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When is an endocrinologist necessary over a Primary Care Physician?
Diabetes & Endocrine System | Last Active: Sep 12, 2017 | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
I was diagnosed T2 about a year and a half ago and haven't seen an endo. I feel fortunate that I am doing well with my PCP, pharmacy therapist (insulin dosage) and hospital educators. I do understand to expect changes with time. My insulin is 10 units twice daily. I'm hesitant of Metformin because I previously had acute kidney failure and although I'm told kidneys are normal now, very concerned about those side effects of Metformin.
Replies to "I was diagnosed T2 about a year and a half ago and haven't seen an endo...."
@retiredteacher If my A1C was like yours, I would not take pills or insulin either. I have been reading your posts for a few months and it seems like you are doing fine. We all require something different and you sound like you have figured it out for yourself. My best to you.
I guess I'm not fine because I have diabetes. I asked my endo. if my numbers were always in range and my A1C was 6.0 if I would NOT be a diabetic. He said, "Once a diabetic; always a diabetic." So I have this frustrating disease which drives me crazy and which I resent since I've never been sickly. Now I have to stop and think about everything to be sure I choose to follow the rules or not. When I first learned I had this, I had no idea, and my PCP never even mentioned it until it was too late. She claimed she was watching it trend to see if I would be a diabetic. How about preventative measures? I doubt she knows what that is. I don't have much faith in her, but she's it unless she moves. The few doctors in the area don't switch patients. At least her nurse can take the blood and send it to the lab for a computer print out and she sends that to me in a letter. I wish I did have this figured out, but I learn something new every day. It's ever changing.
I hope things get better for all of us with this disease.
retiredteacher
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@dolo I don't see that my endo. has done anything except to say, "Everyone is different." He's right about that. I take no meds and plan not to have to take any. I stay in touch with my body and as long as I've lived in this old skin, I know myself fairly well. I don't blame you for avoiding Metformin. It has horrible reviews and ads everywhere say not to take it. But, there are people who tolerate it very well. So not all things apply to all diabetics. With my A1c at 6.0 and my average blood at 120, I think I'm okay without any meds for now.
I do know that the American Diabetes Association says the A1c is acceptable at 7.0 and the Endocrinologists say 6.0. They don't even agree, so who knows? It just depends on who is giving the information.
retiredteacher