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Is my doctor correct?

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mandy_aburieki

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I have been type 2 diabetic for 4 years. My recent diabetic review had a HbA1c on 7.7. Each diabetic review I seem to come home with more medication. I am currently taking 1000mg Metformin twice a day and 5mg Saxogliptin once a day. I feel that I should be doing daily testing and bought a monitor, however, my doctor refuses to prescribe testing strips, saying that I don't need to test. I have tried to get a dietician appointment or some guidance as I don't eat a lot of sugar but could do with educating on how other carbs affect blood sugar, but as of yet this has never materialized. My sister, recently diagnosed as type 2 but diet controlled was immediately sent on a course, and has a much greater understanding of diabetes. I have contemplated changing doctors but wonder if this level of care is standard or not. I'd welcome some opinions please? :?
 
hi welcome

you will learn much more about diet, carbs and diabetes in general here than you will from your doctor or dietician, our treatment from health care professionals seems to vary wildly from practise to practise, they are useless in my opinion, have a read of the forum posts and ask any questions you come up with

good luck
 
Hi. Most people with T2 are not provided with test meters and strips due to cost. If you are on Gliclazide or insulin you may be prescribed as hypos are a risk. Yes, you do need to test to determine what foods affect you and by how much, so get a free meter from the manufacturer and strips online or buy the SD Codefree online which has low-cost strips. I wouldn't worry too much about having to wait for a dietician as their advice varies a lot and can be pretty bad. This forum has a lot of good diet advice for diabetics based on real-world experience. Do search the forum and ask questions. Basically all carbs are converted by the body quickly into glucose in the blood and as diabetics we have a problem handling that glucose properly. So you need to control your carb intake and have low-GI where you can to minimise spikes. Don't worry too much about fats as they are not the villain we are told and they help slow-up carb absorption. Many of us set a notional daily carb target. Mine is around 150-180gm. Some go for a much lower target. Above the 200gm level you may find it difficult to control your blood sugar even with meds; your meter will guide you.
 
It really is mixed, care is do different for everyone...
I think you should of been offered a course to go on...
I can't get strips either....and that is ok with me at the moment.....I do see a dietiten via the gp and have hba1c tests.....
 
Thank you all, I have learnt a lot already by having a look around the forums tonight, I have been trying to follow the principles of a low GI diet and make lifestyle changes. Glad I've found this site. :)
 
mandy_aburieki said:
I have been type 2 diabetic for 4 years. My recent diabetic review had a HbA1c on 7.7. Each diabetic review I seem to come home with more medication. I am currently taking 1000mg Metformin twice a day and 5mg Saxogliptin once a day. I feel that I should be doing daily testing and bought a monitor, however, my doctor refuses to prescribe testing strips, saying that I don't need to test. I have tried to get a dietician appointment or some guidance as I don't eat a lot of sugar but could do with educating on how other carbs affect blood sugar, but as of yet this has never materialized. My sister, recently diagnosed as type 2 but diet controlled was immediately sent on a course, and has a much greater understanding of diabetes. I have contemplated changing doctors but wonder if this level of care is standard or not. I'd welcome some opinions please? :?
Click to expand...

You should consider changing.
My practice is excellent.
I have been on the Desmond course, which is a good start.
Then been referred to a dietician, specialist diabetic nurses, NHS gym.
Blood tests whenever I go in.
I drive, and work at heights, and like you I am prescribed a medicine that has a risk of hypos, so I am provided with a meter and test strips.
I think the dietician has made the greatest change to me though, I have lost 3 1/2 stone, and now have bloods back into the normal range, and had my medicines reduced at the last review.
 
Have a look at the book Carbs and Cals. I found that really useful

Do you need to lose any weight? Can you take more exercise? You should read through the welcome message new numbers get from Daisy. Ask any questions you want

If you want to list a few favourite meals or make a food diary you will get lots of comments and suggestions from members here that are generally very helpful

I would get a cheap meter and strips and at least you can take charge. You don't always have to test once you have established a good grasp on things

Good luck

Cara
 
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