Oz DAFNE

DAFNE (Dose adjustment for normal eating)

What is DAFNE?

DAFNE is a group self management program designed for adults with type 1 diabetes. It is a way of managing type 1 diabetes by working out how much insulin you need for what you want to eat.

It provides you with the skills to:

Estimate the amount of carbohydrate in each meal and inject the right dose of insulin
Manage exercise, illness and alcohol more safely

Don’t I already do this?

Many people already have multiple injections a day, but they match their food to their insulin. The difference with DAFNE is that you choose how much insulin to take on a day-to-day and mealtime-to-mealtime basis, based on the food you eat.

This means you can eat what you like and, more importantly when you like. You can even skip or delay a meal if you choose.

Where does DAFNE come from?

DAFNE originated in the UK and is based on a course run in Germany since the 1980s. Results from the thousands of people with type 1 diabetes who completed DAFNE in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Australia show they have better blood glucose control, fewer severe hypos and improved quality of life after attending DAFNE. They also have fewer days off work and less chance of diabetes complications.

Since courses commenced in Australia in 2005, over 600 people have been trained in DAFNE principles. In Australia we call it OzDAFNE.

What does DAFNE involve?

DAFNE involves attending a five day training course Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

The structured teaching programme covers topics including carbohydrate estimation, blood glucose monitoring, insulin regimes, hypos, illness and exercise.

The DAFNE course is about learning from experience. During the week you practice the skills of carbohydrate estimation and insulin adjustment under the supervision of DAFNE trained nurses and dietitians. The aim is to help you self manage your diabetes.

Each DAFNE group has eight participants and involves group work, sharing and comparing experiences with other people with type 1 diabetes.

Is DAFNE for me?

To participate in DAFNE you need to:

Have had type 1 diabetes for at least six months (and/or post your ‘honeymoon’ period)
Be over 17 years of age
Not on a pump
Motivated to improve your diabetes control
Willing to inject and test blood glucose levels up to five times per day
Able to attend all five days of the program from 9am to 5pm
Take one or two injections of long acting insulin each day and quick acting insulin each time you eat
Able to speak/understand/read English

What are the costs?

Cost will vary depending on your centre. You will need time off work to do the course. We can provide a letter of explanation for your employer.

What else is involved?

We need to have approval from your endocrinologist for you to attend DAFNE. Results of your recent blood tests are also needed when you attend a pre-assessment appointment with the DAFNE educator.

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire before and one year after your course so that we can monitor the effects of DAFNE on your quality of life and overall diabetes control.

There may also be doctors, nurses or dietitians observing courses to learn how to teach DAFNE themselves.

What do past participants of DAFNE say?

“I now understand what I am controlling”
“I’ve learned such a lot in a short space of time – and I’ve had a laugh as well!”
"It’s given me the real reason for doing blood tests!”
“At last, I now have the freedom to choose"