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Diabetic nurse

Debbie gott

Active Member
Messages
43
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi everyone, sorry to be a pain but how often should i see the diabetes nurse? Every time i am due to see her she cancels! Not seen her or had a blood test in about 7 months! Thanks again for your valuable help

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Assuming you did see her after your initial diagnosis, and have had your 3 month HbA1c retest to confirm diagnosis, the NHS guidelines is that you should be tested at least every 12 months.
 
I see a diabetes nurse when I need to and call them the same as I know how to change my insulin doses and I get my anual checks with the doctor and they are happy enough for me to do that so that is how I do it now
 
Yes before every meal as I was told to and I have just changed my meter over to the contour next usb meter and get everything free on prescription for it I only test after a meal if I don't feel right I.E. my stomach feels like it has gas in it or my head and legs are lighter than they normally are and I can't concentrate on anything the only time I don't test is if I am out as I don't carry my meter as you can't tell who might go through your pockets when you have a hypo outside so I always carry something that I know will bring my sugars back up asap and a drink
 
Hi. Someone just on tablets and well controlled may be every 12 months. If not well-controlled then 3 or 6 months by agreement. Those on insulin may be similar. My appointments are now every 12 months as my insulin control is good. I always arrange my blood test 2 weeks before the nurse appointment I also arrange.
 
I do test my sugar levels, though the doctor told me not to bother. But I'm really not sure what I'm doing as i have never been told (due to there apparently being no need) the issue i have atm is that my feet are swelling to the point that i feel they will bust open.
Cant get a doctors appointment for a week. I just feel i was given my diagnosis and rushed out of the surgery and ignored since. Feeling so low as i can't seem to get the help and advice i need

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@Debbie gott - Have you tried getting an appointment to see the Practise Nurse? Did you read the basic information provided by daisy when you joined the forum?
 
I did read it yes. I have tried for months to see the nurse and despite getting appointments weeks in advance the surgery always cancel them with some excuse.

I am doing my best, buying my own meter and strips as they don't supply them to t2 on metformin and reading all i can but i just feel as if i have been dumped by the surgery.

Not seen the nurse for about 8 months

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When I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes I had a appointment to see the gp and I only got as far as the door before he sent me up to the hospital and I was there for 4 days and I was put on a drip for 2 days and after that I am now under the hospital and not the gp as I still get letters to go there but I just tell them I don't need to and I am under the hospital and not them so they just tell me to dispose the letter and any other ones that come but I get stacks of them every year
 
The hospital nurse's are the easiest ones as you can get an appointment with them when you are after one and you don't get an excuse to have it cancelled unless they are ill but that is once in a blue moon and they are there when you need them even on the other side of the phone
 
I would phone the surgery and express your concerns and ask to see the relevant nurse a.s.a.p. It is so unfair to leave you without any support.
I think that once you manage to understand the role of carbohydrates in your diet and notice a pattern with your blood glucose you will find it easier.
As for the swollen feet, do you think it is heat related or have you had this before the weather got hotter?
You are on insulin and had a bad introduction to diabetes.
The OP will not be offered hospital appointments unless there is cause for concern. Type2s on oral medications do not have that luxury, only is rare cases when their G.P. needs specialist intervention related to their patient's care.
 
Hi. If the surgery keep cancelling appointments you need to complain to the Practice Manager as that isn't acceptable. With regard to meter testing, test 2 hours after some typical meals and your blood sugar needs to be below around 8.5 mmol. If it's higher than that too often make sure you are having a low-carb diet. Diet is always the best start point. If your figures are much higher than 8.5 most of the time then tell the Practice Manager that you want a hospital referral to the db clinic if they can't support you.
 
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