DAFNE

[Damaris]

I have just completed my DAFNE COURSE for type 1 Diabetics.

 

[Ieva DUK]

How did you find it @Damaris ? Was it useful? I've heard different things, depending on where people are geographically, but usually the majority do find it helpful.

 

[Damaris]

It was very interesting. Lots of things I need to think about like looking at food packets a lot more, cutting down on the snacking and what to do when you are sick.

 

[gail2]

glad u found it usefull Well done on doingit
gail

 

[Damaris]

I am part of a Tenpin bowling league so I found I was having hypos overnight so it covers the exercise part and about reducing insulin which I needed the help with.

 

[rebrascora]

Did you do the in person course or the online version?
I found one of the best things about it was spending time with other Type 1s and learning from them... and also feeling normal rather than the only person having to calculate and inject before lunch etc. Of course we are all different too, with different lifestyles and diets but listening to the issues other people faced and thinking about possible causes and solutions helped me learn to problem solve for myself, when different issues have subsequently arisen.... I did my DAFNE 5.5 years ago.

 

[Damaris]

No I did the online course with the video calls. It was a group of us all talking about our Diabetes journey. There were 6 video calls. First week was introducion. I was meant to complete the course in person the year before but I ended up with a throat infection so was unable to continue with the course which is why I was referred to the video/online training.

 

[rebrascora]

That is a shame as I really think you get a lot out of being in a room with those other people and interacting directly with them both during the course but also during the breaks and for me, the young girls on my course getting their pens out, exposing a bit of midriff and injecting in the classroom before we ate lunch was quite liberating for me as previously I had gone to the toilets to inject when eating in public. You can make much more connection with people in person.

 

[Damaris]

I still go to the bathroom to inject. I think I just don’t want people staring at me while I’m injecting but that’s just my preference. I do see people with their pens out on tables in restaurants.

 

[Martin.A]

I am part of a Tenpin bowling league

I bowled in 2 leagues and multiple tournaments during the 80s and 90s, back in the days when there was no automated scoring or alleys with the pins on the end of a rope. Had my own ball, drilled to fit my hand. I still have the scoresheet from my one-and-only 600 Series, and the badge I was awarded for it, along with some other mementos. Happy days.

 

[helli]

I still go to the bathroom to inject. I think I just don’t want people staring at me while I’m injecting but that’s just my preference. I do see people with their pens out on tables in restaurants.

I used to be the same until I realised very very few people noticed me injecting. Most of those who do notice have diabetes and are looking at you to give you a "me too" nod or wave.
I used to sit directly opposite a colleague at work and when I got the confidence to do so, I would inject at my desk for lunch and biscuits with my tea. This colleague and I faced each other for over a year before he overheard a conversation I was having with a fellow person with diabetes. That was the first he knew I had diabetes. He was completely oblivous to my needles and midriff and glucose tablets.
Most people in restaurants are the same - they are too focused on their food and conversations at their table (and maybe that LOUD person on another table who I think follows me around) to care what I am up to.
I asked myself when I had noticed someone injecting in a restaurant before I was diagnosed and realised I had never noticed.

I think it is a comfort thing and we all need to be comfortable to manage our diabetes.

 

[Inka]

I still go to the bathroom to inject. I think I just don’t want people staring at me while I’m injecting but that’s just my preference. I do see people with their pens out on tables in restaurants.

Believe me, most people don’t even notice as they’re far too wrapped up in their own business. One of my early jobs was in an office. I’d been there around two years working in the same room with the same people. One day I casually mentioned my Type 1 to a colleague who sat close to me, and she was very surprised and said she didn’t realise I had diabetes, how was I, and had I just got it? I’d been sat close to her and within her line of sight for two years injecting at my desk, and she’d never noticed!

 

[nonethewiser]

I still go to the bathroom to inject. I think I just don’t want people staring at me while I’m injecting but that’s just my preference. I do see people with their pens out on tables in restaurants.

Of course that's your preference but there's really no need to.

Ages since did course but enjoyed it at time.

 

[JohnS]

I always inject at the table. Maybe it’s just me but I prefer doing it there to going into what may be a less clean environment such as a toilet.
However, about 9 months ago, we were out having dinner with a group of friends, out comes the pen and I duly injected. The man next to me almost fainted, it turns out that he was needle phobic! I take more care of my surroundings now!

 

[Inka]

Yes, far more hygienic! If you went to your GP for a vaccination and they told you they’d be doing it in a public toilet, you’d probably be horrified!