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Doc said I was stupid

ColS said:
I was diagnosed T2 in December 2011 and was on Metformin for two years until my kidney function took a dive. I was taken off Metformin and reverted to diet only as my HbA1c was down to 47 this was ok until last year when it shot up to the mid 60's.
By last November my HbA1c was down to 52, Glicklazide 40mg and LHCD. My Consultant is pretty happy with my actions and progress. My annual medication revue last week my GP said he was pleased by my proactive approach to diabetes but admits he knows little about LHCD. I have an appointment with the diabetic nurse the week after next and expect to see my HbA1c down into the 40's again. While my GP Practice and Consultant seem to be only working on the NICE guide lines they are interested on how my HbA1c is coming down.
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LHCD?
 
I'm appalled by hearing of doctors behaving like this, I've never experienced it personally, I have a great diabetic nurse, we often have a brilliant chat about research and I told her I'd been on the Blood Sugar Diet a few weeks ago at our last review, in early March and had lost 3kg already, she was very interested and was keen to find out how I got on, she'd heard about it and thought it had great potential, but then she's a diabetic herself who has achieved a great reduction in her BG levels with the 5:2 diet and fasting, so she's open to ideas. I'm really looking forward to my next HBA1C test in June as I've now lost 8kg, my blood pressure is down to 110/72 and my Post-Prandial BG level is generally around the 7-8 mmol/l level and general 5.2/5.3.

I know these are good signs but that it's too early to judge, but whether it's pure optimism or some physical effect, I feel 20 years younger, want to dance all the time and can't see a set of stairs without running up them. I've just got home from a 30 mile cycle ride, which meant I could have a pint of bitter half way and and ice cream on the way back (and BG of 5.3 when I got home) and I felt completely recovered after a quick cup of tea. I wouldn't give a toss if a doctor told me I was stupid for doing this - I'm from a science background and I'm a huge skeptic and know to take anecdotal evidence with a pinch of salt - especially when it comes to nutrition. So I've read the research and at the end of the day, while there's no gold standard of research about the LCHF diet for diabetics, the evidence that the current guidelines is based on is very poor and I'd expect my doctor to be able to point to and defend the evidence they're basing their decisions on.

There really should be more research on the LCHF diet and diabetes outcomes, and that will advance the whole cause of diabetic medicine - but in the meantime, MY BG levels are not destroying MY nerves, eyes and kidneys and in all likelihood all the known indicators are pointing to me living a longer life with more of my important bits working, so I'm going to keep doing it, unless I see some indicator (Blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, creatine etc) that shows I'm doing myself harm then I'll have a rethink and re-read the literature.
 
trudy1 said:
Been to the docs this morning. I've lost weight which is great he asked me what I was eating I said LCHF and he said that's stupid and I'm silly for doing it also said I should nor be checking my blood. I left feeling really deflated. Sorry I just wanted a rant
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A Doctor should never say such a thing to a patient that is truly mean so don't let it get to you he isn't worth being upset over!!
 
trudy1 said:
Thank you. Think I was just shocked, was so pleased with myself that I was controlling my glucose levels etc never thought the doc would act that way. I'm going to ignore him and carry on what I'm doing
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I totally agree with you! My doctor told me that the LCHF diet was a "gimmick" and I should stick to the NHS plan, and he also said I didn't need to test. He sent a prescription to my local chemist for Metformin for me to collect.
I've never collected the Metformin. I fund my own test strips and in the past 8 weeks I've lost 15lbs on the LCHF plan, and reduced my BGs from 10s and 11s on diagnosis to regular 4s and 5s.
I have my first appointment with the DN on Tuesday and I'm dying to find out what my Hb1Ac is now. (It was 63 on diagnosis.)
I haven't fallen out with my GP and I've agreed to see him in another month's time for an assessment. But I keep reminding myself that he's a GP, not a consultant. :)
 
debrasue said:
keep reminding myself that he's a GP, not a consultant.
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For that matter I don't always agree with my consultant and have a tendency to argue the point at times.:)

As for the opening post of this thread the doctor thinks his patient is stupid only because he is ignorant.
 
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Totally agree with the others on here, your doctor needs re-educating. Mine is the same and I avoid him as much as possible. He was another one who said the LCHF is a "gimmick" and not good for me.
More worrying was the liver specialist I see at the hospital twice a year.... Good news for me, is that she discharged me today. After nearly 2 years on LCHF my liver is back to normal and has remained that way for a year. When she asked how I did it and I attempted to tell her, she looked horrified and said.. you can't possibly eat fat, you must do low fat and try that Benecol stuff... Err excuse me ma'am , you've just discharged me for a normal liver ?? I just smiled, nodded and told her I'd do my best ;)
 
daisyduck said:
Totally agree with the others on here, your doctor needs re-educating. Mine is the same and I avoid him as much as possible. He was another one who said the LCHF is a "gimmick" and not good for me.
More worrying was the liver specialist I see at the hospital twice a year.... Good news for me, is that she discharged me today. After nearly 2 years on LCHF my liver is back to normal and has remained that way for a year. When she asked how I did it and I attempted to tell her, she looked horrified and said.. you can't possibly eat fat, you must do low fat and try that Benecol stuff... Err excuse me ma'am , you've just discharged me for a normal liver ?? I just smiled, nodded and told her I'd do my best ;)
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Congratulations! What a great result. :)
 
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