Something I Could Not Believe

What is it about our doctors that do not tell newly diagnosed people about what diabetes is and leave patients uninformed? Allen and I were talking to a newly diagnosed person with diabetes and he asked us how soon he would be able to return to his normal life. We both looked at each other and rolled our eyes in disbelief. He saw this and asked what we were thinking.

Allen responded that we were wondering what the doctor had told him and what he understood about diabetes. He stated that the doctor had told him he had type 2 diabetes and prescribed metformin for the three meals. I asked if he had been prescribed testing supplies and he said, no, that the doctor did not want him testing. Allen asked if he could afford testing supplies and he answered yes.

Allen called Dr. Tom's office and asked if he would prescribe testing supplies if he brought the fellow in. Allen asked the fellow if he had time to see another doctor. When he answered yes, Allen said we were closer to his car and we should go now. When we arrive, Allen asked if he could accompany him to see the doctor. He answered yes and went with him when he was called for the doctor visit.

Later, I was called also and Dr. Tom said he wanted both of us to hear what he told him and to be able to reinforce what he said later. He already had a prescription for the testing supplies. Dr. Tom said he would answer the question about diabetes and he turned to the fellow and said diabetes was for life. With the proper lifestyle changes, food plan, and exercise, he might be able to get off of his medication for several to many years.

Dr. Tom explained that this varies with each individual, the damage already done, and how well they manage their diabetes. Returning to prior bad habits and diabetes would be back. We could see the fellow's jaw drop and he stated that he thought that after taking a round of the medications he could return to the way things had been. Dr. Tom looked at me and said tell him what he has after you leave. I said we would and thanked him.

With that, we were told to take him to check out. The three of us walked to check out and the person paid the fee. Then we left the office and returned to where Allen had parked his car originally. Then we sat and talked with him about diabetes. I told him that presently diabetes had no cure. He had the disease presently on a permanent basis and would need his abilities to manage it on a daily basis. He was a person with diabetes 24/7/365 and there are no vacations.

The fellow was very upset after that and asked if we had rules we had to follow. Allen said no, as what worked for one person may not be the same as what worked for another person. I asked if he had a personal computer and he said yes. I asked how far his residence was and he said across the street. Allen said he had time and would show him some of the websites to use and the email addresses for the two of us and for A.J. Then he could also chat with him as A.J and a few others had been successful in eliminating the need for medications at present, but are still testing and will return to medications, if and when needed.

I added that as we age, our pancreas often becomes less capable of producing the insulin needed and an oral medication may be needed or insulin of different types may be required to prevent elevation of our blood glucose. I reminded Allen that the fellow needed to fill the prescriptions and needed to be taught how to test. Allen said he would and that he would be back the next day to continue the teaching and would have A.J over as well if it was agreed. The fellow agreed and I walked to my car and went home.

Later, I answered several questions for him about using the search on my website and how to look for different topics. He is learning fast and is determined to get off medications.