Mrsdeapsleap
New Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Hi all,
As per my title, I am new to the forum, but not new to this annoying condition! I was diagnosed 38 years ago at the tender age of 5; i had suffered from flu previous to being diagnosed, so thought to be caused by immune issues. As you can imagine, I have seen quite a change in views and technology over the years with this condition. When I was first diagnosed in 1978, life expectancy was around 10 years less than a non-diabetic, and it was almost a forgone conclusion that we would lose our sight, and may be limbs due to diabetes complications. At my age I saw a Paediatrician, not a diabetes consultant,and my parents had to teach him about the condition (from info they got from the British Diabetic Association, now Diabetes UK). Thankfully that is no longer the case for most people who are diagnosed early, and taught about the condition. I have gone from one injection a day (with a glass and stainless steel syringe that had to be stored in surgical spirit!), to disposable syringes, and then to pens; gone from unreliable urine tests, to blood tests, and now continuous blood testing is available. However, I still feel that diabetes care can be lacking, especially with hospital clinics. My most recent appointment I was seen 45 minutes after my appointment time, then felt rushed, and non of my issues were addressed. Considering the possible serious complications caused by bad control of blood sugars, and the cost to the NHS (and peoples lives!), you would think the diabetes clinic would be more proactive and helpful. I am hoping to find here the support and advice that I felt was lacking with my diabetes consultant.
As per my title, I am new to the forum, but not new to this annoying condition! I was diagnosed 38 years ago at the tender age of 5; i had suffered from flu previous to being diagnosed, so thought to be caused by immune issues. As you can imagine, I have seen quite a change in views and technology over the years with this condition. When I was first diagnosed in 1978, life expectancy was around 10 years less than a non-diabetic, and it was almost a forgone conclusion that we would lose our sight, and may be limbs due to diabetes complications. At my age I saw a Paediatrician, not a diabetes consultant,and my parents had to teach him about the condition (from info they got from the British Diabetic Association, now Diabetes UK). Thankfully that is no longer the case for most people who are diagnosed early, and taught about the condition. I have gone from one injection a day (with a glass and stainless steel syringe that had to be stored in surgical spirit!), to disposable syringes, and then to pens; gone from unreliable urine tests, to blood tests, and now continuous blood testing is available. However, I still feel that diabetes care can be lacking, especially with hospital clinics. My most recent appointment I was seen 45 minutes after my appointment time, then felt rushed, and non of my issues were addressed. Considering the possible serious complications caused by bad control of blood sugars, and the cost to the NHS (and peoples lives!), you would think the diabetes clinic would be more proactive and helpful. I am hoping to find here the support and advice that I felt was lacking with my diabetes consultant.
I had a very good consultant until last year, when they decided that I would be seen by my practice nurse - I already know far moore than her, so there's little point in seeing her, really 
