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GP vs. Diabetic Clinic

AlexD

Newbie
Messages
1
Location
Derby
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I am 23yo Type 1. Recently I moved to a different part of the country. Previously I attended 6 monthly appointments at the diabetes clinic at a nearby hospital. When I registered with my GP here, they said they will take take of my diabetes check-ups. So I went along to the first one, with a practice nurse. I got weighed and my Hba1c tested and then was asked if I have any questions. I was a bit surprised that mu BG levels, insulin, diet etc. weren't discussed in a bit more depth as I was used to. I got the impression that the nurse didn't have any specialist knowledge about diabetes and was just done a form filling type exercise.

I am wondering if anyone else can related to this and would it be worthwhile if I go ahead and ask to be transferred to the diabetic clinic at the hospital?
 
Hi Alex and welcome

I would definitely ask to be referred to the hospital clinic as they have way more experience.

When I first moved to London, I asked my consultant in Norwich to refer me to a London hospital which he was happy to do - so that might be another route if your GP is reluctant to refer you.
 
My diabetes specialist nurse says I shouldn't go see my go about my diabetes as he just confuses the situation and dose not have the experience with diabetes as a specialist team dose at a hospital. I had a bad time going to my gp as he said one thing and my specialist team said another only making matters worst. I suppose it depends on what knowledge and how much the doctors are clued up on diabetes really and if you feel satisfied with the treatment you receive


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More than likely the practice nurse was a DN rather than a DSN you would see in a hospital diabetes clinic Alex.

My own personal experience is that hospital clinics are more specialised and can give better advice when it comes to insulin dosing and such, I do get my bloods taken at my gp practice but they are sent away to the hospital where I attend the following week, if you do opt to attend the hospital clinic you can ask that all your notes from your appointments are copied and sent to your gp.
 
I had the same problem... as soon as I turned 16 I was handed over to the care of my GP and it all went downhill from there....see a team in a hospital if you can, much better level of care!
 
My gps are always trying to get in on the act, but seeing as when I switched over to a pump even the doctor looked at me blankly and asked to see what it was like, I thought that I'd better stick to the brilliant local hospital. I'll have my bloods done at the gp surgery but largely ignore any other requests they send me.
 
I think your experience is fairly common. My diabetes GP is average but she passed me over to the DN who used to work in the hospital diabetes clinic so knows her stuff; it's a lottery out there
 
Definitely the Diabetic Clinic at the hospital. The clinic at my GP keep an eye on me in between hospital appointments but don't have the resources that the hospital have (48 years experience).
 
I am having a constant fight with this problem, I was referred to diabetes clinic at hospital by diabetes nurse at gp office. But gp keeps interfereing with everything as they sort all my mess out on prescription and it confuses things all the time


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My GP insisted I go to the diabetes clinic because they were more up to date on treatments and guidance etc. I would definitely be asking for a referral if I were in your shoes. At least with the clinic if you have any questions or concerns you can give them a call and they're more than happy to hear your concerns or make you an appointment rather than a quick 10 minute chat with a GP (in my experience at least)
 


So true Kerry, I can ring my clinic any time I want and I'll either get to speak with a DSN or they ring back later in the day when more convenient, gp surgeries can be rather rushed as opposed to hospital clinics.
 
Hi AleD,
I have been Type1 nearly as long as you are old. I have also moved about a lot, sometimes in other lands. My advice is forget the GP you probably know more than him and the practice nurse together. You need a Diabetic Dr or Clinic and pref. one with a good reputation. A visit every six months is is not enough either. Maybe someone here could say which are good in your town. Sorry I can't I'm living in Germany at the moment.
 
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