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How much care?

Jaxx01

Jaxx01

Well-Known Member
Messages
294
Location
Bracknell, Berkshire
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Just wondered how much care you guys are receiving? I was diagnosed a year ago last September. I had an hba1c done in October and my retinopathy test also in October but nothing since? Only because I went to the doctor yesterday as I'm struggling with control has he ordered an hba1c in 6-8 weeks! Is this normal to be left pretty much a whole year?
 
12 month check up are about right if bloods are stanilised. I think thats the minimum that Consultants and GP's have to do.

However as a newly diagnosed person, I would have thought that HCP's should have followed up your care after 12 weeks to ensure that your hba1c had lowered and that any treatments were being followed without side effects. However, I dont think this follow up is compulsory....
 
My GP wants HBa1c's done every three months or so at the moment - seems to be standard with her for the first year.

I've had the retinopathy scans and the Xpert training (I was diagnosed in March this year) plus all the recommended blood tests for kidney, liver function, cholesterol etc. I am still waiting for an appointment for the podiatrist - very long waiting list apparently, not really concerned, my feet are fine and definitely extremely sensitive still (I hate anyone touching my feet, way too ticklish).

Our local trust does not send patients to consultants unless they have major control problems so as my BG's are pretty much under control already I am under the care of my local local practice alone.
 
I feel a little let down if I'm honest. I've had one hba1c and was told I have high cholesterol so to take statins, and that's it. I had to investigate and book my retinopathy scan? At they Healy? I can't remember exactly :/
 
If you feel let down, you are quite entitled to book an appointment to see the diabetic nurse at your surgery.
Ask her questions and she can give forms for blood tests etc.

My current local gp lets the diabetic nurse do everything..

I also go to a hobby class with a young gp, and she says that she never deals with diabetes... And if the DSN asks her to change any tablets, insulin... Wait for it.... She actually has to look the medicines up to make sure they are correct before she signs... NOT double checking the nurse, but because she is not aware of all the medicines and treatments!!!

I would try making an appt with the DSN. Keep a record of your bloods and meals..
Ask what the practice's stance is on blood testing and strips and diets etc.

If necessary explain to the receptionist that this needs to be a double appt.. As you are concerned about your D.

Not sure if you are type 1 or 2. If you are type 1, you could also ask to be placed under care of a consultant at hospital.

Also worthwhile googling to see whether there are any diabetic groups run by your hospital etc...

Don't let your current treatment put you off..if this surgery do not take your diabetes seriously. You could always phone another surgery and ask the practice manager on the phone what the standard level of care is at their surgery... And change if better...
 
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