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 the amount of carbohydrate that you 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 amount of carbohydrate that 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 1000 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 18 years of age
  • Not on a pump
  • Motivated to improve your diabetes control
  • Willing to inject and record blood glucose levels at least four to five times a 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 agreement 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 some questionnaires 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"

More information 

The DAFNE program runs at various locations across Melbourne and regional Victoria and in most other states in Australia.   To find out more about DAFNE or a program near you, phone (03) 9667 1719 or email or visit the OzDAFNE website to see the full list of DAFNE centre locations.

Diabetes Australia - Vic runs DAFNE  programs in Melbourne city and in Geelong.  Bookings are now open for the courses listed below:

Geelong

(please call 03 5222 0870 for availability of places)
  • June 4 - 8, 2012
  • October 15 - 19, 2012


Melbourne City

(please call 03 9667 1719 for availability of places)
  • February 20 - 24, 2012
  • April 30 - May 4, 2012
  • July 2 - 6, 2012
  • October 1 - 5, 2012
  • November 12 - 16, 2012

 

Download the OzDAFNE brochure here

Teens Empowered for Actively Managing Type 1 Diabetes (TEAM T1)

TEAM T1 is a pilot program that was targeted at teenagers aged 14 to 18 years, who are using multiple daily injections (MDI) to manage their diabetes. TEAM T1 is modelled on the DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) program for adults with type 1, and aimed to improve blood glucose control (HbA1c), knowledge and confidence with managing diabetes.

The pilot program was supported by funding from the Department of Health and Aging through the "Sharing Health Care Initiative." The initial outcomes from the pilot program will be available later in the year.

The pilot program was run across 4 days, with a parent session running concurrently on the first day, and was held in three locations- Diabetes Australia – Vic in Melbourne, Frankston Integrated Health Centre in Frankston, and the Mater Hospital in Brisbane. For more information, or to register your interest for future teen programs, please contact Susan Harris via email or by phone on 03 9667 1719.

 

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