Can't Do Right for Wrong

[Susie22]

Hi guys, just want to rant really. Feel free to scroll past.

Had my check up with my nurse today. Last one was in December and HbA1C was 66. Results today were 48. I had a rough start to the year following a miscarriage, so to get back on track and get my levels where I want them to be, is bloody fantastic in my opinion. But then the nurse starts telling me I'm taking too much insulin and I should be reducing it. She's worried that I'm at risk of having hypos. But surely, if my levels are in target range, then what I'm currently doing is right for me?

I just feel that whatever I do is wrong. If my numbers are high, I get told off and told to get better control. And then when I do, I'm told I'm being reckless.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hi Susie and welcome to the forum.

Well done on lowering your A1c 🙂 Looks like you are doing a good job there.
If you are having loads of hypo's then yes a mismanagement of insulin might be indicated but as you haven't mentioned this then nope you are doing well.

No idea what level your nurse wants you at but 48 is not low so can not see what her problem is.

Being me (complete sod at times) I would have said thanks so much for your encouragement it's much appreciated as I walked out of the door.

The nurse at my previous surgery loved so much telling people with diabetes about all the complications they could achieve overtime. I just refused to go for any reviews at the practice in the end.

 

[Ljc]

They do worry about hypo’s .
If you have a look at this chart

Pathology First Test Directory - SYNLAB UK & Ireland Tests

The Pathology Department relies on requesting clinicians to meet the requirements for patient consent for the appropriate investigations requested and conducted. Please select the Initial...

baspath.co.uk

you will spot the asterisks re hypo concerns
I used to have one nurse who worried terribly I’d I had one , and I do mean one a month .
Imo non medical opinion so long as your hypo’s are few and far between, then I wouldn’t worry about what she says . However if they are not few and far between then you do need to reduce your insulin a bit as hypo’s are dangerous.

I do love @Pumper_Sue comment and I have said similar myself.
Being me (complete sod at times) I would have said thanks so much for your encouragement it's much appreciated as I walked out of the door.

Well done

 

[PattiEvans]

Why do they do it? It's both disparaging and demotivating. I have had it too. Turn it around on her and ask sweetly "well, what can YOU do to help me?". One then said to me "but I am not pump trained!!!". Quite!

I have my telephone review tomorrow. We shall see.

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi Susie22, welcome to the forum.

Sounds like you had a tough year and to have got your numbers down is fantastic. I'd like to say that this is rare but it's not uncommon for people to just focus on one particular outcome instead of seeing the whole picture.

It's easier said than done but I wouldn't take it personally, many would love to have the numbers you've achieved. Maybe enquire what she suggests to improve on your process and adjust accordingly. I think they take a hard approach hoping that it will spring people into action but you're really good at doing that for yourself.

Congrats on your progress thus far!