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MyFitnessPal Community

My doctor is no help

kikityme

So I had the bloodwork done, and was diagnosed type 2. The conversation with my doctor went like this: "You have diabetes. Here's your medication." (And yes, my doctor is notorious for handing out free meds. Who complains? lol)

He didn't tell me what the numbers were, just that I had to lose weight. I had a follow-up appointment 3 weeks later where I specifically told him I needed to see a diabetic counsellor. And he put me in a "study." I have no idea what that is, I guess I'll find out tomorrow. From what I gleaned when I peeked through my paperwork while waiting (seriously, why does that feel like a crime? It's my information!) The only numbers I saw was that I was 8 when I should be 6. Still don't know what that means.

But is it odd that I don't test my sugar, and the only advice was to lose weight?

Does anyone in Canada know what a diabetic "study" is?

Replies

Lesa1129

Personally, I would be finding another Dr. I hope you get some answers at the "study".

Gentyl

Your doctor is insane.

I sent you a message.

CrisEBTrue

Personally, I would be finding another Dr. I hope you get some answers at the "study".

I agree.

It's YOUR body, it's your health. I'm sure your doctor would not go back to an auto mechanic who tells him:

"your car needs work. Here's the bill. I'll see you again in three weeks."

In order for you to proceed with any degree of success in lowering your blood sugar (That's what the 8 is; your A1C level.. Do look it up online and get familiar with this and other diabetes terms), you need to know exactly what you're dealing with.

Find out if there is a local chapter of the American Diabetes Association in your area.
They provide FREE classes for diabetics (or at least they were free awhile back).
They will help you understand WHAT high blood sugar is, why you need to control it, and HOW you can intelligently
tackle the task with REAL food. If, after that, you feel you need help from a licensed dietician; they can give you recommendations as well.

In the meantime, do some research online about type 2. Look up your medication online and educate yourself about what you're taking (possible side effects like diarrhea, etc. so you know what to expect.

As for the new doctor.... you might want to sign up on Angie's list to do research and find someone that fits your needs.
We moved across the country about a year ago, and knew nobody here. That's how we've found physician, dentist and etc., through local Angie's List recommendations.

Good luck. Stay positive. Kick his *kitten* to the curb and take control of your own life.

:laugh:

MissReena73

I had a bit of a crappy situation when I was diagnosed too, but mine was almost the other end of the spectrum. She had me going way too far in the other direction.

She walked in and said "So, you're diabetic. Type 2" and then went on to tell me that I had to eat less than 90g of carbs a day, no apples, no oranges, no grapes, no fruit juice, no bread, no pasta, no rice. Test my blood 4 times a day, eat 6 times a day, and make sure I test at least 2 hours after eating. None of the math made sense, and the times she gave me for testing had me getting up two hours before I normally do just to test.

But now I have a friend who I urged to get his blood tested, his doc put him on Metformin, said "watch your sugars and test your blood" but told him he was not diabetic.

Unfortunately, doctors are not the best people to give you advice. You really need a Diabetes Educator.

I am fortunate enough that I live in a province with a Diabetes Association, and they were able to help me. What you really need is a Diabetes Educator. It is possible that the "study" is going to be something to do with Diabetes Educators. You should do a search to see what you province offers. And check at the local grocery stores to see if they offer nutrition classes. The Diabetes Association here recommended the dieticians at Sobeys, because they do great label reading classes.

Check out the Canadian Diabetes Association website as well. They are a great resource for Canadians and may help you find educators in your area that can help you.
http://www.diabetes.ca

Best of luck with it all. Hopefully you will learn a lot as part of the study.

kikityme

Ok...so, turns out the study was just a drug study he wanted me to go on. When I told him I didn't want to be a guinea pig he was cool.

Turns out, I have an appointment with a Diabetes educator next week, just nobody told me!

He said I didn't really need to test my blood cause he's fairly certain I'll be good with diet. I've already lost 15 pounds and the two numbers he's given me are getting better all the time. If there's no progress by next month he'll start me testing.

Canadian Diabetes Association just sent me a load of stuff too, so there's good information there. The problem I was having with Dr. Google is that I had no idea what they were talking about!

GrokRockStar

Good idea to forego the study without having knowing what you’re getting in to. It's odd that you still don’t have the numbers though, even if he feels that you can manage it with diet, but I’m not familiar with Canadian medical practices. You’re taking the right steps in seeking additional information to educate yourself. I hope that clarity comes to you soon!

gaelicstorm26

I'm sorry, but I disagree with your doctor about testing. Testing is so important. It helps us to figure out what works for our bodies and what doesn't. My husband and I are both diabetic and react to things is different ways. A1c is a great measure, but it won't account for dangerous highs you could be having after certain meals.

kikityme

In Canada the family doctor is more like a car mechanic in all honesty. If you don't know the right questions to ask, you're sort of left hanging. They run the tests and refer you to someone else.

It's not a perfect system, but there really isn't a lot to complain about.

When I get into the diabetic counsellor, they actually take over, so they might make me test. They sort of run the show, checking feet and eyes and all that stuff.

I'll just have to see how that goes.

GlucernaBrand

I'm glad you have an appointment with a diabetes educator and that you received some information from the Canadian Diabetes Association. Their information is top-notch. Bring list of questions with you when you meet with the diabetes educator to make sure you get answers to everything. ~Lynn /Glucerna

gaelicstorm26

In Canada the family doctor is more like a car mechanic in all honesty. If you don't know the right questions to ask, you're sort of left hanging. They run the tests and refer you to someone else. It's not a perfect system, but there really isn't a lot to complain about.

When I get into the diabetic counsellor, they actually take over, so they might make me test. They sort of run the show, checking feet and eyes and all that stuff.

I'll just have to see how that goes.

I wish you all the best! In America it isn't so different. Our primary care physicians seem to know a scant amount on a very wide variety of topics, but you have to see a specialist many times to get the specific information you really need.

I have found that testing is so interesting. For example, my husband cannot eat tortillas without a huge spike on the meter, whereas I can eat them reasonably and get fabulous numbers. Little by little I'm learning what my body needs and how it reacts to different foods.

MissReena73

In Canada the family doctor is more like a car mechanic in all honesty. If you don't know the right questions to ask, you're sort of left hanging. They run the tests and refer you to someone else. It's not a perfect system, but there really isn't a lot to complain about.

When I get into the diabetic counsellor, they actually take over, so they might make me test. They sort of run the show, checking feet and eyes and all that stuff.

I'll just have to see how that goes.

I couldn't agree with your first statement more!!

You will find a huge difference with the DE. They are amazing. They will do everything, and they give a lot of great information. I have taken part in two education classes, met with the nurse twice and the dietician once.

They may only tell you to test once a week if you are doing really well, but they may also discuss testing after you eat to see how the food impacts you. And ask for the Canada's Food Guide for Diabetics if they don't give you one. I found it very helpful. It is different from the regular Canada's Food Guide, portion sizes are smaller and some things are moved around, but it is very helpful.

Congratulations on your weight loss too. That will make a big difference. Since my diagnosis in January, I have lost 10% of my body weight and brought my cholesterol back down to much safer levels. My A1C went from 6.9 to 5.5 and my fasting blood glucose went from 8.5 to 5.4. It is amazing what a little knowledge can do!