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Incompetent medical professionals

Karenchq

Karenchq

Well-Known Member
Messages
84
Location
Bruxelles
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I went to a new eye doctor and was/am furious with the lack of knowledge about diabetes care. I made sure to specifically state that I am a type 1 diabetic and ask to see a doctor who has significant experience with diabetic patients. The quack didn't even know the difference between type 1 and type 2 and insisted that I was a type 2 based on my age and that taking or not taking insulin had nothing to do with type 1 or type 2.
 
It is really frightening, isn't it? When I was first diagnosed as T1 by a nurse at the GP Practise, upon seeing the doctor, I was told that I would have to go to hospital, because she wasn't sure if I needed insulin or not, she couldn't remember. This, unfortunately, is only the tip of the iceberg. Hope you manage to find a doctor who is a bit more knowledgable and conscientious!
 
Karenchq said:
I went to a new eye doctor and was/am furious with the lack of knowledge about diabetes care. I made sure to specifically state that I am a type 1 diabetic and ask to see a doctor who has significant experience with diabetic patients. The quack didn't even know the difference between type 1 and type 2 and insisted that I was a type 2 based on my age and that taking or not taking insulin had nothing to do with type 1 or type 2.
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Dear Lord that's awful. I hope you get someone who knows what they are doing next. Wish you well.
 
In this position, get angry, lock them in the room, then Educate them with a capital E.... ;)
 
Yes, worrying but so common. I'm a LADA still diagnosed as T2 due to similar ignorance. I always say I'm insulin dependent rather than giving a type as that is really what matters and tells any hospital that you may go hypo etc and need to manage your own meds. So far all the consultants and hospitals I've used have been good about this even if they know little about diabetes or types.
 
Just wondered was it a retina scan or was it a normal eye test for glasses that you had. It may work differently where you live here in the UK most go to an optician just for an eye test for spectacles and I do not know how much they have to know about diabetes. It is different to the annual retinal scan we have that is done by an eye specialist who has the knowledge about diabetes
 
In many parts of the UK the retina scans are carried out in contracted high street opticians and the images transmitted to the hospital for examination by the specialist so you don't get to see him/her unless the screening indicates risk requiring it. Although I don't think that is what happened here
 
It's too bad you didn't have my ophthalmologist. I have learned more from him than my family doctor.and he is naturally curious which in my opinion is a sign of intelligence. You would think with the increase of diabetes in this world health professionals would be more aware but then again there are so many other conditions out there it's probably difficult to be fully knowledgeable on everything.
 
When I went to Moorfields A and E in May with what turned out to be. a self-limiting eye problem, a nurse did a glucose test, and I remarked that I didn't have a meter. The (lovely) doctor said 'You should. It's your diabetes'. Needless to say, I am testing now.
 
My experience with medical professionals is not good.Recent diabetic review with practice nurse was horrendous. She was determined to stop me testing blood glucose levels.She said my control was excellent and immediately cancelled my test strips. She implied I was addicted to testing!! I have been testing for 13 years and consider this vital to my control along with strenuous exercise and diet
 
As it's a doctor the OP went to see, it wouldn't be on the high street, unless that has changed ?
Twice in A&E I had to tell the nurse's my medical conditions, I said I had diabetes, both times it was 'type 2' ? so not happy with that as they didn't ask which type and so appeared not to know there is a type 1, rather scary.
 
Oh... the medical profession and diabetes! When faced with them I circle through frustration, anger, amusement, indignation and delight.

My care recently has been great. I had my HbA1C today at my local walk-in clinic, and I had my first retinal scan nearly two weeks ago at my nearest hospital - on a Saturday! The ophthalmologist was brilliant, particularly when I'd just had those incredibly stinging eye drops!

I'm sure it'll all fall apart again when I try to make an appointment with my helpful GP at that disaster of a surgery to discuss my results!
 
Most GP's just want to deal with runny noses and grazed knees. Lord help you if you have a long standing physical condition, and your really screwed if you have any psychological issues..:p
 
What worries me is a slightly different take on this. Friends who are diabetic some T1 some T2 and one LADA who think everything health professionals tell them is sacrosanct and never query or politely challenge. Some explanations I have heard begged belief. I used to be one myself but am of the attitude I do not know everything and can always learn from patients. That is also why I am on this site, learning things for myself as times and research change over time
 
Was this just a regular options or the hospital clinic? The clinic is responsible for checking your diabetic wear and tear but opticians just do whether you can see like every other person they see.
 
mist said:
Most GP's just want to deal with runny noses and grazed knees. Lord help you if you have a long standing physical condition, and your really screwed if you have any psychological issues..:p
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Not always.
 
Pinkorchid said:
Just wondered was it a retina scan or was it a normal eye test for glasses that you had. It may work differently where you live here in the UK most go to an optician just for an eye test for spectacles and I do not know how much they have to know about diabetes. It is different to the annual retinal scan we have that is done by an eye specialist who has the knowledge about diabetes
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It was for a retinal exam
 
Assuming I understand the biology correctly, the reason for high BG has no effect on how an eye doctor will examine or treat an eye condition.
 
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