I’m really upset!
I’m really upset! I just went to a new doctor, he is a primary but specialized in diabetes. I have been T1 diabetic for 37 yrs, A1C 6.2. Now I’m being told that this number is not a indication that I am in good control and I should wear a Freestyle Libre and see if my numbers are really good or a train wreck even with this good A1C. Mine you my A1Cs were consistently in the 6.4,5.5 range for over a fews yrs now. I take blood pressure Meds and at the doctor is is always 170/80/90 , I get nervous and my at home numbers are about 135/67. My LDL is 94 and my HDL is 118, Triglyceride are 56. He wants to put me on a statin Rosuvastaatin??, change my blood pressure medicine to Edarbyclor. Now I am pissed because this was a 1st visit and he trying to change up everything. Very pushy, he just electronically sent the scripts to the pharmacy just in case you want to take them. I was resisting and said I would think about it. I don’t know if insurance will cover all this and how much. I have never had a doctor that was so pushy. Is this normal, am I overreacting?? Sorry just had to get that off my chest. How do you all deal with a Dr like this. I have a lot of trust issue with doctors trying to get you to take too much meds or not easing you into new meds!
My successful Diabetes Treatment Story
My doctor diagnosed me with diabetes just over a year ago, at the time I was prescribed Metformin. I went to the some diabetes related websites and learned about the diet they suggested. I started the diet right away and I was very loyal to it. However, after weeks of being on the diet it never helped, my blood sugar didn’t drop like I wanted it to. My personal physician wasn’t much help either, he didn’t really seem to give me any other options besides my prescription and the usual course of insulin. I was about to give up and then I discovered a great treatment method. The guide was authored by one of the leading professionals in the world of diabetes research, Dr. Max Sidorov. This is a guide that that shows you, in a very simple way, how to conquer the disease without traditional methods. I have to say that since I’ve found the guide and followed it, I’ve not only improved my health but I’ve also lost weight and improved other aspects as well. My activities have increased and I have a ton of energy! It is my goal to share the this diabetes treatment method as much as possible to show people there’s more to the disease than traditional schools of thought and you can find your own path to healing with natural methods.Related Posts
About The Author
Lisa Ball
Donghai jiang and I want to share our diabetes life with you, I hope our article can help cure your diabetes. I used to be given 600mg metformin per day but you know I got some terrible side effects, I never want to give up. Finally I'm fine using a method, so i hope you also can cure your diabetes. Good Luck!
Unacceptable! I’d fire him… Seems like you’re doing just fine without any of his suggestions.
Cid get new dr. Seems like he is trying to get commisions on cgm and meds.
Just because you’re a diabetic dr.s push the medications. Try to find someone else! You shouldn’t have to deal with that. It’s hard enough having this illness. Ask around for someone who has a better bed side manner.
He does have a valid point though. Not to take anything away from you as your numbers maybe great all the time but I got a A1C down to 7 from a 13 but have lows like continuously. The libre is to make sure your not having dangerous lows.
Just remember the A1C is just one means of checking on your sugar.
I would say he is a bit pushy with the rest of it. Maybe take the time and do some research into these new things before committing to the change or not committing. Your body your choice though
The doctor was correct in saying that the 6.2 doesn’t indicate that it’s good control because it could be that you have amazing control and kept your numbers in a very good level throughout. However, it could also mean that you have a few highs and also many lows to balance those highs out. Other than that, I think the doctor was being an a-hole because he was pushing his own agenda (either he is in direct contact with Freestyle and selling their product or it could be totally innocent and he just wants to know how the numbers are running at different times of the day constantly, and feels that the libre would correct that). You are correct in that he shouldn’t have pushed the prescription on you because no one knows if your insurance will even cover them, which means it’ll be all on you just to, at best, satisfy his curiosity of knowing how your sugars run throughout the day. If I were in the same situation, I’d probably go through the process of picking another primary, because if a doctor doesn’t listen to your doubts this early in this relationship, he probably won’t listen when you have another concern in the future, and you do tell him straight out you’re not comfortable. I hope you get a doctor who takes more time to listen to the patients in the future, whether it be through their words or their body language. Good luck
I would say be open minded and ask for the data to back up the recommendations. The new doc may have a few things that could help? If the style doesn’t work for you then find a new doc – trust and relationships are key.
I was recently at my endo clinic. They said they no longer by A1C. I have the Libre, they download it. They check to see if I am in range more often than not. I was in range 75% of the time with an A1C of 6.6. They are now checking that you aren’t at 300 with a crash to 53. More interested in stability as that’s best for you and your body.
Ok know u are doing great! 6.2 is good but they r finding the amount of time we are in range is more important! Cuz u could be having lots of highs n lows n get a 6.2
Don’t get discouraged
Cgm is great!
My dr. is pushing for a Freestyle Libre also…I believe it is because they would like our numbers at a constant if possible instead of the severe ups and downs…he strongly suggested this after I had a diabetic seizure from a low of 30. My insurance will not pay for it, so that answered that suggestion…maybe they will when I get on Medicare…but I understand from my diabetic supplier that most people also use a reg style tester along with the Libre…I am definately not paying for two systems, unless they can prove to my insurance the benefit of it.
6.2 is good and I’m sure you work hard to maintain it. Keep up the good work. This disease tries a o run out lives, you are showing it who’s boss.
I had a doctor ask me how I was doing after my back surgery and then when I had a couple questions he was like no and why would u ask that. Then he was making remarks about my backside. The next time I saw him I almost requested someone to come in with me. He was so nasty the second visit I called him on it. I even told him I think u were alot nice the first visit and he said perhaps it is me. I’m like I just had back surgery so perhaps I could be a little aggitated. I think I preferred the backside comments instead of the arrogance and nastiness. What a jerk but I had to get him to fill out all my leave paperwork. I was at his mercy. Sorry not diabetes related. But he respected me the third visit.
On HbA1C: Is his concern that the good A1C indicates too many lows? Either way, it may help to have a CGM. I’m not a Libre user and not very familiar with it, but I am so glad to have the benefit of a CGM and my last 2 A1C’s were both 6.3%. Because of a CGM, in fact, I know that my HbA1C’s are higher than my eAG would indicate. Maybe you will find the same thing even. If nothing else, it gives you more data.
On statins: I suggest asking for a LDL particle size test. Based on your triglyceride:HDL ratio, your LDL particles are mostly large. If I’m correct, you have nothing to worry about anyway and there is no need to fix something that isn’t broken. If I’m wrong and the LDL particle size is small, then you might benefit from a statin after all. Perhaps ask the dr. for the test and discuss those differences before the test, and the treatment plans depending on the outcome.
Don’t let him cut you down your doing great. Stand your ground if you don’t want to take the meds don’t do it besides your numbers are good. Just remember you pay them for medical care. Their like a plumber, electrician or a carpenter would you stand for it if they did crappie work? No difference.
Your LDL is good, but your HDL at 118 is too high. I don’t believe they want you over 50, so the statin may just bring that number down a little. I take a statin to lower my LDL, it leaves my HDL alone, so the ratio is much better. I think that is what he wants for you. A1C is good, but I think he wants you to get a little better, not sure of his reasoning here. do a little research (Google it) to verify what he is saying and wants you to do. The Libre I believe can be purchased from Costco a lot cheaper if you have no insurance. My co-worker wears one and that is where she gets it. I believe about $30 ever 2 weeks. Doesn’t hurt to get a 2nd opinion
Having a CGM so you know the big picture of what your BG is doing throughout the day and over time is a big help in identifying changes that will benefit. Keep in mind that A1c is an old metric that we needed to understand BG over a long period. There are many metrics of BG that are important to track. Shorter term average BG, standard deviation of BG and time in range are more valuable in predicting the risk of complications and preventing them. Your A1c number masks the variability in your BG, since it is an average. I think it is a good recommendation that has your long term best interest behind it.
I totally understand the resistance to all the changes. But I really love my Libre. It gives me a graph instead of just a point like a usual monitor. I would think about it. Maybe see what you trust that he said. If you cannot trust him then find a new doctor.
I tested a CGM as part of a diabetic study I am participating in and I didn’t find it to be all that accurate for me. I sure would not base any insulin on that alone. Your A1c is in the prediabetic range. I would read up on the CGM and see how it works and if you would like to have a sensor stuck on your arm all the time or not. Do some research and then make up your mind.
You do you best. I doubt this doctor has diabetes and if so then he shouldn’t be this pushy. He has not lived in your body for the past 37 years so I do think you know you best. Stick to your guns and if possible???? find a new doctor. Good luck and keep on keeping on. Warmest regards, xx
Some doctors have their own ideas as to what they think is best. Seek another opinion. When my previous doctor moved to another hospital, I decided to remain at the same hospital (it was closer to where I live), so I changed doctors, he tried some of what you’re describing, so I changed doctors.
A1C is an indication of average glucose over a 3 month period. If one experiences highs and lows they may have a good A1C but are not under control. The CGM gives real-time readings so one can track their actual numbers 24/7. IT IS A WONDERFUL DEVELOPMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES!!!!!
Not normal. I had a Rheumatologist like that, only it was when I was diagnosed with RA. Only saw him once. As I told my Endocrinologist, he was a jackass. Congrats on your AWESOME A1C! I’m jealous!
Do what you’re comfortable with, but if possible, maybe find an endocrinologist? I’ve been seeing my endocrinologist for 10 years and I waited too long to find a new one. I’m having a similar issue with my endo and finally found a new one that actually has T1diabetes and he is highly recommended by T1 patients
I’m from Oz & 6.2 is great while the Libre is convenient its not accurate I’ve been using them on/off for about a year & have had a few dodgy ones. Been type 1 for 27 yrs. Go with your gut if you didn’t like the doctor get a new one – good luck
Only issue I had with the libre is I lost 7 sensors in 2 weeks to hardware sensor failure… I am T2 and have a tandem pump and am getting a G6
I don’t know about the CGM, but my new doctor is also pushing the statin. I think once you’re in that „10% risk of heart disease and stroke“ group, all doctors push the statins. I have resisted so far, since my labs also all come back normal and A1c is 5.7.
Go with your gut feeling. You know your body better than any doctor. Those are really good numbers and seems like your doing good on your regimen. If its not broke, dont fix it!!! Im not one that likes pushy doctors. Keep up the good work!! I was actually put on lipitor to prevent any buildup on my arteries, even though my lipids checked out fine. However, i have microvascular heart disease thanks to 2 bad blood clots that originated in my legs and traveled thru the heart side of my heart. So my heart doc put me on one as a precaution to keep me open
You are the one in control of your body and the decisions for your treatment and medications. Do you have the option of finding a new doctor? I found one that told me “it’s your body, what do you think?” (first time in 20 years!). We make the decisions together and I have started the freestyle Libre. It is fab new tech, and I keep an open mind to new treatment options, but the choice was ultimately mine.
If you are blessed to live in an area that has more than one Primary Care for you, try another doc and see how it goes. I have had T1 for 50 years. There have been doctors I love and ones I wouldn’t go to if they paid me. Just not my way of treating T1. You must be the one to live with this disease. You also have to be with the one who pays the consequences if something goes wrong. Although you labs are good, your B/P needs some fine tuning. A CGM is a great method of keeping an eye on your BG even if you have a good a1c. It is just another devise to help you stay healthy. Since I use a pump I also use a CGM. One of the best devises I have ever used. I don’t use a Libre but I have heard that the Dexcom is very accurate and was available for people with Medi-care recently. You may not be old enough for Medi-care but this is an indication that other insurance companies will follow suit. It is just a comment. I do however feel that those who use a CGM have the opportunity to really follow their BG and see where and when changes might occur. He,may have suggested a Libre as it is affordable for out of pocket payment. He may have felt you could use one for short term so you could see trends. If you are having 6.? for a consistent a1c you are good but could it be better? I am not your doctor but I would wonder about some of the same things. Keep an eye on your B/P for sure. Not bad but could be better and should be better.
It is very scary to have changed forced upon you when everything seems to be going so well and it took awhile to even get it to that level. Let’s see it took me including all the diabetic denial about 10 years to get under control. Idk man I would probably tell him to stick it up his ass. Your numbers are great. Sure maybe there can be tighter control but you’re doing well. Tell him to give you new kidneys and a pancreas if he wants better lol
My Dr does not like judging your control with a1c. You can make your a1c go down and be great about 2-3 weeks before a blood test. That is fact I can atest to I have cheated my way through Dr appts….. I now wear a Libre. Keeps me honest for sure.
My doc says hga1c is not good indicator anymore- best one is time in range and least fluctuations… get the libre!! And it sounds like a lot of change at once but in the doc eyes you have BP that’s not controlled which along with diabetes really put your kidneys and heart at huge risk!! He’s kind of doing his job.
Sounds like your doctor communicated some legitimate avenues for improvement in a very poor way. If you’re not having a lot of lows, your A1C is great and a good indicator. Your doctor might be thinking about using CGMS to check your time in range (TIR). If your A1C is good, but CGMS shows it’s an average of a lot of high/low swings, your healthcare team should work with you to improve TIR. The bonuses of improving TIR are feeling better and sleeping better – not necessarily improving your already good A1C.
Oh no! Why does he want to upset the apple cart ? Your A1C is great!!! I have had diabetes for 32 years mine has never been that good! I have always been always a 8 . I started on the freestyle last month and i love it! I am sorry he is pushy. If you are doing great with the meds then i wouldn’t change them . I would find an endocrinologist. Good luck!!
i would be getting a second opinion/looking for a doc with better communication skills who counts themself as part of a team where i am the captain. fts.
Sounds like you are doing great. Terrible of the dr. to just change everything on your first visit. He doesnt really know you. If he sent scripts to the pharmacy then that would cancel out your original meds. Sorry you have to go through this. If you cant reason with him then find someone new.
He’s just talking about “time in range” CGM’s can help determine the amount of time spent in range, where as HA1C’s don’t really tell us that. I can have a better looking HA1C due to having too many lows that balance out with my high numbers. Hope that made sense.
Sounds like your doc is trying to make a buck. I agree that CGMs are great tools but if the tools you have are working then why bother. Tell him to lend you one as a diagnostic tool for a few weeks. From there, if your swinging wide, try to have one of your own. Also I’d suggest contacting your insurance and figuring out what CGM is covered best. Just my opinion.