| Anyone on here have diabetes? 11:48 - Jul 26 with 3348 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
I know almost nothing about the illness, and am about to start working with a company who makes a real time continuous glucose monitor for patients. Is there some insight you can give me on how important/useful this is, what are the issues with not having such a device, what are the things you can and can't do with diabetes generally, etc?
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 12:00 - Jul 26 with 3269 views | USA |
I use the Abbott Libre sensor. It’s brilliant and it provides real time blood sugar readings direct to my phone all the time. It can alarm if your blood sugar is going high or low, at an upper or lower level set by me and definitely helps manage the disease so much better than manual finger pricks which I only used to do twice a day.
They recently updated the app to show real time readings without the need to scan it with my phone. This is brilliant but as I now almost never scan it, the logbook that is created with each scan is now almost empty. It would be a vast improvement if it automatically logged a reading every hour which helps when you want to look back at data.
What else would you like to know? |  |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 12:27 - Jul 26 with 3205 views | Swansea_Blue |
Bit of a life changer/potential life saver based on people I know who have them. Diabetics can’t produce insulin to moderate blood sugar levels, so they can fluctuate from dangerously high to dangerously low.
Real time monitors take the uncertainty away (old school was a prick test before meals to gauge their levels). When combined with an insulin dosing pump they level off levels throughout the day. In a nutshell.
I’ve no idea on the benefits of particular types/brands though. Sounds like you’ve got a bit of research to do 👍 |  |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 12:36 - Jul 26 with 3171 views | jaykay |
i take it you are talking about type 2 not type 1 ? |  |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 12:52 - Jul 26 with 3130 views | Basuco |
Prior to these devices, diabetics had to either eat according to the amount of insulin taken or calculate the carbohydrate value of a meal and calculate the shot of insulin to bring blood sugars down. There was a background long acting insulin taken morning and night and short acting taken after eating. Blood sugars are affected by temperature hot or clod), exercise and food intake, it is not an exact science and sometimes sugars can swing wildly high and low. both are very dangerous and can lead to a coma. The new monitors and insulin pumps help significantly in maintaining blood sugar levels within "normal" limits. High sugars cause a multitude of nasty complications affecting eye's, kidney's, heart, skin, blood pressure being just a few. Type 1 is caused by the immune system seeing the pancreas as a foreign body and attacks it, it then moves on to attack other part of the body if sugars are not controlled. Often but not always type 1 is diagnosed around puberty. These monitors and pumps are brilliant in helping to control sugars and prevent the complications further down the line. |  | | |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 13:05 - Jul 26 with 3085 views | Basuco |
Also, in most people, alcohol makes your blood sugar crash low, so diabetics have to give less insulin or eat more carbs before going for a drink, which is why non diabetics often go for the kabab van or chippy after a few bears. Having very low sugars also looks very similar to being drunk, so these monitors can show instantly if it is high alcohol or low blood sugar, which are treated very differently. | | | |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 13:07 - Jul 26 with 3065 views | fabian_illness |
My dad has diabetes.
He thinks it was down to the amount of Haribo he got through. |  | | |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 13:27 - Jul 26 with 2993 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 12:36 - Jul 26 by jaykay |
i take it you are talking about type 2 not type 1 ? |
I have no idea. | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 13:29 - Jul 26 with 2984 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 12:52 - Jul 26 by Basuco |
Prior to these devices, diabetics had to either eat according to the amount of insulin taken or calculate the carbohydrate value of a meal and calculate the shot of insulin to bring blood sugars down. There was a background long acting insulin taken morning and night and short acting taken after eating. Blood sugars are affected by temperature hot or clod), exercise and food intake, it is not an exact science and sometimes sugars can swing wildly high and low. both are very dangerous and can lead to a coma. The new monitors and insulin pumps help significantly in maintaining blood sugar levels within "normal" limits. High sugars cause a multitude of nasty complications affecting eye's, kidney's, heart, skin, blood pressure being just a few. Type 1 is caused by the immune system seeing the pancreas as a foreign body and attacks it, it then moves on to attack other part of the body if sugars are not controlled. Often but not always type 1 is diagnosed around puberty. These monitors and pumps are brilliant in helping to control sugars and prevent the complications further down the line. |
Very useful, thanks. | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 13:52 - Jul 26 with 2934 views | Keno |
not diabetic but I suffered from bouts of severe hypoglycemia
I do have a device for taking blood sugar reading when I feel I need to and have looked at a continuous monitor but not have needed to. |  |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 14:45 - Jul 26 with 2837 views | USA |
Also it is illegal to drive if your sugar level is below 5mmol. Therefore these devices allow a driver to check their sugar at any point to ensure they’re remaining legal | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 14:51 - Jul 26 with 2820 views | DanTheMan |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 12:52 - Jul 26 by Basuco |
Prior to these devices, diabetics had to either eat according to the amount of insulin taken or calculate the carbohydrate value of a meal and calculate the shot of insulin to bring blood sugars down. There was a background long acting insulin taken morning and night and short acting taken after eating. Blood sugars are affected by temperature hot or clod), exercise and food intake, it is not an exact science and sometimes sugars can swing wildly high and low. both are very dangerous and can lead to a coma. The new monitors and insulin pumps help significantly in maintaining blood sugar levels within "normal" limits. High sugars cause a multitude of nasty complications affecting eye's, kidney's, heart, skin, blood pressure being just a few. Type 1 is caused by the immune system seeing the pancreas as a foreign body and attacks it, it then moves on to attack other part of the body if sugars are not controlled. Often but not always type 1 is diagnosed around puberty. These monitors and pumps are brilliant in helping to control sugars and prevent the complications further down the line. |
I had a friend who was Type 1. When they get low it's really terrifying, like a drunk zombie. Remember one time he got really low (low enough the parademic was amazed he was even conscious) and he completely busted the doors of an elevator. You couldn't go near him really as he was just completely out of it and smashing stuff. |  |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:03 - Jul 26 with 2721 views | factual_blue |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 14:45 - Jul 26 by USA |
Also it is illegal to drive if your sugar level is below 5mmol. Therefore these devices allow a driver to check their sugar at any point to ensure they’re remaining legal |
I think it is. All diabetics are advised by their GP and DVLA to check their sugars before driving. If they are too low, then to take a sugar boost (non-diet coke, jelly babies etc) and test again 45 minutes later before driving.
If you've been a diabetic for a longish time, you'll spot the signs of falling sugars anyway without the need for a test. |  |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:09 - Jul 26 with 2707 views | Keno |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:03 - Jul 26 by factual_blue |
I think it is. All diabetics are advised by their GP and DVLA to check their sugars before driving. If they are too low, then to take a sugar boost (non-diet coke, jelly babies etc) and test again 45 minutes later before driving.
If you've been a diabetic for a longish time, you'll spot the signs of falling sugars anyway without the need for a test. |
This is true for people like me, I know the signs and if I dont check them in time will ultimate migraine and basically crash out | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:15 - Jul 26 with 2703 views | factual_blue |
These monitors are I think primarily of use for type one diabetics, who have to monitor sugars more closely (essentially a type one diabetic doesn't produce insulin whereas a type two doesn't produce enough insulin). Type ones may have to test their sugars with a finger prick test six or seven times a day, so this sort of constant monitoring is of great value to them. That's reflected by the NHS use of real-time monitors; they tend to only issue them to type ones. Type two diabetics are likely to buy their own.
What can you do as a diabetic? Pretty well anything, so long as match your insulin to your activity levels, The more active you're going to be, the less insulin you need, and vice versa. Plenty of top-level athletes/sportsmen are/were diabetic: Gary Mabbutt, Sir Steve Redgrave, Billy Jean King and Arthur Ashe.
Recognised as an illness since at least Roman times, the disease used to be known as 'the pissing disease'. With it undiagnosed you pee like its going out of fashion, whilst having an unquenchable thirst.
Before the development of insulin as a treatment in the 1920s, it was a death sentence. You could only survive as long as a highly restricted diet allowed to survive.
JRR Tolkien's mother, for example, collapsed into a diabetic coma and died when he was twelve. | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:17 - Jul 26 with 2703 views | Ryorry |
When your new colleagues congratulate you on the breadth of your knowledge, will you tell them you've been carrying out research through your TWTD focus group? :) |  |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:22 - Jul 26 with 2690 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:17 - Jul 26 by Ryorry |
When your new colleagues congratulate you on the breadth of your knowledge, will you tell them you've been carrying out research through your TWTD focus group? :) |
Absolutely! | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:23 - Jul 26 with 2686 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:15 - Jul 26 by factual_blue |
These monitors are I think primarily of use for type one diabetics, who have to monitor sugars more closely (essentially a type one diabetic doesn't produce insulin whereas a type two doesn't produce enough insulin). Type ones may have to test their sugars with a finger prick test six or seven times a day, so this sort of constant monitoring is of great value to them. That's reflected by the NHS use of real-time monitors; they tend to only issue them to type ones. Type two diabetics are likely to buy their own.
What can you do as a diabetic? Pretty well anything, so long as match your insulin to your activity levels, The more active you're going to be, the less insulin you need, and vice versa. Plenty of top-level athletes/sportsmen are/were diabetic: Gary Mabbutt, Sir Steve Redgrave, Billy Jean King and Arthur Ashe.
Recognised as an illness since at least Roman times, the disease used to be known as 'the pissing disease'. With it undiagnosed you pee like its going out of fashion, whilst having an unquenchable thirst.
Before the development of insulin as a treatment in the 1920s, it was a death sentence. You could only survive as long as a highly restricted diet allowed to survive.
JRR Tolkien's mother, for example, collapsed into a diabetic coma and died when he was twelve. |
That's great, thanks Facters (and everyone else in the thread - I am a little bit wiser!) | |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:59 - Jul 26 with 2628 views | BigCommon |
I'm type 2, under control with medication and sensible diet...
I do a couple of daily finger prick blood tests, old school style. Just to let me know I'm staying on track.....
The constant monitor you mention would have plenty of upsides to newly diagnosed , type 2 patients... Not only indicating the foodstuffs that give them a blood glucose spike. But would also highlight the immediate benefit of daily exercise. Which would enable someone to tailor their lifestyle a whole lot quicker than the "trial and error" method that I went through, when first diagnosed.
There are basic guide lines on food. But we are all different, so some foods that one person is ok with, might spike the next person.. What I mean is, following a manual is not a perfect way to go. As mentioned, there can be a lot of trial and error. A continuous visual reading, would help someone get on track much quicker than manual blood tests over weeks of trying different diets and exercise regimes...
Imo, what you should be doing as a type 2 diabetic....
Ditch processed foods, especially sugar or food that contain sugar..
Ditch or at least cut down on carbs, which our bodies turn to sugar. If you are going to eat carbs, get plenty of fibre into your diet, a percentage of simple sugars will stick to the fibre and pass out as waste, instead of ending up in your bloodstream.. Fibrous carbs like carrots, parsnips, Broccoli, etc wont spike you as much... Ditching non fibrous carbs is the hard bit. Stuff like rice, wheat based products like bread, pasta, biscuits, crisps, as well as potatoes. Which make up the bulk of your shopping.. Try to buy whole meal pasta, whole meal bread etc, to add some fibre..
Exercise daily, no matter how little, something is better than nothing...And you'll be amazed at how half an hours walking can lower blood glucose levels.
Most important. Don't be afraid. Its big news getting diagnosed with type 2, or pre diabetes. And can knock you back a bit. A few lifestyle tweaks will soon get you under control within a few months... Once you cut the crap out of your diet, food actually tastes better...
Cant comment on Type 1 Im afraid... |  | | |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 18:10 - Jul 26 with 2554 views | factual_blue |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:09 - Jul 26 by Keno |
This is true for people like me, I know the signs and if I dont check them in time will ultimate migraine and basically crash out |
Ditto.
My diabetes hit very quickly when I was 50. At the time I was working in Ipswich. Setting out on the drive there in the morning meant drinking a vast amount of water because I was so thirsty. I'd have to stop at Stowmarket Tesco for the loo and something to drink - typically another litre of something. I'd be bursting for the loo when I arrived at work, and once had use a drain in the car park.
An urgent appointment with my GP led to a quick diagnosis. My sugar was at 28 (five would be a normal non-diabetic reading). My wife was briefed on what to do if I collapsed into a diabetic coma overnight, but fortunately I didn't. Up to the hospital the next day and straight on to insulin. | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 18:53 - Jul 26 with 2503 views | Keno |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 18:10 - Jul 26 by factual_blue |
Ditto.
My diabetes hit very quickly when I was 50. At the time I was working in Ipswich. Setting out on the drive there in the morning meant drinking a vast amount of water because I was so thirsty. I'd have to stop at Stowmarket Tesco for the loo and something to drink - typically another litre of something. I'd be bursting for the loo when I arrived at work, and once had use a drain in the car park.
An urgent appointment with my GP led to a quick diagnosis. My sugar was at 28 (five would be a normal non-diabetic reading). My wife was briefed on what to do if I collapsed into a diabetic coma overnight, but fortunately I didn't. Up to the hospital the next day and straight on to insulin. |
My issue is the other way round.
I'm not sure Ive ever done a reading over 5, usually its between 3 and 4 but on occasions drops much lower.
I few years ago my Dr, who didnt believe I had an issue, asked me to have a 'light easting day' and when I saw him a 5pm my blood sugar was 0.5%. In answer to him asking 'and how are feeling" I replied 'Sh1t"
I went home, ate a mars bars drank a bottle of luzcoade and crashed out for 4 hours | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 19:24 - Jul 26 with 2450 views | chicoazul |
Avoid Haribo. |  |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 20:57 - Jul 26 with 2392 views | factual_blue |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 16:23 - Jul 26 by The_Flashing_Smile |
That's great, thanks Facters (and everyone else in the thread - I am a little bit wiser!) |
Also, a Suffolk GP (now retired) was co-writing a screenplay about the isolation of insulin, a hormone, back in the 1920s. This was what led to the ability to synthesise insulin and thus save millions of lives.
The three or four scientists unsurprisingly won the Nobel Prize. However, they ended up hating each other - I think possibly even coming to blows - and wouldn't collect the Nobel Prize jointly.
You can see, I think, the possibilities for a dramatic fillum. | |
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| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 22:26 - Jul 26 with 2320 views | Bluespeed225 |
Daughter uses the Dexcom, via her phone, very easy. However, she was diagnosed at 11, has been in denial almost ever since, 3 near death experiences, we've collected her from Brighton hospital for one of those, she gets DKA monthly, acidic vomitting, where the body is basically eating itself which has led to having nearly all teeth out at 24, chuck in weed, its a toxic mix.
My mates son got it at 13. he's now 16, just left school. Took it by the horns, manages it, lives life, barely registers. | | | |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 22:34 - Jul 26 with 2306 views | CarpyBlue |
A real-time continuous glucose monitor is a revolutionary device that has transformed the lives of diabetes patients. This technology provides individuals with a constant stream of data regarding their blood sugar levels, allowing them to make informed decisions about their diet, medication, and overall lifestyle. The importance of a real-time CGM cannot be overstated for diabetes patients.
This device eliminates the need for frequent finger pricks to measure blood glucose levels. Traditionally, individuals with diabetes had to rely on intermittent measurements throughout the day, which could be inconvenient and painful.
With a real-time CGM, patients can effortlessly monitor their glucose levels without any discomfort.
This technology also provides valuable insights into how certain foods and activities affect blood sugar levels. By analysing the data provided by the CGM, patients can identify patterns and make adjustments accordingly.
For example, if they notice that their glucose levels spike after consuming certain foods or engaging in specific exercises, they can modify their diet or exercise routine to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Additionally, a real-time CGM allows for immediate action in case of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia episodes. The device alerts users when their glucose levels are too high or too low so that they can take appropriate measures promptly.
This feature is particularly crucial during sleep when individuals may not be aware of dangerous fluctuations in their blood sugar levels. |  | | |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 23:17 - Jul 26 with 2261 views | BlueBadger |
| Anyone on here have diabetes? on 14:51 - Jul 26 by DanTheMan |
I had a friend who was Type 1. When they get low it's really terrifying, like a drunk zombie. Remember one time he got really low (low enough the parademic was amazed he was even conscious) and he completely busted the doors of an elevator. You couldn't go near him really as he was just completely out of it and smashing stuff. |
As a critical care nurse, I can assure you all that them getting high is pretty offing scary as well. |  |
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