Morning glucose test - higher when cold?

@retiredteacher The last time I checked the only PCP who was not on the hospital payroll was a concierge doctor, and he is still able to send patients to the local hospital. At this point, he is not taking new patients. I guess a lot of people like that he is on his own. The only people who really benefit from this arrangement are the doctors.
As with you, my city hospital, Mass General, also has the doctors on the payroll but the doctors do seem to put more effort and seem to care. It is much less obvious that they are not in a private practice.
JK

@contentandwell In this town there are no concierge doctors. But, several practices that were a group, like where my PCP is, just refused to join the movement. So, we can see our PCP or others in the group if needed, but of course they are what used to be called "blackballed." It should be against the law, but I suppose since it's a private business, there is nothing the law can do. It is a very dangerous situation for people who need help.
Carol

@retiredteacher If there were good doctors here in private practice and still accepting new patients I would be seeing one of them. I really hate this arrangement, as I have said many times.
JK

@contentandwell I totally agree. It is just another incidence of what was a revered career that has relegated itself to mediocre in many instances. No more compassion, concern, loyalty, and personally knowing patients for years. It is sad to have lived through the best and now have to research to tell the dr. what the diagnosis is! I can't imagine how much worse it will get.
Carol

I have accidently led a good life on the farm, and in addition to the fresh veggies and fruit, I have been on well water, softened, since I was six. I have had my house well tested and believe I am about as safe as can be, since it comes through sandy soils. It is too difficult for me to carry home bottled water, and for a while I drank "hard" water from the pump just because I liked it. But I don't drink enough water and am trying to correct that. So I can't say for sure what programs do the best for my body, but I believe it all helps keep me going in the end. And I do realize that too many farm families are obese, but with education and supporting each other we can remedy some of our health issues. My children's families are eating healthier and going to the gym. So we are making progress slowly. And I don't have a water usage bill, and don't use much softener salt. I aim for comfort these days. Dorisena

I've really been struggling this winter. Will be so happy when Spring is here!! Can't seem to get the Christmas weight off that I put on. I seem to be hungry all the time. I have been reading some about diabetes and finding out foods like brown rice that are high in carbs are also high in nutrients and fiber that slows the increases in blood sugars. I just miss all of the bread and white carbs that are such a no, no for us. We just have to stick to things and keep trucking along. I wouldn't even consider taking a weight loss product that's advertised on TV. Too worried about the side effects that it may have. We're making 3 more raised beds for this summer. They are not high ones but at least I won't have to be bending over so much. Take care!!

Katia, I eat $4 a loaf bread that has sprouted grains and sometimes I eat rye bread because it has some flavor. I no longer want white bread at all. I bought a mixed jar of brown rice, wild rice and a little white rice which seems to work well and I put a veggie in it as well. I like sauted mushrooms in the mix. Yes, the weight seems to want to stay on, doesn't it. But I have six months to lose around the waist in order to get into a nice dress for my granddaughter's wedding. I didn't gain at Christmas because I am accustomed to behaving myself and not eating the sweets. I put four pieces of candy in the freezer and just ate them last week. I don't bake cookies anymore. Once in a while I bake muffins with applesauce or apples, or blueberries and low sugar. I miss spaghetti and only have it every few months. I am hungry for a veggie pizza and good ones are hard to find. I eat a lot of salmon. I haven't had ice cream since last May. I will have to have some for a birthday, eventually. I am looking forward to new raised benches for gardening this spring. Dorisena

Hi! I live 50 miles from NYC. In the city I am fortunate to have 3 specialists and a primary physician. I also have local Dr here at home it has changed the same way as in your towns. The city is much better but too crowded now

@syb If you go to the city for your medical care and need a gastroenterologist, my prior one is there and he is great. He was at Mass General but is now at Columbia, which I guess is affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital. I may even go there when I need my next endoscopy since my daughter lives in NYC and I could combine it with some time with her. His name is Dr. Chin Hur. I went to him for Barrett's Esophagus.
JK

@contentandwell, thank you for sharing, but I am very fortunate to have some of the best specialists in their given fields. Dr D Deitrich GI, Dr. M Apa Dentist, Dr Bernard Cohen Neurology and Vistibular Disorders He has passed away and need a good Neurologist, Dr Scmuha, small brain specialists,