T1 diabetics thread
Discussion
Brainpox said:
Chilly for June said:
Had my worst hypo experience ever last night. Luckily the wife spotted it due to the amount of sweat coming off me and apparently I was convulsing.
I have no memory of anything except not wanting to wake up when she was shouting at me and then me physically unable to wake up (if that makes sense)
All good this morning but scary at the times.
Scary, glad you came out ok. I have no memory of anything except not wanting to wake up when she was shouting at me and then me physically unable to wake up (if that makes sense)
All good this morning but scary at the times.
Do you have a glucagon kit in the fridge/does your wife know how to use it?
Obviously it's a dire situation but if someone isn't waking up you don't want to be putting anything in their mouth if you can avoid it.
I've been using the omnipod for a few days now. Another huge step forward after my CGM revelation.
The ease of administering a dose as opposed to up to 8 injections a day is a fantastic, tiny amounts too. Sometimes the machine recommends bolus adjustments of just 0.15u! It informs you of insulin on board (bolus still in the system) and takes account in the calc. You can ask it to split and delay a bolus for tricky meals (pizza)
The really big thing is the basal rate, it used to take me days to assess changes. Now it's immediate, different basal at different times of the day, reduce basal for exercise or low BS, increase basal for buffets or lazy days, sick days.
A number of basal programmes can be set up for different activities too.
ie work, weekends, holidays, traveling or whatever. Plus temporary short basal programmes so a few hours at the gym? No probs click the preset.
The ease of administering a dose as opposed to up to 8 injections a day is a fantastic, tiny amounts too. Sometimes the machine recommends bolus adjustments of just 0.15u! It informs you of insulin on board (bolus still in the system) and takes account in the calc. You can ask it to split and delay a bolus for tricky meals (pizza)
The really big thing is the basal rate, it used to take me days to assess changes. Now it's immediate, different basal at different times of the day, reduce basal for exercise or low BS, increase basal for buffets or lazy days, sick days.
A number of basal programmes can be set up for different activities too.
ie work, weekends, holidays, traveling or whatever. Plus temporary short basal programmes so a few hours at the gym? No probs click the preset.
It's another great game changer.
There are different types and manufacturers of insulin pumps. I opted for the omnipod, tubeless, simple and neat. About the size of a match box, mines on my abdomen for now but other sites can be used. The pod gets replaced every 3 days (you fill it with your regular fast acting insulin) controlled with a smart phone size PDM via bluetooth.
NHS funded. It doesn't talk to the libre, you enter BS readings, it'll calculate a recommended dose and administer. Surprisingly accurate with corrections too.
Initial set up takes a while, 2 hour video conference. I'm still in the tweaking phase. No injections since Wednesday!
I'm using humalog but can see this working really well with a very fast insulin like Fiasp. The next stage will be when pumps and cgm are seamlessly integrated.
I understand there is a pump/cgm system that automatically adjusts the basal rate. And I here stories of loopers, software hacks to get, closed loop, functionality from the omnipod/libre/miao miao.
ETA, to give you an idea of functionality.
I checked my BS an hour after breakfast, slightly high entered figure into PDM. It advised me of 'insulin on board' and recommended another 0.25u, which it then delivered. (you have to click OK to authorise any bolus)
We do some long continental drives when allowed, often my sugars run high, I hate risking lows on these trips. However my wife can now check my sugar and administer a correction (bolus or fruit pastille) whilst I'm at the wheel.
How neat is that!
There are different types and manufacturers of insulin pumps. I opted for the omnipod, tubeless, simple and neat. About the size of a match box, mines on my abdomen for now but other sites can be used. The pod gets replaced every 3 days (you fill it with your regular fast acting insulin) controlled with a smart phone size PDM via bluetooth.
NHS funded. It doesn't talk to the libre, you enter BS readings, it'll calculate a recommended dose and administer. Surprisingly accurate with corrections too.
Initial set up takes a while, 2 hour video conference. I'm still in the tweaking phase. No injections since Wednesday!
I'm using humalog but can see this working really well with a very fast insulin like Fiasp. The next stage will be when pumps and cgm are seamlessly integrated.
I understand there is a pump/cgm system that automatically adjusts the basal rate. And I here stories of loopers, software hacks to get, closed loop, functionality from the omnipod/libre/miao miao.
ETA, to give you an idea of functionality.
I checked my BS an hour after breakfast, slightly high entered figure into PDM. It advised me of 'insulin on board' and recommended another 0.25u, which it then delivered. (you have to click OK to authorise any bolus)
We do some long continental drives when allowed, often my sugars run high, I hate risking lows on these trips. However my wife can now check my sugar and administer a correction (bolus or fruit pastille) whilst I'm at the wheel.
How neat is that!
Edited by PositronicRay on Monday 2nd November 09:10
Casa1862 said:
Sounds great, regarding the NHS funding, was it a battle to get the pump? My son has been diagnosed a couple of months ago and the DN mentioned that even getting a Freestyle Libra was difficult never mind a pump. I was thinking of self funding a dexcon or Libra but obviously better on the NHS.
My specialist suggested it, they'll follow a Nice criteria I imagine. mike9009 said:
PositronicRay said:
My specialist suggested it, they'll follow a Nice criteria I imagine.
I am being lazy but what is the NICE criteria for the pump? Why do you think it was recommended for you?Is it comfortable to wear? Really surprised the CGM and omnipod can't talk to each other, surely this is a 'simple' software integration? Do you tell it what you are about to eat too?? What about exercise? Maybe they could link it to a Fitbit too??
Thanks again....
Input BS and carbs, it suggests a dose from parameters previously entered. ie carb to insulin ratio, correction over x etc. If I want a correction at odd times its easier than fiddling around with pens, plus the PDM logs exactly what's been done, when and how much insulin is still active.
You can temporarily suspend, increase or decrease insulin, so exercise is easy. Like the libre you don't notice it too much.
I'm not sure of the nice criteria, apparently I didn't hit it but some discretion was exercised.
mike9009 said:
PositronicRay said:
I think the talking to will come, guessing they'll want it to be pretty robust 1st
Input BS and carbs, it suggests a dose from parameters previously entered. ie carb to insulin ratio, correction over x etc. If I want a correction at odd times its easier than fiddling around with pens, plus the PDM logs exactly what's been done, when and how much insulin is still active.
You can temporarily suspend, increase or decrease insulin, so exercise is easy. Like the libre you don't notice it too much.
I'm not sure of the nice criteria, apparently I didn't hit it but some discretion was exercised.
How are you getting along with it now? Hope it is still working for you.Input BS and carbs, it suggests a dose from parameters previously entered. ie carb to insulin ratio, correction over x etc. If I want a correction at odd times its easier than fiddling around with pens, plus the PDM logs exactly what's been done, when and how much insulin is still active.
You can temporarily suspend, increase or decrease insulin, so exercise is easy. Like the libre you don't notice it too much.
I'm not sure of the nice criteria, apparently I didn't hit it but some discretion was exercised.
I have an appointment in the next month. I must do some more research into this before then to see if it would work for me.
It makes life so easy. e. g. Yesterday I was a little low before lunch, eat lunch, no bolus and take dog for a walk. 20mins in BS starting to come up, a click on the PDM and 1.6u boius administered. I didn't even break step.
Because basal is adjustable it gives you another adjustment choice. Eg a little high at bedtime? Increase basal x 30% for 4hrs.
Exercise? Decrease basal by 25% for 3hrs.
Pizza? Split bolus over 3 hours.
Still learning and tweaking but honestly its the dogs danglies.
mike9009 said:
A little update after five months with Libre. My HBA1C is 51 which I am absolutely chuffed with. For the past 40years I have been hovering around 68, so a massive improvement.
There is still some improvements to make. I think I need to make some dietary changes and maybe inject another ten minutes before meals. I'll see what the specialist says at my review in a few weeks.....
Good result. There is still some improvements to make. I think I need to make some dietary changes and maybe inject another ten minutes before meals. I'll see what the specialist says at my review in a few weeks.....
Mine was similar fron a worst of 67 down to 53 with Libre.
Since starting the omnipod insulin pump, 4weeks ago. I think my results are slightly worse, but not missing MDI and still getting used to it.
mike9009 said:
Is anyone else experiencing delays in getting insulin? Specifically Humalog seems to be taking a couple of weeks to come through the last couple of times I have needed it....
I am using Tesco pharmacy at the moment after my doctor's advised not to use Lloyds during COVID...( It is small and pokey!)
Thanks
Not noticed, but it's months between insulin scripts for me. I am using Tesco pharmacy at the moment after my doctor's advised not to use Lloyds during COVID...( It is small and pokey!)
Thanks
Brainpox said:
I've been put on a Libre 2, on a starter pack at the moment but should be put on repeat early next week.
What a game changer. Being able to scan directly to your phone is so convenient. Lots of options in app too.
It's going to be much easier managing when we're allowed out to play again. The finger pricks never bothered me but carrying the machine plus spare batteries around did...
Looking forward to the additional features on the libre 2 (currently on freestyle)What a game changer. Being able to scan directly to your phone is so convenient. Lots of options in app too.
It's going to be much easier managing when we're allowed out to play again. The finger pricks never bothered me but carrying the machine plus spare batteries around did...
Once pump integration is introduced it'll be another huge step.
mike9009 said:
Clifford Chambers said:
Libre 2 incoming. Looking forward to the extra functionality and warnings.
Did you have to request Libre 2 or did they just migrate you across? Not heard anything from my GP, but I haven't asked. Is the original Libre being phased out??AIUI libre freestyle is being phased out and replaced with Libre 2 in due course.
With me it's a sign of stress or illness.
If I'm developing a cold, my BG is high before any other symptoms.
The omnipod helps, more adjustable plus different basal rates (and temp basal rates) at different times of the day. So I can boost insulin in the morning then cut it right back before it comes crashing down later in the day.
I even have a basal rate preset, just for stressful situations.
If I'm developing a cold, my BG is high before any other symptoms.
The omnipod helps, more adjustable plus different basal rates (and temp basal rates) at different times of the day. So I can boost insulin in the morning then cut it right back before it comes crashing down later in the day.
I even have a basal rate preset, just for stressful situations.
mike9009 said:
Thanks Clifford!
I don't feel stressed and blood pressure is fine too. Easter weekend meant no work....maybe the kids are stressing me out?
This morning is slightly better, although I did go low in the night again and then woke up at 8.3. Note - I don't wake up or take any carbs for this. This is a fairly typical pattern for me.
I am wondering about changing my long acting insulin injection from night time to first thing in the morning. Tresiba evidently acts over 24 hours.....
It's a while since I've used a separate basal. Humalog is the only insulin I use now. I don't feel stressed and blood pressure is fine too. Easter weekend meant no work....maybe the kids are stressing me out?
This morning is slightly better, although I did go low in the night again and then woke up at 8.3. Note - I don't wake up or take any carbs for this. This is a fairly typical pattern for me.
I am wondering about changing my long acting insulin injection from night time to first thing in the morning. Tresiba evidently acts over 24 hours.....
Just started on Libre 2
Usefully it has high/low alarms on a Bluetooth arrangement, it still uses NFC for the scan though. Also seems less lag although maybe just me.
Why it uses 2 different comms is anyone's guess, I'd also like more alarms so I'd be warned over say 10 and 13.9mmol.
Still it's an improvement until closed loop tech becomes reliable. That really will be a game changer.
Usefully it has high/low alarms on a Bluetooth arrangement, it still uses NFC for the scan though. Also seems less lag although maybe just me.
Why it uses 2 different comms is anyone's guess, I'd also like more alarms so I'd be warned over say 10 and 13.9mmol.
Still it's an improvement until closed loop tech becomes reliable. That really will be a game changer.
Edited by How u doing on Monday 3rd May 14:49
Brainpox said:
I've asked myself that question regularly. I assume it's to conserve battery.
The bluetooth is only active if it needs to send an alert (it doesn't send you the reading, just tells you you're either high or low).
If it was sending every reading every minute it would eat the battery on the sensor (and your phone for that matter).
It's more than good enough for me, but there are certainly improvements to be made for future versions.
Yes I suppose that's it, maybe rechargeables, Miaow Miaow seem to manage it. The bluetooth is only active if it needs to send an alert (it doesn't send you the reading, just tells you you're either high or low).
If it was sending every reading every minute it would eat the battery on the sensor (and your phone for that matter).
It's more than good enough for me, but there are certainly improvements to be made for future versions.
Feirny said:
How u doing said:
Feirny said:
My omnipod kit is being delivered this week, hoping to get it started ASAP.
Good bit of kit, (covid vaccine excepted) I've been injection free since Oct. More work than you think certainly not fit and forget. Lower hypo rate, adjustable basal for work, rest and play plus the ability to bolus anywhere. I don't use the extended bolus (buffet snacking etc) just give myself a small correction(s) as req.
Tiny adjustments possible, no juggling pens and needles, a record of what where and when and no trying to seek out yet another injection site.
Also When on MDI I'd take insulin then play catch up with sweeties.
dogz said:
Hi guys
Just discovered this thread. I’ve been a T1 for about 34 years. I’m reasonably well controlled - hba1c is 6.7 currently but i’d like to get it a bit tighter
The main issue I have is blood sugar spiking in the night after drinking
I’ve got the Libre 2 - it’s a complete game changer
I’ve also been looking at the pod pumps. Once there is integration with the libre sensors then I’ll probably get one as it will be a bit like an artificial pancreas.
I’m also keen to see what the next Apple Watch has to offer as glucose monitoring has been mentioned.
Dexcom already have a closed loop system, it only adjusts the basal though. Just discovered this thread. I’ve been a T1 for about 34 years. I’m reasonably well controlled - hba1c is 6.7 currently but i’d like to get it a bit tighter
The main issue I have is blood sugar spiking in the night after drinking
I’ve got the Libre 2 - it’s a complete game changer
I’ve also been looking at the pod pumps. Once there is integration with the libre sensors then I’ll probably get one as it will be a bit like an artificial pancreas.
I’m also keen to see what the next Apple Watch has to offer as glucose monitoring has been mentioned.
I've also had problems with sugars spiking at night, omnipod helps. It's just so easy to administer an extra bolus. The main benefit for me is being able to tailor the basal, more at night then ease off during the day, using bolus to control stuff more.
You can set up different basal profiles, I have work, rest and stress for instance, plus temp presets for those times when you need a little more or less for a few hours.
I imagine we'll see a closed loop omnipod 18-24 months would be my guess
Brainpox said:
Chilly for June said:
I got freestyle libre sensor 2 prescribed the other day and it didn't have the alcoholic wipes inside. Anyone else noticed this? Seems a bit of an extreme cost cutting measure if so.
The instructions still tell you to wipe with and alcoholic wipe but funnily enough I don't keep these in stock!
Yep, both of the boxes I picked up last time did not include any wipes. The instructions still tell you to wipe with and alcoholic wipe but funnily enough I don't keep these in stock!
It shouldn't be a cost cutting measure. As wipes go the included ones are cheap as anything and they are needed to remove oils in the skin sufficiently to ensure the sticky back lasts two weeks. I'm hoping it's just a weak batch.
I don't suppose these are medically approved.
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