Role of consultant

[Nikki35]

My DN has referred me to see a diabetes consultant, but she didn't explain for what reason. Can anyone tell me what role a consultant has? Or what to expect from apointment?
Any help is much appreciated 🙂

 

[khskel]

I've only ever seen a consultant re diabetes since seeing one of the DNs at the diabetes clinic just after diagnosis.

I just treat it as an opportunity to ask any questions I might have and go through BG figures with them.

 

[Lisa66]

I guess the consultant is top dog. I've only ever seen consultants or occasionally their registrars. Only in the last 2 or 3 years do I go to gps as well, for their yearly check up, but I think this is so they can tick a box. I don't mind as although they're not as knowledgeable, I see it as another opportunity for a blood test to see how things are toddling along. As far as I'm concerned though I come under the care of the consultant's team and this is who I contact if I need to check anything, I see them as the experts. (They say we are our own experts)

I think all type 1s are supposed to be under consultant / hospital clinic care, I'm sure someone will correct me if that's incorrect. It's usually a review of results and to see how you're getting on, any problems etc.

I'm the same as khskel, seeing it as an opportunity for questions. Particularly the more in depth "how does that work and why is that?" type questions. So maybe start a list now, whenever you think of something. 🙂

 

[Lucy Honeychurch]

I see my Consultant every 6 months and he goes through my blood results and we discuss my insulins and fine tweaking and testing and how I'm generally getting on. Nothing to worry about and a good opportunity to ask any questions you have 🙂

 

[Flower]

I go to mine every 6 months and they are very thorough with all the blood results, where they think I can improve my control, if I am having too many hypos etc. The DSN and dietitian are present as well so we have a good discussion about how things are going.

The consultant is also the one who can recommend referral for a pump, Libre etc if you are having serious issues with control.

 

[HOBIE]

As said "Top Dog"

 

[SB2015]

I see my Consultant every six months. It is a chance to bombard him with the numerous questions I usually have, look at my data (that I download and share with him before I attend to save wasting time at the appointment) and to check up on blood and urine test results (which I also have done about a fortnight before the appointment.

If your DN is one at the Practice I suspect that you will find seeing the Consultant very different as they are specialists, and usually spend more time seeing T1s than T2s, unlike in the Oractice where the balance is definitely the other way round. I would not want my care referred back to the GP. So lucky you. A chance for some specialist support. Enjoy it and make good use of it.

Also in our area anyone wanting a pump or Libre would have to be a T1 in the care of the hospital Diabetes team. So it also opens up more possibilities.

Let us know how you get on

 

[Robin]

I was seen by a consultant for the first couple of years after diagnosis, but then when I was stable, I was discharged back to the care of my GP and 'specialist nurse' ( who is actually the general practice nurse who has had a bit of extra training, mainly in Type 2!) with the proviso that I could ask to be referred back any time I felt the need. At the time, I was happy enough, as everything was stable, and our hospital is a nightmare to get to, but recently, when I wanted to try a different basal, I realised how limited my care is. Surgery nurse told me I could try Levemir, which in fact was what I was wanting, but had I fancied trying Tresiba, for example, she wouldn't have been able to prescribe that for me, she said it wasn't on the list of things she was allowed to prescribe!

 

[Radders]

I’ve always seen a consultant re my diabetes. As I am on a pump I see them twice a year. Once a year they check my feet. They usually ask to see my basal testing results and comment as needed on my blood test results which in my case includes thyroid as well as cholesterol, HbA1c, liver function etc etc. As my results are usually in target, it doesn’t take long. The DSN usually sits in and occasionally the dietician as well although she didn’t bring much to the party!

 

[Beck S]

I'm under the care of my consultant and I know his name, but haven't managed to see him yet, only the DNs and his registrar. To be honest, I don't really thing I'd see him unless things weren't going well and I needed extra support or consultation.

 

[Nikki35]

Ah thanks guys 🙂
Seems like nothing to worry about and more of an opportunity. I am under hospital care and rate my DN very highly...she often texts me to see how i am getting on!
Thankyou for putting me at ease though...wasn't really looking forward to more appointments although i can see why they are needed!

 

[trophywench]

What everyone else said - plus they not only get more training to begin with, they also get more regular ongoing training which if they want to continue in the same role, is compulsory. They therefore get first access in the area to whatever happens to be new at the time - and also to research trials for their patients - eg when the Libre was being tried out, and all the latest research results on this that and the other.

So it's an opportunity !

 

[Ralph-YK]

I wouldn't know what to expect for diabetes as I basically don't see doctors at all for my diabetes, let alone a consultant.
I have seen consultants for my heart. I believe they're specialists.
In terms of my heart conditions, they explained things, scheduled and chased up tests, diagnosed conditions, recommended procedures and medication (letter to GP sugesting more tablets for high blood pressure), and on going checking in on how I am doing and current condition. I get to ask questions (when I remember).
They actually look at me & it's kind of a conversation.