Dr. Visit + Monitoring

[rzrbks]

While the visit with the Dr. went very well yesterday(Wed April 11), she brought up two things she was very concerned with and I thought I'd share them with all of you.

1. Having such tight control (all of my A1c readings have been between 5.2 and 5.6 with one slip to 5.9), she felt would lead to having to deal with depression and she was concerned that I had a good support group and good counseling available to me.

It's noteworthy that the two Really Good Drs. I've had both made this an issue that we covered on a regular basis.

2. Her 2nd concern was that I make sure I get enough varity of food choices. She felt limiting choices too much could lead to going off good control and also lead to psychological issues.

So we discussed the types of food I eat and how I'm extremely careful about doing 2 hour post postprandial checks and doing bolus injects when needed.

I've never seen anyone talk about dealing with these issues with their Dr. before, so I thought I'd just throw them out there as "Food for Thought."

[blacklightmike]

Very interesting. You are lucky to have a team like that.

Happy Birthday, again... It can never be said enough.

[KritterMom]

We are very good support here, as well as being absolutely marvelous counselors. So buddy, you are covered!!!!!!:) I know, I missed the whole point of the post didn't I, lol!

[notme]

My doctor actually had the same concerns rzr. He did not bring up the depression issue, but was concerned that too tight of control would lead to many lows and possible hypo-unawareness. The other issue was food choices and limiting them to a point of vitamin deficiancy. I think that we can take the tight control thing overboard. In the quest for A1c numbers in the 5's we have forgotten that there is other issues that need to be considered. Now I am speaking from a type one point of view. Getting a 5. something is near next to impossible for me without depriving most food. I think that it possible to get in the fives for a type 2, but once again we need to consider vitamin deficiancy problems and not the hypo's.

I think your doctors are doing a great job rzr! And Kimmy is right, you have a wonderful support system!!!!!

[HelenM]

I would really like to discuss these psychological issues with my doctors (I know they consider that I'm too well controlled) but my French is not good enough to discuss this sort of thing. It will be interesting to read other peoples thoughts.
I can certainly see that I am in danger of becoming obsessive about keeping low(I'll jump on the treadmill and run 5 miles if I think I'm too high)


As to the nutrients, I've found a good resource for checking the balance in a diet. USDA - CNPP - MyPyramid Tracker (http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/default.htm)You input food and exercise on a daily basis, it works out nutrient and energy requirements and assesses them over time.

(I found it a bit difficult as I had to do lots of ounce/cup conversions but it was a useful exercise flagging up a deficiency in calcium intake though everything else was OK_

[mg_2204]

My doctor in England was just like that Rz. And he took the time (on many occasions even if the waiting room was full) to talk about depression, etc. I miss him a lot. Will never have a doc like that ever again.

We're people and more doctors should realize that. We're not just a disease. Or a body. It's not just about diabetes and blood sugar levels. It's about a person too.

I'm glad you have the best of care :)