Can I Advise Other Diabetics How To Normalise Their BS's?

Re: Can I Advise Other Diabetics How To Normalise Their BS's

Hi,
Personally, I would think that becoming a member of this site is what most diabetics here do to both help others and be helped themselves. I agree that having been diabetic for a long time (36 years in my case) does give you an insight to problems that doctors can't begin to understand. My own diabetes consultant once told a group of students to visit me and ask me questions while I was in hospital as he thought I probably knew more about the real effects of diabetes than he did.
I think that "teaching" diabetics should be left to the professionals, as I find that even now I learn something new or updated from them at almost every clinic visit. They are in a network that is designed to pass on new information and discoveries and they are also covered by their professional qualifications when they tell patients what to do. As you mention, you (and most of us) have none.
However, swapping tips and relating individual experiences is all good and that's what happens on this forum. I've learned plenty from here and I hope I've been able to help others too, but I know I'm not anywhere near good enough to be a "teacher".

Re: Can I Advise Other Diabetics How To Normalise Their BS's

Whilst I agree that very often, the diabetic patient knows far more than the doctor, advising others is difficult.
I have had normal or near normal BG for years, but many of the people I tell about it, just tell me their doctor is telling them they are Ok [ with HbA1cs in the 7s and 8s!] Over thee years i've had one or two ask how it's done, but loads are obviously not interested.
I'm actually a T2 on minimal Metformin, so I have to be disciplined about diet.
I've encountered many diabetics who don't want to know and many HCPs who don't know what a normal BG is.
However. i figure if I've helped one person, I've done good. I have encouraged my T1 husband to improve his numbers and it's stabilised his multiple complications.
Hana

Re: Can I Advise Other Diabetics How To Normalise Their BS's

I think a lot of people on here have read various books and papers and have a fairly extensive knowledge of diabetes. I know what works for me and though I've read Dr Bernstein I wouldn't put it anywhere near the top of my reading list for what has helped me .
I'm an individual and different to you and so are the people on forums, we never know the full picture, we don't know their history, we don't know their problems. Being on the internet we don't know if what we have written has been understood in the way we meant it. (big one this).
We may know a little bit about certain facets , from experience those that affect us and perhaps those that we have tried to find out about however, that leaves lots of big holes in our knowledge. We don't necessarily know about how other conditions affect diabetes treatment. We don't know how other lifestyles affect it : for example I know a bit about how long distance running affects me but although I know the potential problems I haven't the foggiest idea how to manage diabetes and weight lifting . I developed T1 later in life and live a fairly ordered lifestyle so I haven't the experience of someone trying to balance 3 children, a full time job and T1 diabetes. I certainly have no experience of dealing with another serious illness or complication on top of diabetes.

A doctor probably doesn't always have the full picture but they have more indications than we have. My own doctors have been excellent. You have experience of your own diabetes and I don't think there are many doctors who would disagree that you have to know more this they do about it. That is why someone like Ragnar Hanas subtitles his book How to become an expert in your own diabetes. (now that is a book I found useful)

Of course doctors mostly don't have personal experience either (some do) but they come across a wider variety of situations than we do. They certainly should have more background knowledge about drugs and other illnesses. Good doctors also are aware of and share innovation. Doctors are also in the position to intervene quickly when necessary. If someone has DKA or a blackened toe it is imperative that the only advice they receive from a forum is to see a doctor.

I have seen people helped on forums, I have also seen a couple of people end up in hospital from possibly ill judged advice. (or perhaps poorly understood advice). Quite a lot of time I've seen nothing because people ask and then go away so we really don't know what happens.

Re: Can I Advise Other Diabetics How To Normalise Their BS's

AdamAdam said:

I know far more than your average 'diabetic specialist' am I in a position to teach other people?

Click to expand...

With respect Adam I don't think any of us know more than a specialist

Re: Can I Advise Other Diabetics How To Normalise Their BS's

Hi AdamAdam, I'm Type 1 also, in my 24th year now. Been through a lot of other medical conditions causing big problems with BS, (in the last couple of years) and last year was very, very stressful and emotional, which again affects the BS.

I know my body, how it works, when its not working properly and having to 'tweak areas' when I know something is just quite right.

Belonging to a forum can be a great help with getting support and advice, but I must stress that people can't give unqualified medical advice, because what works for you, will not necessarily work for me or another member regarding gender, insulin requirements,sensitivity, exercise, type of work, weight etc. Type 1's have to be so careful in case of hypo's or hypers.

By all means help and support other people, I think most members on here try to do that.

All the best RRB