Well, having read as many threads on this forum as avidly as I could, I was forewarned about the attitude I may encounter at my 'annual diabetic check' at my GP's surgery. Nevertheless, I was still quite shocked by the experience, and it reinforced my sense of vulnerability - again a big 'thank you' to this forum for the care you show to us newly diagnosed diabetics.
This appointment was the first time I had seen anyone since my diagnosis as T2 about 6 weeks ago when I was prescribed 2000 Glucophage SR, given a Diabetes UK booklet and sent home to stew in my own juice.
Yesterday was my first opportunity to see how the 'professionals' and I were going to work together to get this under control. I saw the nurse first - very pleasant, weighed me (lost 2.2 kilo's), took my blood pressure (a bit too high). Asked how I was getting on - I told her that I was happy with my BG numbers and that they have reduced down to between 4.5 and 7.5 most of the time, provided that I am careful about what I eat. I was told that I am 'too tightly controlled', and that even if I am under 7.00 2 hours after I've eaten a meal, it doesn't mean that it won't be going higher and higher thereafter! I explained that I am using a meter to test, to ensure that I don't eat food that will make my BG keep rising. Again, I was told that I am trying to control things too tightly.
Next, I was ushered in to see the GP who 'specialises' in diabetes. She examined my feet. Happily they were deemed OK. Quite rightly, she expressed concern about my blood pressure and said she wanted to start me on an ACE inhibitor. I suggested that it might be a bit of 'white coat syndrome' and we agreed that I would monitor it at home for 2 weeks, and then decide about medication.
I asked for test strips. She said she preferred it if her T2 patients didn't test, as it causes 'anxiety' and as we can't adjust our medication to compensate for high BG readings, what is the point????? She also stated "TYPE 2 DIABETES ISN'T AS SERIOUS AS TYPE 1". I explained that I am attempting to achieve non-diabetic BG numbers, and that I would not be eating foods that caused spikes - testing is essential to that goal. I was reluctantly given a prescription for one packet of test strips and urged to follow Diabetes UK dietary advice, as I need plenty of complex carbohydrates. She also reiterated that I am seeking a level of control that is 'too tight'.
She asked me if I had been given aspirin - I replied that I hadn't and wasn't convinced of the need in the light of latest advice. She didn't push the issue.
I was told that I will be invited in for blood tests in 3 months time, as a newly diagnosed T2 they would be monitoring me closely!! No blood was taken yesterday, so they don't actually have a clue about what's happened since I commenced treatment 6 weeks ago.
I know that I am essentially OK at this point - I am lucky because I have found a source of advice here and have access to the internet - I feel so sorry for all the other diabetics who have to rely solely on the care of GP surgeries like mine, and who trust the diabolical advice they are given.
Sorry for this long rant, but I needed to offload!
This appointment was the first time I had seen anyone since my diagnosis as T2 about 6 weeks ago when I was prescribed 2000 Glucophage SR, given a Diabetes UK booklet and sent home to stew in my own juice.
Yesterday was my first opportunity to see how the 'professionals' and I were going to work together to get this under control. I saw the nurse first - very pleasant, weighed me (lost 2.2 kilo's), took my blood pressure (a bit too high). Asked how I was getting on - I told her that I was happy with my BG numbers and that they have reduced down to between 4.5 and 7.5 most of the time, provided that I am careful about what I eat. I was told that I am 'too tightly controlled', and that even if I am under 7.00 2 hours after I've eaten a meal, it doesn't mean that it won't be going higher and higher thereafter! I explained that I am using a meter to test, to ensure that I don't eat food that will make my BG keep rising. Again, I was told that I am trying to control things too tightly.
Next, I was ushered in to see the GP who 'specialises' in diabetes. She examined my feet. Happily they were deemed OK. Quite rightly, she expressed concern about my blood pressure and said she wanted to start me on an ACE inhibitor. I suggested that it might be a bit of 'white coat syndrome' and we agreed that I would monitor it at home for 2 weeks, and then decide about medication.
I asked for test strips. She said she preferred it if her T2 patients didn't test, as it causes 'anxiety' and as we can't adjust our medication to compensate for high BG readings, what is the point????? She also stated "TYPE 2 DIABETES ISN'T AS SERIOUS AS TYPE 1". I explained that I am attempting to achieve non-diabetic BG numbers, and that I would not be eating foods that caused spikes - testing is essential to that goal. I was reluctantly given a prescription for one packet of test strips and urged to follow Diabetes UK dietary advice, as I need plenty of complex carbohydrates. She also reiterated that I am seeking a level of control that is 'too tight'.
She asked me if I had been given aspirin - I replied that I hadn't and wasn't convinced of the need in the light of latest advice. She didn't push the issue.
I was told that I will be invited in for blood tests in 3 months time, as a newly diagnosed T2 they would be monitoring me closely!! No blood was taken yesterday, so they don't actually have a clue about what's happened since I commenced treatment 6 weeks ago.
I know that I am essentially OK at this point - I am lucky because I have found a source of advice here and have access to the internet - I feel so sorry for all the other diabetics who have to rely solely on the care of GP surgeries like mine, and who trust the diabolical advice they are given.
Sorry for this long rant, but I needed to offload!