It’s been a while and it feels like I need to start writing in some form.  So, this is me trying to get life back on track.

It also happens to my “Diabetes Birthday” having reached the grand old age of 15 years with Diabetes.  I’m still here, eyes are ok at the moment, limbs are on by a thread!

So how should I celebrate, I wrote about earlier years like 2010 or maybe like 2011.  Better still why not have a Chocolate Bizcocho and light it up!  Still undecided this year though…

Until then

Saludos

St George’s Cross

On a side note today is also St George’s Day and they even have a Google Doodle.  Whilst it is mainly associated with England the day is also celebrated throughout Europe and indeed in Spain, specifically the Barcelona area where it takes on a more Valentines Day like celebration.  The 23rd April is also remembered as the day that 2 of the most decorated poets had simultaneous deaths in Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare back in 1616.

The post Fifteen appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

Yep, that’s mine!

Hey Guys!

Just checking to see how everyone is doing!  Hope you are all doing fantastically well!

Moving on, I had my Annual Retina Screening at my local clinic.  I’m sure we know how important having our eyes etc.. checked on a regular basis whilst trying to avert the dreaded Diabetes Retinopathy.  So this quick, painless and non intrusive method is a brilliant way to make sure our eyes stay in great shape.

I took a pic of mine (scared the nurse to death when I asked to snap a pic) although I won’t have the results for up to 2 weeks.  I am hopeful that all is ok this time!

Diabetic Eye Screening

For those who wonder what it all looks like, here is a image courtesy of the UK NHS Diabetic Eye Screening service.  I would have taken self portrait but a) the room was dark b) I had a hand over one eye and c) I was being blinded by the flash going off millimeters away from the centre of my eye!

Stay healthy!

Mike

PS: The picture was taken cause I’m a nosey bugger and it also forms part of my photo project over at www.elgringo365.com

The post Elgringo’s Retina Screen appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

About the Diabetes Google Plus Community.

Connecting those with #Diabetes. Helping to Empower, Connect, Support and Educate through Social Media via the Diabetes Google Plus Community.

 

This community is open to all, regardless of type, age, gender, race, religion, favorite book, sports team or music!

Simply click on the above image that will take you to the community page, select “Join Community” and your done!

See you soon!

 

This page is being started up by Mike Young. (AKA) elGringoinspain - Diabetes in Spain.

You can also find me on:

 

• Google+:  https://plus.google.com/u/0/115904760086120014493
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/elgringospain
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/elgringoinspain

The post Diabetes Google Plus Community appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

Hi guys! Today I have been featured on the wonderful Timesulin’s blog talking about World Diabetes Day for National Diabetes Awareness Month.  Phew!  Try saying that when you have a #waffy moment.

Many thanks for Susan and the team at Timesulin for publishing my ramblings.

Anyway you can read the full post over here

–> http://timesulin.com/blog/living-with-diabetes/elgringio-in-spain/

Don’t know what Timesulin is?  Easy, it is simply a remarkable replacement cap that fits on you Insulin Pen and records the length in time between injections!

The post Timesulin Guest Post appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

Running out of Medicine! A Real world problem in Spain.

I read a worrying article at the weekend! As someone is dependent on medication to stay alive, this is a real concern and for once you do not need to sensationalise the article.

The BBC ran an article highlighting the plight that the Farmacias in Spain, particularly in the Valencia region where they are owed close to 500 Million Euros and run out of stock, including Insulin!

You can read the article in it entirety here over the BBC website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19682049

Will this lead to people trying to stockpile medicine? Will this lead to people lying to their HCP’s about how much medication they are taking to be able to offer a cushion in the event that supplies do indeed run dry?

Will it lead to people stealing medicines, from the Farmacias, from the clinics & hospitals or worse from friends, family and other people on the streets?

What will people have to go through to get the medication they need?

Your thoughts please?

The post A Region Without Medicine appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

Hola folks!

As most people are aware living with diabetes simply “sucks”.  It is a gigantic pain in the rear and we tend to just get on living with it.  As we live it Diabetes we are told again and again about the importance of tight(ish) glucose control.  We have that measured via our Healthcare teams with HbA1c and log books containing all our little glycemic excursions.

I for one have taken glycemic excursions to a whole new level recently, for various reasons including stress, heat, poor control and lack of discipline.  I’ll hold my hands up to some of that, but plenty of external influences have taken hold too.

So it comes down to the last 24 hours!

Last 24 Hours via mySugr app

Yesterday after many days of high glucose readings and without being to simply “get them down” I had a relatively steady day, well for me at least!  No major highs, no major lows! (I even have proof of my excursion fun)…

So it’s bedtime, I take my basal insulin which is 8 units as it is split at the moment.  I actually have a quick snack and off to the land of nod I go!

It’s 0415, and I dart up, thinking WTF is going on, head twirling, major waffy moment is happening and without hesitation I instantly know that this is a serious hypo.  40/2.2 Bollocks!

I treat with some, well maybe about a litre of “Pepsi” and give myself few minutes to take stock of what is happening.

I then calmly take myself off back to bed, knowing that I have only a couple of hours before having to wake up Mrs Gringo who starts work early doors.

Now, if it were not for me having decent Hypo Awareness.  I honestly do not think I would be here now writing this.  I honestly believe that the last few days of higher numbers in an indirect way saved my life.  I have always had decent Hypo Awareness but understand that overtime it can diminish.  That lack of hypo awareness can kill!

I know that this little episode has scared the living daylights of me and as we all know it has both a psychological and physiological effect on the rest of the day at least.

Morning all!Absolutely railroaded by a hypo at 4am 40/2.2, hovering at #bgnow 125/6.9 ish.

— Mike Young (@elgringoinspain) September 18, 2012

Aside from tip top glycemic control, fabulous a1c’s, tight standard deviations and pure luck I suggest that if you are experiencing diminishing hypo unawareness, please talk with your healthcare team!  Diabetes Victoria (Australia) have a great article on tips to improve Hypo Awareness.

It also brought up an interesting discussion on Twitter: At times are we scared of Hypo’s?  I think the answer is yes, naturally we should, but also at times it can consume us and therefore need to find the balance.

@andrealimbourg @elgringoinspain @thegbdoc @renzas @virtueb I did – ‘fear of severe hypoglycaemia affecting quality of life’

— everyday ups & downs (@everydayupsdwns) September 18, 2012

Here is great article from Mike, please take a moment to cross over and read it! - http://www.everydayupsanddowns.co.uk/2011/08/changes-uncertainty-and-what-to-do-next.html

So where do we go from here.  I have a couple of days until another “Pump Team” appointment in Alicante.  Fingers crossed I get the yes!  Actually make that fingers and toes and anything else that can be crossed.

Reasons I feel a pump will help me:  Remember “Your Diabetes May Vary”

• More accurate dosing – Currently stuck at 1 unit minimum – I’m a very sensitive soul!
• Ability to adapt basal rates that are suitable to me not my lantus
• As much as I like my excursions they have to STOP!  They are simply the wrong type!

The post Highs to the rescue! appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

Mid August I was asked to meet up with Paul Connolly (VP Sales & Marketing) from C8 MediSensors who are based in (Silicon Valley) San Jose, California USA, together with the Ideagoras team and 2 fellow “e-Patients” in Madrid to look at C8 MediSensors’s new Non Invasive CGM.

Traditional CGM technology is typically invasive and this is where C8 Medisensors may potentially make a break through.

C8 MediSensors’ optical glucose monitoring technology is a breakthrough in glucose monitoring science. Completely non-invasive, this new technology promises a new glucose monitoring experience.

I am really excited about the concept of this device.  Although we could not personally try it, we did get to feel, hold, fondle one, (Paul – VP from C8) had a sensor on. He was able to show how the device linked to the smartphone  for the moment is “Android only”.  We were assured that a iOS version would be available soon(ish).

Me, Olga, Paul (C8) & Patricia

One for sure is that the 3 “e-patients” were mighty jealous of Paul’s blood glucose during the meeting as yours truly had dropped down to a 63 (3.5) during the meeting and had to rely upon a packet of Skittles to keep me going much to everyone’s amusement.

So how does this work?

1. A small light-sensitive sensor, worn against the abdomen, will transmit a gentle pulse of light into the skin.
2. The light will detect glucose molecules so the monitor can measure the concentration of glucose.
3. The glucose reading is continuously transmitted wirelessly to a display on your smartphone.

What will it cost you?

• Here in Spain it will cost you approx. €3000 up front with your hard-earned cash.  At time of writing the device is for “investigational” purposes only and will not be reimbursed via Insurance companies or Social Security in each country.
• Note:  The device has yet to gain its European CE mark,  however the team are gunning to have one bundled up by the end of the year.

Although in my opinion the device is quite bulky and having spoken with others who have met up with C8, this seems to be a common observation together with the weight. For me I would be happy to trade-off that concern if quality data was being fed back to me.  The sensor is required to be up against skin the belt is necessary to make sure that all stays where it should.  All snuggled up against your skin!

The belt removed when required whether you are looking to do some hardcore exercise, bathing/showering or for those times when you simply want to detach yourself.  The belt makes it easy to do just that despite the slightly cumbersome nature in its current state.

I do understand that questions have been asked about the belt that would be worn and it would appear more of a concern for women naturally. I am sure though that as the product evolves, as the technology evolves the device will become smaller, lighter, more compact and even more wearable.

For many the €3000 price tag will I’m sure put people off initially, but for those who are now self/partially funding traditional CGM’s will notice that the cost when split over 3/4 years offers a significant saving when compared to current devices and the consumables that come with it.

I would seriously head over to the C8 Medisensors website and check out the answers to some common questions! This I feel will be a game changer and will I hope lead to more improved technology which can only benefits those who rely on such devices.

A real quick breakdown;

Pros:

• Innovative technology
• Non Invasive
• Ease of Use
• Shorter calibration time
• Available in Europe by the end of the year

Some other folks have also shared their thoughts on the Sensor so in no particular order go check them out!

• http://mypumpblog.com/2012/09/03/c8-medisensors-new-non-invasive-cgm-device-wow/
• http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2012/09/a-cheaper-non-invasive-cgm/
• http://www.everydayupsanddowns.co.uk/2012/09/c8-medisensors-bright-future-for-cgms.html
• [En Español] - http://santospatricia.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/reunion-con-medisensors/
• [In German] - http://www.mein-diabetes-blog.com/c8-medisensors-bringt-non-invasives-cgms-auf-den-markt/

Many thanks to C8 Medisensors who invited me up to Madrid, thank you to Ángel, Monica, Bea, Carmen and Mario at Ideagoras for looking after me for the day, all whilst putting up with my rubbish Spanish and to Patricia & Olga for having to put up with my endless Spanglish drivel!

Gracias t@das!

The post C8 MediSensors in Spain appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

Hola everyone!

Spain’s 2nd favorite “person with diabetes” here. Long time no blog, I hear you cry? Fear not I have plenty to share but it will be snippet at a time.

So what’s new and what has been happening in and around Spain?

One of the reasons that I have not blogged for a while focuses solely on personal affairs. To those that have been privy to some of the boring details, I just want to say THANK YOU. I hope you all know who you are!

Setback by a family illness, a family death, job losses and the my own health going down the pan, blogging took a back seat but I’m back and working hard to catch up.

So as some may know, Spain has its own fair share of economic issues, which has direct affect on the health service. In a my opinion it a great health service but like many around the globe is under enormous pressure.

In efforts to save money, the government have decided to make pensioners make a contribution for prescriptions for the first time. This was met with the usual panic and was introduced with little information on the July 1st.

Well before this happened the health minister decided that all doctors must use the generic version of medicines where possible and where available. This is turn has reduced the costs for those that use medication on a regular basis and has helped keeps costs lower.

Unfortunately the government still has to heavily subsidise certain meds like insulin as there is no generic available but it is a start. They are looking to save close to 500 million euros over the next few years. I hope they do, for my sake!

Product wise, there has been little activity. Spain appears to have a very complicated reimbursement system and therefore does not attract the same kind of attention as other countries.

Here is a quick list of products I have been using over the last couple of months:

• Timesulin – Remember when you last injected?
• Glooko app and cable
• iBGstar – Yep, really but with an iPad
• mySugr – my favorite app at the mo! really is brilliant!

Today I also had the opportunity to meet up with Paul Connolly from C8 Medisensors and talk about the new Non-Invasive CGM. Held in Madrid, in conjunction with Ideagoras and with 2 other “real” Spanish “persons with diabetes” a truly useful chinwag was in order and will I am sure be a start of a innovative product around the world for those with Diabetes.

It was a pleasure and the trip was kindly supported by C8 Medisensors. Thanks go to Angel, Carmen, Bea, Monica and Mario (Sorry the hipster) for there kind hospitality and also a pleasure spending time with Patricia and Olga. Gracias tod@s!

So that is it for now. A little update from me. I will return in due course with some product reviews!

Until then! Saludos

Mike

The post Diabetes in Spain Update September 2012 appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

Howdy Folks! Long time, no post!

As the weather hots up, and the troubles that serve Europe intensify, Ana Mota (everyone’s 2nd favorite Spanish Health Minster) has decided in her wisdom to remove 456 different medications from the Prescriptions lists to save as much as 400 Million euros from their budget.

Now that sounds like a tough ask, but I’m assured that these medications will be available to buy at full cost from the 1st July.

In addition to the 456 medications, we will see an alarming increase with regards to Insulin and Blood Glucose Test Strips.  Typically they are heavily subsidised with Insulin available for €2.64 for 5 pens (NovoRapid, Lantus) and Test Strips for the bargain price of 45 cents per box of 50.

Plenty of mentions via the media regards to the list of medications no longer being free(ish) but other important updates get firmly swept under the carpet.

I know this will have a knock on effect on some people as the financial crisis worsens.  Which will then end up costing the government more money when things go wrong.

As stated the changes are effective from 1st July, and will update with further information when it becomes available.

Until next time, Saludos!

The post Spanish Prescription Drug Price Increase appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike

[Taken from an earlier tumblr post]

With Spain reaching desperate new heights, the powers that be have tried to chop and change budgets as if they are going out of fashion.

A covertly announced austerity package just the other week detailed new measures for cuts to both Education and Health.

Today we get more news from the Spanish Central Government suggesting to the Autonomous Regions start to charge Pensioners who up until now have paid nothing for prescribed medicines 10% of each medication.

Ana Mator, Spain’s Health Minister has also suggested that everyone else will contribute 50% towards prescribed medication which is up 10% from the current 40%

Lantus Solostar

However it has been stated that limits will be put into place so that those with Chronic Illnesses will not be prejudiced.

To me it seems that they really do not know where to start.  Central Government make the suggestions and the Regions will then introduce an interpreted bill that will only vaguely match what was suggested.

The recent bill passed detailing the stricter usage of Generic Medication I thought is a good one.  For too long the big Pharma companies have controlled the market, hopefully the introductions of more generics will A) Reduce National Debt B) Make the Pharma market more competitive and C) with new measures put in place the 50% contribution towards medications will be a softer blow when prescribed a generic version as opposed to a Patented version.

The Healthcare system as we know is at breaking point as with every other major country and especially in Europe.

What has become clear is that there is no one person leading the change.  There is no direction.  What may be suggested by Central Government may or may not be implemented nationwide.  Unless the regions need some money from Central Government that is!

The Healthcare system is fantastic in Spain.  Personally I have been wonderfully looked after here and now many more people who have positive experiences throughout Spain.

Unfortunately the Government has reacted ever so slowly and that will make the Monumental task even harder, but in my opinion it can be done.  Throughout the regions there are some initiatives that are working well, some that are not but at least they are willing to try.

Spain is in desperate need for someone to take charge.  Grab the bull by horns and shake this Healthcare upside down and turn it around.

I will be back with my own thoughts later!  Until next time, Saludos!

NB!  Hat tip to Howard from Typically Spanish for the article that inspired me to share my thoughts - http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_34395.shtml

The post Healthcare Pain in Spain appeared first on Diabetes in Spain. By Mike