week, make sure it is regular, every day as well.

from the diabetes website, they say low fat yogurts but I thought natural greek yogurt is better for you (that would be what I normally have).

That would be my opinion as well but make sure they are not ones with any fruit or flavourings, the added sugar content (often not clearly labelled) can be horrendously high. Unless its the plain greek yougurt, I would cut it out. The same can be said for regular yougurt, if its got added flavour, there is a good chance there is added sugar.