No, I am not saying in general, but
just about type 2 diabetes. This is becoming more the rule than the
exception for many doctors. Patients are fast learning that their
doctor just doesn't know much about diabetes. Yes, they can make a
diagnosis, but often they can't make an accurate diagnosis. What is
harder to understand is that many make a diagnosis based on
stereotypes and then later the patient finds out that they have a
different type of diabetes.
Seldom do doctors do the full series of
tests, blood glucose, plasma glucose, C-peptide, GAD, and A1c to
determine the type of diabetes. If you are under a certain age, you
have type 1, if you are over a certain age, you have type 2, and if
you are in the middle, they often guess you have type 2. Some of the
formal names for Diabetes-related Autoantibodies include Islet Cell
Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies; ICA; Insulin Autoantibodies; IAA;
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies; GADA; GAD65
Autoantibodies; Insulinoma-Associated-2 Autoantibodies; IA-2A; ICA512
Autoantibodies.
Now an endocrinologist specializing in
diabetes will know the tests, and what they are telling him/her.
Expect a proper diagnosis from an endocrinologist. They will
determine if you have type 1, type 2, LADA, or MODY and which genetic
type of MODY (presently there are 7 types).
If after a few months of dealing with
the doctor, you find out that the doctor is unable to answer some of
your questions, you will know that you are in charge of you own
diabetes. Some doctors will refer you to a certified diabetes
educator if they have one available. You may be referred to a
registered dietitian, but don't expect to have much nutrition taught.
You may learn quickly that the number of carbohydrates they suggest
will spike your blood glucose numbers. They will push whole grains
and other carbohydrates that will make it difficult to keep your
blood glucose in the range you desire and your A1c below even 7.0.
Some things I have found in my journey
with diabetes include:
#1. Doctors do not know everything and
you can't expect them to have complete knowledge on every disease.
They are not trained to know everything. (We can certainly wish they
knew more about type 2 diabetes.) Endocrinologists who specialize in
diabetes really know their specialty. The nurse practitioner I see
is very knowledgeable and except for a few things has always answered
my questions.
#2. Don't believe everything you read
about diabetes. Sound advice. Even I have to reread some things to
figure out that what I am reading is false. With all the different
diets published and claiming to be for diabetes, I become very
frustrated. I know what works for me and I follow it. The important
thing to remember is what works for you may not work for others.
#3. Understand that everybody who has
something to say about diabetes has both an emotional and a monetary
stake in it. Most of us may not have much of a monetary stake, but
what we pay for medications is still a stake. Some say that the
monetary stake needs to be an income, but I say either will work and
when you earn or pay for something, it is a stake.
Whatever your opinion is of
pharmaceutical companies, certain medical professions, and some
occupations, supposedly they all do things legally and above board –
I wish!
Then we come to the openly dishonest
advertisers on the internet and in the Sunday papers that offer a
free meal in a hotel ballroom, but you must attend and listen to a
presentation about how to reverse your diabetes. Have no doubt, the
speaker will be very dynamic, and he/she will be very convincing.
The question is did he have or the person they have portraying a
diabetic, did they actually have diabetes. The speaker will have a
series of books, DVDs, and personal therapy sessions available for a
very steep price if you decide to sign up. Please don't be gullible.
On the internet, the tactics will be
similar, but the prices will be slightly lower, but still high. The
site will be very convincing or you may need to sign up for a
webinar. They will use many tactics to separate you from your money.
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