Do GPs understand diabetes medication

[wpaisley]

Do GPs understand the difference between Metformin and Gliclazide. My GP does not. I had to discover the difference myself. My GP deciding my medication HbA1c = 7.7% . After some research I decided what medication I should be taking HbA1c = 6.4%. Three Pharmasists have expressed doubts that unspecialised GPs would know the difference. My Diabetes Nurse does not know because I asked her. I live in Norfolk. The PCT does a wonderful job in looking after my eyes, heart, kidneys but do in my experience a terrible job in looking after my blood glucose. However if GPs followed the NICE guidlines in the treatment of diabetes they would not need to know this difference. I have met many diabetics who are started on Gliclazide (including me) and thus fail to get their resistance to insulin recognised. I have been told by an elderly doctor that in his training they received one half day training in five years on Diabetes. I so do hope I am wrong.

 

[Dennis]

Hi wpaisley,
Unfortunately it does appear that many GPs are not clued up about diabetes and its treatment. This is surprising when you consider that there is currently what is generally described as a diabetes epidemic. There are many excellent GPs out there who keep themselves up to date on new meds on the market, read the NICE guidelines and the BNF guidelines. Unfortunately there are equal numbers of GPs who do none of these. We have even had reports from forum contributors of GPs who were unaware that diabetes could be treated with anything other than insulin!

Of course, you could attempt to educate your GP yourself. Think of it as your personal challenge!