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Change in Policy for Treating Diabetes

K

Kdx9

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I've noticed that the policy for treating diabetes is something of a failure. Sure some will say it's not but and yes it's fine for those whom it works. What about all the amputations and sight loss. All the people driving with blurred vision. Having spoken to the foot nurse the situation is clearly quite desperate, the majority of her patients do not have things under control. By which she meant glucose of about 10 or above. Also the general vibe I've noticed is folks do not want to treat their diabetes. A nurse on a hospital ward asked me do I want to see the diabetic sister. She was a little stuck with disbelief when I said yes. And so was the diabetic Sister.

The angle I'm going to take here is that it's hard to treat someone who does not want to be treated. The Govt. if there is such a thing and medical profession would say that they don't have an attitude, but they do. I was talking to a woman in a cafe last week, she had a broken foot that hadn't healed. Not diabetes related as far as I know but she'd just been thrown out of Wexham Park Hospital. The doctor apparently didn't even examine her foot and she said I want your name etc to report you. They called security. I could see her foot was red and swollen and she could barely walk. My point being, if the medical staff didn't have an attitude, where's the clash ?

If the rules and regulations, made up by some genius in a very important meeting say you can't have meds unless you have a foot exam then that is without question throwing down the gauntlet. To get the result, way less amputations, something has to give. Does the Govt and medical staff want to cut amputations or to feel righteous ? Re educating the public is going to mean coming down from the high horse. All it's taken for me to fix my sugar level is half a tiny pill. In fact the pill is almost to small to cut in half.

For people who, don't have the time for endless visits to the nurse or doctor, can't get there, resent it just get rid of all the stuff that stands in the way and give the pills over the counter. End of story.
 
Kdx9 said:
I've noticed that the policy for treating diabetes is something of a failure. Sure some will say it's not but and yes it's fine for those whom it works. What about all the amputations and sight loss. All the people driving with blurred vision. Having spoken to the foot nurse the situation is clearly quite desperate, the majority of her patients do not have things under control. By which she meant glucose of about 10 or above. Also the general vibe I've noticed is folks do not want to treat their diabetes. A nurse on a hospital ward asked me do I want to see the diabetic sister. She was a little stuck with disbelief when I said yes. And so was the diabetic Sister.

The angle I'm going to take here is that it's hard to treat someone who does not want to be treated. The Govt. if there is such a thing and medical profession would say that they don't have an attitude, but they do. I was talking to a woman in a cafe last week, she had a broken foot that hadn't healed. Not diabetes related as far as I know but she'd just been thrown out of Wexham Park Hospital. The doctor apparently didn't even examine her foot and she said I want your name etc to report you. They called security. I could see her foot was red and swollen and she could barely walk. My point being, if the medical staff didn't have an attitude, where's the clash ?

If the rules and regulations, made up by some genius in a very important meeting say you can't have meds unless you have a foot exam then that is without question throwing down the gauntlet. To get the result, way less amputations, something has to give. Does the Govt and medical staff want to cut amputations or to feel righteous ? Re educating the public is going to mean coming down from the high horse. All it's taken for me to fix my sugar level is half a tiny pill. In fact the pill is almost to small to cut in half.

For people who, don't have the time for endless visits to the nurse or doctor, can't get there, resent it just get rid of all the stuff that stands in the way and give the pills over the counter. End of story.
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So let me get this right? You want to blame the medics for their attitude whilst also saying some people can’t be bothered to help themselves ? You feel we should all be able to get diabetes medication over the counter without examinations? And that half a tiny pill solves everything?

if that is what you’re saying I really don’t know where to start. Perhaps with different types of diabetes need different treatments. And agreeing there’s scope for improvement on government, medical and patients sides. And most of it comes down to education as well as motivation and costs. There are lots of options out there for type 2 and some work better long term at avoiding amputation than others. Relying on a pill now, rather than making some changes, isn’t always the best long term strategy.

Tell us more about yourself and which type you’re talking about and stick around and learn about the topic more widely from lots of others that live it too.
 
Hi. I have always found the medics both GPs and DNs very supportive. The GPs haven't always known what they are talking about (!) and NHS diet advice that comes from PHE is dire which is why this forum is so useful. My current DN and my last one are excellent and my current one gives me the right 'go low-carb' advice. The important thing about diabetes is that you take control of yourself and that means eating well and taking exercise and any meds prescribed. Those who get to the point of long-term high BS damage have either not followed the good advice given or, sadly, followed the dire NHS diet advice.
 
WOW! It is upto the individual if they want to look after their diabetes in the proper manner. We all know the complications that come with bad management. My diabetic team is amazing and are very helpful with any issues I have. My GP is a different story....he knows the bare minimum and rarely gives me advice on my type 1 BUT after all he is a GP
 
porl69 said:
WOW! It is upto the individual if they want to look after their diabetes in the proper manner. We all know the complications that come with bad management. My diabetic team is amazing and are very helpful with any issues I have. My GP is a different story....he knows the bare minimum and rarely gives me advice on my type 1 BUT after all he is a GP
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The govt and medical profession are doing their best to address this exact situation. The problem is in no way unclear.
 
porl69 said:
WOW! It is upto the individual if they want to look after their diabetes in the proper manner. We all know the complications that come with bad management. My diabetic team is amazing and are very helpful with any issues I have. My GP is a different story....he knows the bare minimum and rarely gives me advice on my type 1 BUT after all he is a GP
Click to expand...
 
The question is, having successfully treated your diabetes and been helped to do so, why do you have no sense to help or think about how to help others. The post isn't about you or me. The govt. and medical policy makers need to take a different approach.
 
Kdx9 said:
The question is, having successfully treated your diabetes and been helped to do so, why do you have no sense to help or think about how to help others. The post isn't about you or me. The govt. and medical policy makers need to take a different approach.
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Why do you assume that someone (I don't know who you are addressing with your comment) has 'no sense to help or think about others'?

I would say that the vast majority of members posting on this forum are here to do exactly that - by sharing what works for them, learning from each other, supporting each other, and managing their diabetes and other health issues at the same time.
Seems like they are doing a lot to help and think about others.
 
Kdx9 said:
The question is, having successfully treated your diabetes and been helped to do so, why do you have no sense to help or think about how to help others. The post isn't about you or me. The govt. and medical policy makers need to take a different approach.
Click to expand...

Hi,

Welcome to the forum.

What is your proposal regarding the change in aproach.?
 
Kdx9 said:
The question is, having successfully treated your diabetes and been helped to do so, why do you have no sense to help or think about how to help others. The post isn't about you or me. The govt. and medical policy makers need to take a different approach.
Click to expand...

If this is aimed at me then again WOW!!!!

It does not matter what the health care tell people to do or advise on what to do, it is still upto the individual to take responsibility for their condition! Yes, your example in your post about the broken foot is not good....it is NOT diabetes related
 
Daibell said:
Hi. I have always found the medics both GPs and DNs very supportive. The GPs haven't always known what they are talking about (!) and NHS diet advice that comes from PHE is dire which is why this forum is so useful. My current DN and my last one are excellent and my current one gives me the right 'go low-carb' advice. The important thing about diabetes is that you take control of yourself and that means eating well and taking exercise and any meds prescribed. Those who get to the point of long-term high BS damage have either not followed the good advice given or, sadly, followed the dire NHS diet advice.
Click to expand...
My experience has been similar
I think your latter point is true but people expect to be given the right advice, I know I did.
 
Hi @Kdx9 Welcome to the forum.

I am a little confused by your post as your using a non diabetic related incident and your title is 'Change in policy for treating diabetes' can you give us some more background as to what exactly you mean and who are you referring to ?

Diabetes care is different in every CCG, in my region care has always been good, i've asked for help when i've needed it and got it direct through my DSN who has been amazing, but I don't tend to speak to them much as happy managing my care independently. Maybe you can tell us more about your motivation in posting here and what you're looking to get from being a member here ?
 
I don't know of any other forum that is more supportive then this one. People of all walks come here looking for help and they get it quite quickly. It is after all a "support forum." It is also an information resource. I'm not sure what your intentions are, but the accusation that someone has no sense to help others (Regardless of whom it is aimed at) is completely inaccurate and comes across as rather insulting. I do hope things improve. Perhaps you're just having a really bad day.
 
It's hard to know for sure as I think something is being lost in translation but my interpretation of this post is that the Poster feels we should be given medication as a given based on what we are telling the Professionals rather than be examined and prescribed it. Personally I hope that will never happen as it is more likely to lead to fewer people helping themselves and simply saying 'give me a pill'. Of course a person has to be properly examined before any controlled medication is given out,imagine the consequences otherwise.
 
In my eyes diabetes care in the UK is the best I've ever known it to be both for treatment and accessibility.
 
I must say that I disagree with the poster.
I find the arguments far too anecdotal.
I'm not being personally critical, just my very experienced opinion.
 
@Kdx9 I would really appreciate it if you could complete your profile, knowing which type of diabetes you have may very well help the Forum.
 
Kdx9 said:
The question is, having successfully treated your diabetes and been helped to do so, why do you have no sense to help or think about how to help others. The post isn't about you or me. The govt. and medical policy makers need to take a different approach.
Click to expand...
Late to the party but in my view that is exactly what everyone on this site is about. It's been a year since I was diagnosed and I have had so so much more help by the amazing people on this site than any from the health professionals here in Australia. I can pretty much guarantee with just the health professionals I would be on medication. However, the GPs can't know everything and I am hoping that I give my GP something to think about in relation to treating other diabetics- I'm failing a bit as my cholesterol has gone up and she was absolutely horrified at the suggestion of pork crackling- despite me losing over 30 kgs in the 12 months. I would have thought that alone would make her rethink the whole issue of weight loss but anyway.

I have not experienced anyone here who didn't want to help. I haven't agreed with everyone's approach but I canrecoginise that we are all different and what might work for me may not for others. What will work is the information and support I have received here.
 
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