Tuesday 26 July 2011

Setting the ball rolling.

This week I have started the DAFNE course.  'DAFNE' stands for 'Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating' and the course itself aims to educate type 1 diabetics on how to calculate the right amount of insulin to give, depending on certain variables (e.g. blood sugar level at the time, amount of carbohydrate being eaten, excercise, sickness etc.)

I have contemplated doing DAFNE for several years, but had always made various excuses as to why I couldn't make it.  I realise now that, at the time, a lack of detailed knowledge about my diabetes made me all too comfortable.  Ignorance is bliss and everything.

Sometimes diabetes feels like such an effort.  Blood tests, injections, changing needles and insulin cartridges, requesting prescriptions, collecting prescriptions, eating, carb counting, making sure I've got my insulin, blood testing monitor, glucose tabs etc. and all the other thought processes and actions that diabetes consumes.  For a long time, I just don't think I had the faintest clue about where to start.

DAFNE seems to be helping with that already.  It takes everything back to basics and gives you a clear point from which to spot patterns, recognise errors, correct them and start to gain control over your diabetes again.

Diabetes will always require my time and attention, but I know that it is well worth the effort.  I suppose the fact that I finally got my act together and said 'yes!' to DAFNE shows that I am willing to concentrate on my diabetes.  One step at a time, I will gain stable control.

"You don't have to get it perfect, you just have to get it going.  Babies don't walk the first time they try, but eventually they get it right." Jack Canfield


My dad's fiancé made this cup-cake for me last week.  It only stayed on my plate long enough for me to take this photo as a reminder of how lovely it looked.  Then, it was in my tummy!  It was delicious and a real treat (upped my insulin dose for sure). 
Thank you Jane! ♥

3 comments:

  1. DAFNE sounds like it makes perfect sense! and i believe it can make life a little easier once you get the hang of it. and you are right, ignorance is bliss, but then bliss bites your a**! enjoy your cupcakes ~ just remember to bolus for them!!!

    p.s. i love the quote, it's soooo true!!!!

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  2. Great quote, and what a gorgeous cupcake!!! D sure is overwhelming at times, hope DAFNE continues to be a help! :)

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  3. I'm going on a similar course later this year so it's great to know how useful these are! Hope it continues to help with D :) x

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