New GP -- new worries

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manu

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
So, I've just moved from Manchester to Cambridge and I've registered with the closest GP. I have an appointment next monday to restart the prescription process. As I mentioned that I am diabetic, the receptionist started talking about how can I be followed by their specialist nurse... as expected!

Honestly, despite my HbA1C of 6.1 I don't feel like I want to be followed by their nurse. Maybe it's just lots of bad experiences, maybe it's because things are still unstable for me (I often cannot feel hypos and I am working on becoming more aware of them... plus I still produce some insulin of my own), but I have started using insulin only last december and I think I still need to have access to a Diabetes clinic.

Does anyone know if a GP can refuse a patient a referral to a clinic? I am worried that seeing my HbA1C he will conclude that my control is fine and I don't need to be referred to a clinic -- This is what my previous GP said to me the last time the saw me. For her hypos are not important at all!!

Any advice on how to convince him?
 
I though it was normal practice for people on insulin to be seen by a specialised clinic with access to properly qualified DSNs and a consultant. Even more necessary in your case, I believe, as your needs as a Type 1.5 are more complex than a straightforward (!) Type 1. The receptionist probably desn't know the first thing about your particular variant and treatment needs, so I would ignore anything she said - she's more than likely only familiar with Type 2.

Wait until you've seen the doctor and see how much he knows - hopefully, he will comply with your wishes for specialist care. I have pretty stable control and my GP is great, but I get my annual review at the hospital clinic and see a podiatrist for my foot check, and that's the way I like it. 🙂
 
I hope all goes well with your new GP. With anything new we often expect the worst. See him/her and then take it from there. If there is a DSN at the practice, you are better off than me, although I am type 2.
 
Local knowledge of Cambridge system - PM sent.
 
When I first registered with my GP in Cambridge and set up the appointment for sorting out prescriptions, the GP said that they had a diabetes nurse that saw a lot of their patients, but asked whether I wanted to be seen at the surgery or at the hospital clinic. I've had a couple of bad experiences in the past with GPs and diabetes, so I chose to be referred to Addenbrooke's, and there was never an issue. 🙂

Maybe it's just a standard thing to let you know that you can be seen at the GP if you want?
 
Just wanted to say hope things work out well and your happy with your care at the new place.x
 
Well, my previous GP always insisted to get me an appointment with their specialist nurse from the start, and at some point my consultant had to write her a letter and explicitly recommend me to his clinic. Even the last time I saw her, she mentioned that I had a good control -- her words really, not mine -- so I could move with their nurse... But in the end, she didn't even know what LADA is, so maybe she's just a bad example!

I hope they let me choose, if not, I'll try to convince them...
 
Well I have to say my new GP was quite happy to refer me to the Addenbrooke's Hospital 🙂 and he did all prescriptions no problems. Now I'm glad that I've finally changed GP
 
Now you just need to start cycling so you can get to Addenbrookes quicker ans easier than by bus 🙂
 
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