I just had a phone call...

Listlad

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Very sorry to hear this @Chook really unfair and also a stressful phone call too for you to deal with.
Given that you needed test strips at the time and then subsequently reduced your med bill it does seem crazy.
Like many other type twos I’ve had to self fund strips from the start but by doing so have saved money for nhs on diabetic meds, blood pressure meds and depression meds! When think back to my diagnosis at 95 hbaca1 and the advice that it would be progressive and I’d be on insulin etc soon it’s unbelievable that simply changing what I ate and using test strips is regarded as strange and isn’t supported yet as a method. I feel so well and luckily could afford the strips so feel it is worth it but do worry about the fact that many simply can’t afford to self fund.
Wish me luck, Shelley. I am trying to get in amongst them and address that.
 
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Brunneria

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@Chook

How are you feeling now?

I am uncomfortably aware that this thread is drifting into sabre rattling, when it started off about you and your phone call.
Bet it has upset you deeply, and I know that your personal journey back from insulin to meds free diet only control has been a hard and variable slog.

Have a hug.
 
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Daibell

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Hi. I'm left wondering why your GP prescribed insulin so early when further meds beyond Metformin hadn't been tried? I was refused insulin having been on all the tablets which were failing; I eventually got it. It's amazing how variable diabetes treatment is. It's good to hear that you are doing everything right despite an ignorant GP.
 
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Chook

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Hi. I'm left wondering why your GP prescribed insulin so early when further meds beyond Metformin hadn't been tried? I was refused insulin having been on all the tablets which were failing; I eventually got it. It's amazing how variable diabetes treatment is. It's good to hear that you are doing everything right despite an ignorant GP.

Ive been diagnosed quite a few years and other meds had been tried. I was prescribed MDI insulin when my BG had got in the high 20s despite taking the meds.
 
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Listlad

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I suppose we should be glad that he rang you to discuss it, before he arbitrarily cut off your test stip supply.
But I wonder what his next action will be.

I'm actually quite stunned that you have been getting test strips on prescription after you stopped taking the insulin and other meds. Most docs would have stopped that prescription to a T2 at the same time you ceased filling the meds prescriptions.

So frustrating though.

I have had a couple of surreal conversations, one with the doc and one with a nurse along the lines of
'but your HbA1c isn't even pre-diabetic'
'I know, that is because I don't eat the carbs that would raise my blood glucose back to diabetic levels'
Blank look.
Change of subject.
Refusal to discuss it further even when I made a specific appointment to do exactly that, and produced print outs of Libre and prick testing to show them that yes, my blood glucose can reach 15mmol/l, and dip to 1.6mmol/l as shown in black, white and hypo red.

But no, no discussion. Subject closed. The HbA1c proves I am normal. No point in discussing it further.

So now I look after myself, including regular private blood tests, and self funding testing equipment.
I have also changed docs, but this time have wised up.
They have not, in 2 years, called me in for any blood tests, and obviously nothing gets flagged up on the system to remind them of how bad my blood glucose used to be.
So I have decided not to mention T2.
No point getting a reputation as a trouble maker, or someone with health anxiety, or confrontational - until I need to that is ;)

Will carry on as I am for now, feeling better than I have for years, avoiding carbs, gluten, and monitoring my own bg, vitamin deficiencies, supplementing, and tracking insulin resistance via periodic insulin resistance tests via those private blood tests. I have even had a private CAC scan for atherosclerosis, a copy of which was sent to my GP, but they never got in touch to discuss the results, either for myself or my husband - and they REALLY should have done so for him.
I don’t get confrontational with my GP on such matters. No need. He is a LCHF convert / protagonist. Perhaps you need to find the right GP? ;)
 

Brunneria

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I don’t get confrontational with my GP on such matters. No need. He is a LCHF convert / protagonist. Perhaps you need to find the right GP? ;)

Or perhaps you should read my post properly.
If you had, you would have noticed that I too prefer not to get confrontational with healthcare professionals, and have already changed to a new GP.
 

Goonergal

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@Chook sorry to hear this. Sounds like a difficult conversation and so disappointing that the GP was having a go rather than wanting to learn from your experience. Your journey is so inspiring and an opportunity for him to look at alternatives. Hope you’re feeling better now.
 
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Chook

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@Chook

How are you feeling now?

I am uncomfortably aware that this thread is drifting into sabre rattling, when it started off about you and your phone call.
Bet it has upset you deeply, and I know that your personal journey back from insulin to meds free diet only control has been a hard and variable slog.

Have a hug.


Thanks for the hug @Brunneria. I'm feeling a bit angry, a bit emotional and (strangely) totally worn out.

I've emailed the Practice Manager setting out my concerns about that phone call and pointing out that it was that particular GP and their practice DN that diagnosed the T2, prescribed the insulin, other meds, glucometers and strips over several years after several worsening HbA1c 's and that I was on the insulin for quite a long time before choosing to change to dietary control (which is obviously cheaper for them). I also repeated that key to succeeding with dietary control is knowing exactly how the carbs in my food is affecting my BG and adjusting my carb intake accordingly.

I did say that it would be preferable if, instead of concentrating on my T2 which is under control, they were to focus more on my arthritis which definitely isn't under control.

I'm not expecting a positive outcome but I feel better for having sent that email.
 

Brunneria

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Oh well done! :D

No wonder you are worn out. Frustration and irritation will do that.
 

Goonergal

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Thanks for the hug @Brunneria. I'm feeling a bit angry, a bit emotional and (strangely) totally worn out.

I've emailed the Practice Manager setting out my concerns about that phone call and pointing out that it was that particular GP and their practice DN that diagnosed the T2, prescribed the insulin, other meds, glucometers and strips over several years after several worsening HbA1c 's and that I was on the insulin for quite a long time before choosing to change to dietary control (which is obviously cheaper for them). I also repeated that key to succeeding with dietary control is knowing exactly how the carbs in my food is affecting my BG and adjusting my carb intake accordingly.

I did say that it would be preferable if, instead of concentrating on my T2 which is under control, they were to focus more on my arthritis which definitely isn't under control.

I'm not expecting a positive outcome but I feel better for having sent that email.

Good for you! Does sound like a draining experience.
 

Chook

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@Brunneria
The reason I still get a prescription for the strips (and a nice shiny new glucometer every now and then) is because, according to their records, I'm still being prescribed MDI insulin - even though its been nearly three years since I asked for any and they know i control with low carbing. I get a phone call most months asking if I've forgotten to add it to my repeat script request. The pharmacist has a problem with it too. It seems, in their opinion, that no one comes off insulin once they are on it.
 

ert

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@Brunneria
The reason I still get a prescription for the strips (and a nice shiny new glucometer every now and then) is because, according to their records, I'm still being prescribed MDI insulin - even though its been nearly three years since I asked for any and they know i control with low carbing. I get a phone call most months asking if I've forgotten to add it to my repeat script request. The pharmacist has a problem with it too. It seems, in their opinion, that no one comes off insulin once they are on it.
Could you ask to have a glucose tolerance test as evidence that you need testing strips to control your BG levels to avoid spikes that will cause you to have to move onto other medication including insulin? Don't do it yourself, it would have to be done through your GP or specialist where they measure your insulin and glucose over the two hours. My GP and specialist wanted to know about how my response to eating after fasting, phase 1 of phase 2 insulin production was impaired. I have no phase 1 insulin after eating, which suggests beta cell destruction, as well as 2 rising to 4 mmol/l of phase 2 insulin. It was very informative and it's how I manage my diabetes without insulin.
 
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DCUKMod

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Could you ask to have a glucose tolerance test as evidence that you need testing strips to control your BG levels to avoid spikes that will cause you to have to move onto other medication including insulin?

I wouldn't want to speak for Chook, and I have done an OGTT myself, without ill-effect, but for some folks with insulin dysregulation - whether faulty first or second phase insulin responses or a likelyhood for a reactive hypo arrangement, it can be quite traumatic and leave them feeling drained for days.

As I say, my own OGTT went fine, although I did bottom out at 3.2 135 minutes post-insulin ingestion.

I do really feel for you @Chook . It must feel like you are utterly unrecognised for the strides forward you have made with your health, but that certainly isn't the case here. When T2 folks ask about the permenance of insulin therapy, I often mention your name as someone who has managed to come off it and be very well.

I do hope the complaint is dealt with properly.
 
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lucylocket61

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@Brunneria
The reason I still get a prescription for the strips (and a nice shiny new glucometer every now and then) is because, according to their records, I'm still being prescribed MDI insulin - even though its been nearly three years since I asked for any and they know i control with low carbing. I get a phone call most months asking if I've forgotten to add it to my repeat script request. The pharmacist has a problem with it too. It seems, in their opinion, that no one comes off insulin once they are on it.
sending strengthening vibes to you
 
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ert

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I wouldn't want to speak for Chook, and I have done an OGTT myself, without ill-effect, but for some folks with insulin dysregulation - whether faulty first or second phase insulin responses or a likelyhood for a reactive hypo arrangement, it can be quite traumatic and leave them feeling drained for days.

As I say, my own OGTT went fine, although I did bottom out at 3.2 135 minutes post-insulin ingestion.

I do really feel for you @Chook . It must feel like you are utterly unrecognised for the strides forward you have made with your health, but that certainly isn't the case here. When T2 folks ask about the permenance of insulin therapy, I often mention your name as someone who has managed to come off it and be very well.

I do hope the complaint is dealt with properly.
3.2 mmol/l post-glucose ingestion? Do you have reactive hypoglycemia? Or it must be the accuracy of your glucometer. I'd be surprised to think your blood sugar would be below 3.8 mmol/l without insulin or medication such as Glyburide or running a marathon.
 
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kitedoc

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Hi @Chook,
On another thread i have suggested such healthcare professionals need to be gifted a coffee mug with the words. " The mind is like a parachute ...".
The remainder of the saying is: " it only works when open".
It is always amazing what things health professionals focus on with use of computerised medical records.
Why not look also at what your HBA1Cs are like? They could likely tell a story which belies the assumptions made by this doctor and DSN.
And look at the story from Dr David Unwin who whilst initially skeptical of a patient who seemed to have achieved something similar, enquired, listened and discovered what a low carb diet could achieve. The rest is history as they say.
It sounds possible that such mean-spirited individuals as your GP and DSN may stop your blood-testing strip supply - but why not put your case to the local health authority with a calculation of what you have saved them!
And sometimes when an old car is not amenable to repair or fixing, it may need updating or changing. So ? A new GP and DSN maybe is on the cards?
 
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1spuds

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Unless I was destitute I would manage to budget for strips,they appear very important for you.
 

DavidGrahamJones

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Sorry for the rant - I feel a bit better now.

No need to rant, you are indeed an anomaly. Like a lot of people on this forum, you do not fit in with what a lot of GPs have been taught. I'm assuming that as someone who doesn't need insulin, in their eyes you don't need test strips and "the computer says no".

I feel completely let down by my 'medical team' - I felt like I was being ticked off for using the strips without injecting the insulin.

I blame NICE. GPs aren't allowed to use their brains, they've only been trained for god knows how many years to become GPs. I get the impression that they're for ever looking at ways to save money, not such a bad thing. In fact yesterday I saw my DN and she showed me the PC application she uses to prescribe. Whenever she selects a particular thing to prescribe the application will giver her alternatives and a price comparison. Clever, but needs a sensible human being to use it, rather than a guideline that suggests that type II diabetics not taking a drug that might cause a hypo, should not measure their BG and don't need to.

Luckily both my DN and GP are 100% on board with my LC diet although can't prescribe test strips.
 

Chook

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Interesting! I just had an email suggesting that the phone call yesterday may have been misinterpreted and asking if its convenient for me to be available for a conference call with the Practice Manager and other relevant parties at 12 today.

Now what????