Diabetes support specialist

I have been on insulin for t2 for 18 months since I came out of hospital. I was unable to leave the house at that time and was allocated a specialist nurse who visited me every month and helped with questions about the insulin and controlling the insulin dose around my bs levels. My diabetes is not fully controlled and started taking metform as an addition to the insulin, I was hoping eventually to come off the insulin and go back to oral meds.

What I want to ask is, how the system works with the nurse, does he work for a pct, he says he doesnt have an office or clinic ergo is my treatment being 'overseen' by a doctor. I would like to attend a clinic but dont know where to start, I dont want to upset the nurse by asking for a referral but am in doubt as to whether I am getting the best treatment available and how do I measure it's success.

What arrangements for support/care do others have and could someone tell me how the system works. :?

Polly

Hi Gill

Great news for you that you are controlling your HBAC1's well, and glad you are feeling better. I am due to see my diabetic nurse tomorrow.

Polly

Hi Gill
Thankyou for your posts and pleased to know you are doing really well.
I've been t2 for 7 years and with oral meds my BS was really well controlled, however I had pancreatitis 18 months ago and was hospitalised for 6 months. I was critically ill and it has taken forever to get back to a reasonable standard of health. I was given insulin when I left hospital and my BS now are usually under 10, mostly around 7 and the odd hypos. I would prefer to be seen at a clinic but my community nurse doesnt have one so visits me. I asked to be put back on oral meds with a plan to reduce the insulin down to having at most one injection per day, at the moment I have two plus metformin, or at best to be on metformin and glicazide with no insulin. He tells me it may not work, but is prepared to give it a try. For my part I have changed to a low GI diet and much more exercise now I am capable of doing more. My physio referred me to a gym and now do twice weekly gym and swimming plus the walking I do anyway.

I feel a bit more relaxed about it since I spoke to my SDN but would like to see other specialists to be able to benchmark my treatment and response with other like people.

My GP does not have anything to do with diabetes but I have three monthly assessments with the surgery nurse. These sessions are not at all helpful and i end up taking the lead and keep meticulous records of all test results and record all discussions. I asked if I need to start taking statins again, (though the hospital consultant wasnt sure if they had been a factor of my illness) but they aren't sure if I should. This non-commital makes me think I should see a doctor who specialises in diabetes but this doesnt seem to be on offer to me. I am sure there is procedure but dont know how to find my way around it.

By the way, think we deserve a treat occasionally, and what better than yummy chocolate cake. :wink: :wink:

Take care
Polly