Feeling the need to moan !

[Sam50]

Afternoon people,

Just popped on because I feel the need to have a little moan and this is the safest place to do so.

Hubby went along for blood tests this morning (repeat HbA1C and cholesterol-first ones since diagnosis in June) and the nurse asked him how he was getting along.
He replied that he'd lost a stone in weight and had got his average readings down from around 20 to around 8.

Her reply ? 'Oh I see that you haven't yet started taking any tablets.' ( he wants to try diet only at first) 'we find that it's better to hit these things hard with Metformin and you see a dramatic drop in BG oh and by the way there's no need to keep testing yourself.'

Hubby replied that there was EVERY need to test yourself otherwise you wouldn't have a clue !

I think he's doing really well with low carbing and I really wish that DN could be a little more supportive of folk trying to take charge of their own health. Moan over thanks for listening x

P.S- be curious to see what his results are in a couple of weeks. Whatever they are they won't be good enough for that nurse !

 

[Grateful]

Just Keep B******** On, as Winston Churchill said.

Moaning is good, when justified!

 

[Guzzler]

'Hit it hard with Metformin' lol

Moan away, lass. It is good to use a sounding board once in a while. Good progress with hubby's control, tell him Well Done.

 

[Mrsrobbieswan]

I totally sympathise with you I really do x

 

[Lampman]

I would be moaning too! So far I have been seeing only the diabetic specialist GP, who is so far delighted with my diet only progress, as am I. I do have a speech prepared, but no reason to use it, so far.

 

[Daibell]

The DN ought to know that Metformin helps a bit and is a good, safe drug but has only a very small effect on BS. I think the medics like to believe it's a miracle drug - it isn't. Your Hubby is doing exactly the right thing.

 

[Phoenix55]

Well done to both you and your hubby for the changes you have managed to make. Keep on whatever you are doing, it is clearly working, show that DN that there are other ways of dealing with diabetes that do not entail taking drugs as a first resort.

 

[miszu]

Well done ur hubbys doing great, dont listen to DN! Keep the good work up! X

 

[DavidGrahamJones]

oh and by the way there's no need to keep testing yourself.'

It is a very peculiar attitude and fortunately not one shared by all the medical community. You might like to look at this:

https://diabetes-resources-producti...tion/pdf/SMBGType2%20Final%20April%202017.pdf

As you can see, it's a PDF, very supportive of the idea that the whole point of monitoring is to know where you stand and not have to wait for HbA1c, by which time, it's too late. You might like to print off a copy and give it to nursie and say nothing. Print another copy and leave it for your GP. It is only my opinion but some medical staff are so full of their own importance, what they say is obviously correct . . . . . in their opinion.

I believe the idea came from some research that suggests not everyone benefits and I suppose if you round up people who don't care and ask them, it could be true. I believe it was popular with some GPs because they then had a perfect excuse for not prescribing test strips.

 

[Sam50]

Thank you everyone for the vote of confidence. Passed your comments on to Hubby and they were appreciated. I guess the DN can't help coming across as patronizing-maybe it's in her job description ! Thank goodness for this forum-the support is invaluable. xx

 

[HarryBeau]

It is a very peculiar attitude and fortunately not one shared by all the medical community. You might like to look at this:

https://diabetes-resources-production.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/diabetes-storage/migration/pdf/SMBGType2%20Final%20April%202017.pdf

As you can see, it's a PDF, very supportive of the idea that the whole point of monitoring is to know where you stand and not have to wait for HbA1c, by which time, it's too late. You might like to print off a copy and give it to nursie and say nothing. Print another copy and leave it for your GP. It is only my opinion but some medical staff are so full of their own importance, what they say is obviously correct . . . . . in their opinion.

I believe the idea came from some research that suggests not everyone benefits and I suppose if you round up people who don't care and ask them, it could be true. I believe it was popular with some GPs because they then had a perfect excuse for not prescribing test strips.

Just wondering about the 'people who don't care'...believe it's very likely a high proportion of those will be the ones who were advised not to test by their health care teams...no need to...just rely on the HbA1c tests every quarter...bi-annually or annually...how ironic...many of our health care providers offer that negative advice...yet...are happy to accept HbA1c results that indicate good control/management of our conditions achieved by regular testing...I was advised not to test on three separate occasions...I ignored that advice & now have good control of my diabetes...I agree with you...it is a perfect excuse to refuse testing strips on prescription...I initially self funded my own for almost a year...then on a point of principle decided to ask for strips on prescription...my GP said he could do that...however the local Clinical Commissioning Group were likely to intervene...stop him from prescribing them...I wrote to the CCG...challenged them on their interpretation of the NICE guidelines...justified my need for testing strips...I was successful...now I have them on repeat prescription...believe all of us who are offered that advice...refused testing strips...should challenge those refusals...until we do...the position is unlikely to change.

 

[HarryBeau]

Afternoon people,

Just popped on because I feel the need to have a little moan and this is the safest place to do so.

Hubby went along for blood tests this morning (repeat HbA1C and cholesterol-first ones since diagnosis in June) and the nurse asked him how he was getting along.
He replied that he'd lost a stone in weight and had got his average readings down from around 20 to around 8.

Her reply ? 'Oh I see that you haven't yet started taking any tablets.' ( he wants to try diet only at first) 'we find that it's better to hit these things hard with Metformin and you see a dramatic drop in BG oh and by the way there's no need to keep testing yourself.'

Hubby replied that there was EVERY need to test yourself otherwise you wouldn't have a clue !

I think he's doing really well with low carbing and I really wish that DN could be a little more supportive of folk trying to take charge of their own health. Moan over thanks for listening x

P.S- be curious to see what his results are in a couple of weeks. Whatever they are they won't be good enough for that nurse !

Hi Sam...agree with you unequivocally...I have only seen the DSN at my local practice once...that was 7 months after my diagnosis...she said she considered me obsessive for testing my BGs more than four times a day...I pointed out that my GP had described my control as excellent after my last HbA1c results...that was only achieved after regularly testing...advised her I would continue to test irrespective of her opinion...I no longer see the DSN...have told my GP I do not want her involved in any of my diabetes care...completely agree with your husbands stance...believe it's vital for T2s to test...he is doing well...its a hard task managing our diabetes with diet & exercise alone...however...if we can we should...currently heading for non-diabetic levels at my next review...hoping to get there in January...we shall see...find your husbands progress encouraging...well done to you both.

 

[DavidGrahamJones]

many of our health care providers offer that negative advice

I think it would be interesting to see exactly what that figure is.

I know there was some research that showed monitoring was counter productive , causing stress and anxiety. They obviously hadn't taken anybody from this and similar forums as a test subject.

 

[ickihun]

Afternoon people,

Just popped on because I feel the need to have a little moan and this is the safest place to do so.

Hubby went along for blood tests this morning (repeat HbA1C and cholesterol-first ones since diagnosis in June) and the nurse asked him how he was getting along.
He replied that he'd lost a stone in weight and had got his average readings down from around 20 to around 8.

Her reply ? 'Oh I see that you haven't yet started taking any tablets.' ( he wants to try diet only at first) 'we find that it's better to hit these things hard with Metformin and you see a dramatic drop in BG oh and by the way there's no need to keep testing yourself.'

Hubby replied that there was EVERY need to test yourself otherwise you wouldn't have a clue !

I think he's doing really well with low carbing and I really wish that DN could be a little more supportive of folk trying to take charge of their own health. Moan over thanks for listening x

P.S- be curious to see what his results are in a couple of weeks. Whatever they are they won't be good enough for that nurse !

This scenerio always bugs me too.
My friend is a practice nurse and looks after none complicated diabetic patients. Their training is wayyyy out of date! Humf!

 

[ickihun]

I think it would be interesting to see exactly what that figure is.

I know there was some research that showed monitoring was counter productive , causing stress and anxiety. They obviously hadn't taken anybody from this and similar forums as a test subject.

More like anxious patients stressed the nurses out and they aren't paid properly to be able to relax off duty???

 

[ickihun]

To be fair thou many nurses are doing brilliantly to keep up with such diversity in diabetes.
I think they need to be at masters level to be perfect at it. Not just degree holders.

If I struggle with just my diabetes....how can they cope with everyones?
Not everyone has the same needs.
One size doesn't fit all.

I'd thank the nurse and cintinue managing well so she/he can spend more time on those who don't listen to the basics.
Which is.... change your lifestyle!

Luckily your husband is great at doing this but many fall by the wasteside.

Well done for supporting your husband. Has he made these changes himself or with your full support only?

 

[HarryBeau]

I think it would be interesting to see exactly what that figure is.

I know there was some research that showed monitoring was counter productive , causing stress and anxiety. They obviously hadn't taken anybody from this and similar forums as a test subject.

I know of one study...believe it was Farmer et al...a group of type 2s were placed on a controlled diet without testing for three months (?)...then for a further period were allowed to test...however were restricted to exactly the same diet as before...on that basis the results which found no discernible benefit for type 2s testing were sadly predictable...the whole premise of testing is to allow us to test how different foods affect our BGs...studies as outlined above are useless...negative...flawed... designed to fail from the onset...the refusal to supply testing strips is a false economy...we can if necessary be referred to any specialist department if we cannot prevent complications from occurring...be prescribed anti-depressants if we become depressed about out diabetes...put on hypoglycaemic medications if our conditions progress... all of that without reference to the CCGs...and often the NICE guidelines...if only some solid education on how to avoid/delay complications for type 2s was given...real consideration of the benefits of testing regularly & consistently for T2 diabetics were recognised...ultimately better for the patient & the NHS...economically & socially.

 

[HarryBeau]

To be fair thou many nurses are doing brilliantly to keep up with such diversity in diabetes.
I think they need to be at masters level to be perfect at it. Not just degree holders.

If I struggle with just my diabetes....how can they cope with everyones?
Not everyone has the same needs.
One size doesn't fit all.

I'd thank the nurse and cintinue managing well so she/he can spend more time on those who don't listen to the basics.
Which is.... change your lifestyle!

Luckily your husband is great at doing this but many fall by the wasteside.

Well done for supporting your husband. Has he made these changes himself or with your full support only?

I can't agree with you there ickihun...it's not just about changing your lifestyle...some of us will develop diabetes irrespective of our lifestyle choices...for many there is a genetic pre-disposition... a family history of diabetes that needs to be recognised...I have known several people in the early stages... pre-diabetic... not informed of that diagnosis...not advised to take any action to prevent the development of diabetes until it's too late...for many it is possible to avoid/delay the progression of their diabetes if given the right guidance/support...I believe some DSNs are more enlightened than others...approve of testing...recommend it...many more do not...as you say we are each individuals...not everyone has the same needs...one size doesn't fit all...surely that is the best testament to argue that testing for all type 2s is beneficial...not just those reliant on hypo inducing medications...my comments & the ones above are based on members own personal experiences...type 2s are generally refused testing strips & meters (those non dependant on hypo meds)...often the NICE guidelines are quoted as the basis for that decision by local CCGs...the NICE guidelines allow for the provision of testing strips on an individual basis...they have room for discretion...deviation from the strict policy of a blanket refusal...as for Nurses being expected to keep up with diversity in diabetes...why not?...this is their work...they are professionals...this is what they specialise in...what could be wrong with them listening to their patients...asking those with good control how they achieved it...I have a professional job...every year I have to complete a Continuing Professional Development Course...to ensure I am up to date with new development in my field of work...our health care professionals have that opportunity too...they should take it...I'm not sure what the basics you refer to are...for me it was a phone call to tell me I was diabetic...come & collect a prescription...buy Carbs & Cals...see you in three months...fortunately after educating myself...reading...testing... I now have good control of my condition...we should all have that opportunity...I do believe type 2s non dependant on hypo meds are treated shabbily...neglected by many of our health professionals...almost like the poor relations of the diabetes world...it' not about exclusion/division...for me it's about being included that's important...relevant.

 

[HarryBeau]

More like anxious patients stressed the nurses out and they aren't paid properly to be able to relax off duty???

We need to stop making excuses for the lack of adequate advice & support...they (nurses) have a job to do...part of that is to ease patient anxiety...many of us have stressful jobs...that's no reason to exercise our duties ineffectively...of course patients will be anxious...who wouldn't be...part & parcel of the work is to deliver good advice/support...if that were given perhaps patients would be less anxious...that's what being a member of the caring profession involves.

 

[Mike d]

"Bedside" manners apply to nurses as well as doctors