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First diabetic review ....

Helen444

Helen444

Member
My first experience of Diabetic Clinic review yesterday ... left feeling a bit underwhelmed!!!

This was the first time since my diagnosis in March (made over the phone) that I had actually seen anyone to discuss my diabetes. Thankfully, in the meantime had found this site, started LCHF and have been monitoring my BG.

Anyway, the nurse started by telling me that I was prediabetic, but that this would probably turn into diabetes eventually as my pancreas would 'shut down'. When I explained that I was diabetic (HBAC1 57 on diagnosis) and that my HBAC1 had come down to 46 because I was was controlling it with diet she said this would be because of the medication I was on! I had explain that I had not been prescribed any medication.

After a bit of a lecture about my Cholesterol levels ( Cholesterol 5.5 / Trig 1.1 / HDL 1.3 / Ratio 4) I was told I needed to reduce my fat intake, cut out red meat . cheese / eggs and only drink skimmed milk. She then said that I could 'be good' during the week, but 'treat myself to the odd cake' at the weekend. Oh, and not to worry I can eat Rich Tea and Digestive biscuits!!

I then had to remind her that as part of the review I needed to have my feet checked, which she did.

She did offer me a diabetic course and made the referral for this although to be honest I am not holding out much hope of this being very useful.

So thankful for this site and all of the information I have found on here.
 
Hi. Well having been on this site already you have been able to judge the nurses contribution. I would just keep doing what you have been doing and see how your HBa1C goes over the coming months. Well done.
 
How disappointing !

I've found my GP practice to be quite organised in comparison. Immediate referral to a podiatrist and an eye clinic .. both of which came back with appointments within 6 weeks.

When it comes to diet and lifestyle changes though, I've been disappointed too. The attitude seems to be meds, meds, and more meds. My attempts to prove I can do this with LCHF diet and exercise alone have been treated quite patronisingly. I'm hoping I can prove them wrong at my 3 month review! I've refused the dietician and the course so far. I may change my mind if I can't get the results I need on my own.

You're doing really well!!! It's a shame you're not getting more help, but I really think there's so much experience and great advice on this forum that it's more use than anything the NHS can provide at present.

Yvonne xx
 
Its a shame that some nurses are so out of the loop with diabetes. Im lucky that my nurse is great, but I have to make sure I get the right one, the older nurse is a bit ignorant. Well done on the Hb reduction, keep up the good work.
 
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