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Does your diabetes nurse weigh you regularly?

Kentoldlady1 said:
Hello, and thanks for the concern!. I am on metformin. My last hbalc was 36. I was dx because of carpel tunnel syndrome led to as blood test. The gp phoned me to say I was also hypothyroid, there was a prescription waiting for me at reception and by the way, see the practice nurse. So a month later I saw the practice nurse who told me I was t2d and gave me metformin. She did a foot check, but forgot to order the retinopathy check. If it had not been for this forum I would never have known about it.
My cholesterol was done last year with the original test.
I asked to go on a course and have just started xpert.
Kidneys test done at same time, all ok.
No idea about liver.
Have never seen a gp about any of it.
Its impossible to get an appointment.
This forum has quite literally been a life saver.
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As you are on Metformin, you should have been seen at least after 6 months for a review and medication check. It is normal for this first review to be after 3 months, but it can be 6 months. When blood tests arrive back from the lab they are normally sent to the person that ordered them, which was probably your doctor. I am guessing, but would like to bet he looked at the results, saw all was normal (especially the HbA1c) and put "no further action" on the report without even noticing your medication or that you are diabetic. That is what the receptionist will have seen and wouldn't be expected to know any better. It happens. It shouldn't happen. It appears your surgery is one of those that requires you to do the chasing, but it isn't acceptable in my opinion.

Did you get print outs of all the tests or ask if they are on-line (as they should be)? Your liver functions will be on the print outs and on-line if you can register for this. If you haven't got these, I really advise you to get them. You are entitled to these print outs. (Apologies if you already have them)

I've never seen a GP in relation to diabetes, just the nurse. I saw her every 3 months initially, then every 6 months, and now every year although I have blood tests every 6 months without needing to see her providing all is well. I get letters inviting me for the blood tests and then book the nurse myself whilst I am at the blood clinic.
 
Bluetit1802 said:
As you are on Metformin, you should have been seen at least after 6 months for a review and medication check. It is normal for this first review to be after 3 months, but it can be 6 months. When blood tests arrive back from the lab they are normally sent to the person that ordered them, which was probably your doctor. I am guessing, but would like to bet he looked at the results, saw all was normal (especially the HbA1c) and put "no further action" on the report without even noticing your medication or that you are diabetic. That is what the receptionist will have seen and wouldn't be expected to know any better. It happens. It shouldn't happen. It appears your surgery is one of those that requires you to do the chasing, but it isn't acceptable in my opinion.

Did you get print outs of all the tests or ask if they are on-line (as they should be)? Your liver functions will be on the print outs and on-line if you can register for this. If you haven't got these, I really advise you to get them. You are entitled to these print outs. (Apologies if you already have them)

I've never seen a GP in relation to diabetes, just the nurse. I saw her every 3 months initially, then every 6 months, and now every year although I have blood tests every 6 months without needing to see her providing all is well. I get letters inviting me for the blood tests and then book the nurse myself whilst I am at the blood clinic.
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Again, thank you.
The nurse ordered the second blood test. But she went on long term sick and has now left. I did ask.for an appointment with another nurse because I had recurrent thrush and my bgl was all.over the shop. Was told.one would phone me, but they didnt. No point in phoning again. And my bgl seems to.be coming down, I think it was stress.The surgery has just " failed" its visit from the cqc and needs improvements in all areas. I am unable.to change because local.surgeries are refusing to take anyone who already has a gp.
I did have a message from the receptionist to say I needed a medication review, but no idea when that will happen. Appoints are booked only by phone from 8am. Cannot book in advance, although they say that you can. I have never managed to get thru at 8 am!! I think that any follow up appointment is booked by the patient. Thats impoosible( no diabetic nurse in post at the moment)so no follow up.

I have my bloods and dont see liver results. But the receptionist did say that the surgery pharmacist was going to leave me another blood test form. When I have seen someone they have all been really nice. But I am not sure about competency. For example, forgetting the retinopathy check, something that is really important and something most people would not know about. Bit sad about it but have decided to look after myself.
 
Every review for me......

although the fact I am over weight is never mentioned.....

this may be because I am type one and its the control of my blood sugar that is on top of the priority list...and any advice may fall on deaf ears...;)
 
Bluetit1802 said:
As you are on Metformin, you should have been seen at least after 6 months for a review and medication check. It is normal for this first review to be after 3 months, but it can be 6 months. When blood tests arrive back from the lab they are normally sent to the person that ordered them, which was probably your doctor. I am guessing, but would like to bet he looked at the results, saw all was normal (especially the HbA1c) and put "no further action" on the report without even noticing your medication or that you are diabetic. That is what the receptionist will have seen and wouldn't be expected to know any better. It happens. It shouldn't happen. It appears your surgery is one of those that requires you to do the chasing, but it isn't acceptable in my opinion.

Did you get print outs of all the tests or ask if they are on-line (as they should be)? Your liver functions will be on the print outs and on-line if you can register for this. If you haven't got these, I really advise you to get them. You are entitled to these print outs. (Apologies if you already have them)

I've never seen a GP in relation to diabetes, just the nurse. I saw her every 3 months initially, then every 6 months, and now every year although I have blood tests every 6 months without needing to see her providing all is well. I get letters inviting me for the blood tests and then book the nurse myself whilst I am at the blood clinic.
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This is exactly my situation - thanks for clearing up the "no further action" statement from the person on the end of the 'results line' at my surgery, @Bluetit1802. That was exactly what I was told. I am doing a lot of chasing..... And also going through the hoops to register to get my test results online (why you can't register for this at the same time you register for Patient Access I'll never know). You're in the same boat as me, @Kentoldlady1 - are you thinking of changing to another surgery?
 
Tannith said:
Does your diabetes nurse weigh your regularly and if so, how often?
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I do not have a dn, but I get on the scales in my GP's surgery every time I go as they are more accurate than the pos Weight Watcher scales we have here at home.
 
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In NZ have weekly reviews while way over weight (Bmi +30) then two weekly reviews now that under 30 till reach target weight. Don't know if do for every one and they wouldint if your not committed to change but while helping self they are all over it and do free of charge. Like say if wasint really been committed it would be a chargeable visit
 
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