How many doctors, nurses and specialists actually have diabetes?

[Andy-Sev]

Just a random thought but thinking back to just after I was diagnosed and mentioned to my DNS that I felt weird when my BG was around 4.5 all I got told was that it was in range, now it is the opposite and anything higher than 6.5 feels weird to me. But it made me wonder how many doctors, nurses and specialists who are giving us advice actually have diabetes and know what it feels like when after having high blood sugar for a while you suddenly have lower blood sugar?

 

[tim2000s]

Just a random thought but thinking back to just after I was diagnosed and mentioned to my DNS that I felt weird when my BG was around 4.5 all I got told was that it was in range, now it is the opposite and anything higher than 6.5 feels weird to me. But it made me wonder how many doctors, nurses and specialists who are giving us advice actually have diabetes and know what it feels like when after having high blood sugar for a while you suddenly have lower blood sugar?

There are a few about the place that I am aware of. The majority aren't though. I think @xAoifex may be one on here, and I know of two Consultants who are, plus one trainee nurse.

 

[CarbsRok]

I have met 4 nurses with diabetes, 3 within the last 4 months. 3 had type 1 diabetes.

 

[xAoifex]

I'm a nurse although I work in critical care not in diabetes (although a fairly high % of my patients have type 2 diabetes). My diabetes consultant is type 1

 

[noblehead]

An answer that is impossible to answer, but I'd imagine there's quite a few around.

In all my 34 years I've only seen one consultant who had diabetes and he had type 1, but perhaps there's been more who haven't thought to mention it......who knows?

 

[lizziewizzie]

Majority I have come into contact with since being diagnosed over a week ago have had diabetes themselves. However, I am a nurse and advise patients on many issues that I haven't been through myself i.e I will inform them of how it may feel after having their tonsils removed, yet I still have mine. I wouldn't worry too much if they haven't been through it themselves as they will have been trained to advise patients on this matter and I'm sure will have met many people who have told them of their feelings too, therfore having enough experence to advise you. It is an interesting point though. xxx

 

[AloeSvea]

I know what you mean though - there is a layer of understanding, empathy, and plain old urgency and seriousness that matches my own when the health professional has diabetes that I respond to very positively! . I really like youtubing/reading diabetic doctors like Dr Jay Wortman (T2), and of course the classic - Dr Bernstein (T1). I would be in seventh heaven if my GP had those layers of extra understanding and knowledge of say, low-carbing, that her own health vulnerability might bring on? But she is great anyway. But, It would be fantastic not having to explain eating and metering to every health professional I come in contact with. I have had a very specialised very open-minded diabetes nurse in the cold country who lead Newcastle diet groups, and LCHF groups of diabetics in a large medical centre in a groovy area - it was totally irrelevant with her whether or not she was diabetic - as she was so on to it in any case. I talked to her about - wow - even emotions! And - horrors - exercise! In a really meaningful way as she knew all the theory, and had heaps of experience with diabetics in practice. I guess that is really, ultimately, what we want? Medical professionals dealing with diabetes who are really up with the play and we don't have to be the experts in relation to. (They are REALLY the experts! Knowledge plus masses of/ experiences professionally, sigh. That's what we want? Regardless of whether or not they have T1 or T2 themselves?)

 

[janeliz]

I was a theatres nurse till last Nov 2015. I had pancreatitis 2014 and became diabetic. I was prevented from working as a theatre nurse and any nurse in the hospital because of the diabetes by occupational health. Out of 3000 nurse there were only about 2 nurses in areas of light work and no shifts. I was classed as a risk to patients and myself. Hence I had to give up the job I loved and had done for 37 years.

 

[Jac miller]

Just a random thought but thinking back to just after I was diagnosed and mentioned to my DNS that I felt weird when my BG was around 4.5 all I got told was that it was in range, now it is the opposite and anything higher than 6.5 feels weird to me. But it made me wonder how many doctors, nurses and specialists who are giving us advice actually have diabetes and know what it feels like when after having high blood sugar for a while you suddenly have lower blood sugar?

Hi
I am a DNS and I have diabetes. I gave not met many doctors or nurses within the endocrinology teams that are diabetic.
I am realistic about " the range " ...some people are non functioning with a reading of 4 whereas I have met people who are still functioning normally at 2.6 !
I can empathise with people and understand the confusion they face as what once was the norm in the treatment of diabetes ....high fibre carbs etc is now not advised and instead low carb consumption is recommended.
A lot of specialists forget that every person is different and their diabetes should be treated accordingly.
I know what it feels like to be hypo and hyper...both horrid.
My advice is to ask questions and if the answer doesnt answer your question keep on asking. It is you the patient that is affected by diabetes and your team looking after you should have the answers.

 

[robertconroy]

I'd guess in the U.S. about 70% of healthcare workers have diabesity - obese and HbA1C greater than 6.0%. Mostly type 2s.

 

[Natalielw]

Just a random thought but thinking back to just after I was diagnosed and mentioned to my DNS that I felt weird when my BG was around 4.5 all I got told was that it was in range, now it is the opposite and anything higher than 6.5 feels weird to me. But it made me wonder how many doctors, nurses and specialists who are giving us advice actually have diabetes and know what it feels like when after having high blood sugar for a while you suddenly have lower blood sugar?

My diabetic nursenhas type 1 diabetes... strangely so does her pet dog. He has type 1 too and is insulin dependant, just like her

 

[AloeSvea]

I was a theatres nurse till last Nov 2015. I had pancreatitis 2014 and became diabetic. I was prevented from working as a theatre nurse and any nurse in the hospital because of the diabetes by occupational health. Out of 3000 nurse there were only about 2 nurses in areas of light work and no shifts. I was classed as a risk to patients and myself. Hence I had to give up the job I loved and had done for 37 years.

This is a horrible story! I am so sorry this happened to you. One of my brothers had pancreatitis - and works hard now, still (he's his own boss, largely). I can't imagine if he and we were thinking of him as unable to carry on working for the duration!

Yes, I would see it as a extra layer of understanding you could bring to your nursing practice and your patients.

 

[Louise M]

Never came across a diabetes nurse/ specialist / consultant eccept for my gynaecologist. Felt so lucky to meet him on my second pregnancy and had him for 3rd and 4th pregnancy too. He was brilliant . First gynecologist was atrocious beyond compare telling me my "baby will probably be born with hydrocephalus , microphely or any number of brain conditions cos you didnt plan this pregnancy "

 

[jaywak]

My consultant I see at the diabetic clinic has been type 1 for one year longer than me [ 41 years ] and is a year older than me and its good to be able to speak to someone with the same problem, He really boasted my confidence on my last visit when he said that i was one of the best if not the best controlled type 1 he had ever come across .