diabetic no family support
Oct 25th 2012, 8:35 pm
#16
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: texas
Posts: 910
Re: diabetic no family support
I suspect its where you are in the UK and here, what sort of insurance you have.
When I live in Scotland, I would regularly see a dietician, a podiatrist and visit the hospital diabetic team every 3-4 months. In between times I would see my GP but as I have a low thyroid, high blood pressure and higher cholesterol levels,(all conditions are interlinked apparently) I am always being prodded in some way or another.
Over here, I see my GP and that is all. I am a type II diabetic so maybe that is the reason why he hasn't suggested any other specialists. He checks my A1C levels every 3 months, checks my feet and asked if I have any numbness. My optician checks for any eye disease and fills in the relevant form for my doctor. Also my insurance has 'nurse' assigned to me to remind me to have my diabetes checked on a regular basis and calls on the phone about 2 times a year.
Big difference, no co pays for any of these tests in the UK and no prescription charges as I have an underactive thyroid Think the same applies for diabetics but I not sure on that as I was already exempt by the time I diagnosed with Type II.
I was lucky, I lived in Scotland and I tend to be persistent if I think there is something not quite right about me. My sisters who live in Medway, do not seem to have the same sort of experience.
When I live in Scotland, I would regularly see a dietician, a podiatrist and visit the hospital diabetic team every 3-4 months. In between times I would see my GP but as I have a low thyroid, high blood pressure and higher cholesterol levels,(all conditions are interlinked apparently) I am always being prodded in some way or another.
Over here, I see my GP and that is all. I am a type II diabetic so maybe that is the reason why he hasn't suggested any other specialists. He checks my A1C levels every 3 months, checks my feet and asked if I have any numbness. My optician checks for any eye disease and fills in the relevant form for my doctor. Also my insurance has 'nurse' assigned to me to remind me to have my diabetes checked on a regular basis and calls on the phone about 2 times a year.
Big difference, no co pays for any of these tests in the UK and no prescription charges as I have an underactive thyroid Think the same applies for diabetics but I not sure on that as I was already exempt by the time I diagnosed with Type II.
I was lucky, I lived in Scotland and I tend to be persistent if I think there is something not quite right about me. My sisters who live in Medway, do not seem to have the same sort of experience.
Oct 25th 2012, 11:39 pm
#17
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,754
Re: diabetic no family support
Yeah my mum lives in North Yorkshire and has diabetes that is controlled by diet and metformin. She goes to the clinic once a month for blood tests and checkups. Since she had a small ulcer on her lower leg she now has a nurse/podiatrist visit her once a week to check her out and cut her toe nails. She sees the GP every couple of months to talk about her drugs and to see if she is feeling any changes.
Oct 28th 2012, 1:27 pm
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: diabetic no family support
She is monitored more closely and tested more yes. But also her doctor here is more supportive. Sees her after each batch of tests to discuss the results, and recommend ongoing treatment. Works with her to overcome side effects of her medication, and provides information to her to enable her to improve her condition by methods other then just popping pills.
In the UK she got an annual diabetic check up by her practice nurse. It was a session when they did all the patients due at that time. Unless requested, or there was a problem, there was no follow up. The only time the GP instigated an examination was when they had reached the maximum amount of time they could issue repeat prescriptions without seeing the patient, or she made an appointment.
Better here, yes because she is an individual who they care about, and have time for. Our GP in the UK wasn't a bad one, the practice was recognized locally as the best in the area, and there was usually a waiting list to be registered with them. They were just not as supportive or proactive as in the US.
In the UK she got an annual diabetic check up by her practice nurse. It was a session when they did all the patients due at that time. Unless requested, or there was a problem, there was no follow up. The only time the GP instigated an examination was when they had reached the maximum amount of time they could issue repeat prescriptions without seeing the patient, or she made an appointment.
Better here, yes because she is an individual who they care about, and have time for. Our GP in the UK wasn't a bad one, the practice was recognized locally as the best in the area, and there was usually a waiting list to be registered with them. They were just not as supportive or proactive as in the US.
Oct 29th 2012, 4:40 pm
#19
Grumpy Know-it-all
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 8,928
Re: diabetic no family support
Better here, yes because she is an individual who they care about, and have time for. Our GP in the UK wasn't a bad one, the practice was recognized locally as the best in the area, and there was usually a waiting list to be registered with them. They were just not as supportive or proactive as in the US.
They've started to do thing the same thing here in Alberta now as well, but I don't mind so much because tbh they needed to be more proactive.
My experience in the US is that it depends on the doctor, I've had everything from truly awful to really good. I can't recall any of them being particularly proactive though. Most I ever got was a reminder letter to come in.
