Do you really need an ENDO?

[Darkmindead]

I have always had a GP . The one I currently have is just awsome! Seriously he is fantastic , he listens , trys not to rush through the appt and over all his bed side manner is great so I go to him for everything. I have not askes nor has he refferred me to and endocronologist ( thats just too long to type out) . Same thing for my other issues I have asthma and have never gone to a pulminologist ( another big word im on a roll here ) I just feel comfortable with him. he alsways handles my tests too he seems to knwo what he is doing and seems to do a good job so do I really need an Endo ? 13 years and I have not had one yet :)

[princesslinda]

I'd say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" If your #s are good and you like your GP (he sure sounds like a keeper!)...stick with him.

If, however, the time comes when you can't keep your numbers in good range and nothing seems to work and your doc has nothing more to offer, i'd definitely see an endo.

[Richard157]

I have had my current doc for 31 years. He is an internal medicine specialist. He is excellent on everything that happens to me. He put me on a path that led me to very good control with my diabetes. I have beed diabetic now for 62 years and I am very healthy. I give much of the credit to my doctor. The only complaint I have with him is that he did not approve of my pumping. He said I already had good control and did not need a pump. I went to an endo, first time ever, last year. She approved of my pumping and I am pumping now. My control is still very good. I still go to my older doctor though and I willl continue until he retires. He is a much better doctor than my endo.

Richard

[Alice]

If you luck out and find a GP or Internist who is "on top" of diabetes...then you are most likely in good hands. I personally have always gone to endo's...because after my pediatrician (the world's best) made me move on after college...I really felt lost with the internist I visited. So, after moving away, I sought an endo...which I didn't even know existed while growing up with diabetes. (Now, they have pediatric endo's which are great)...

Having said that...It does trouble me to hear people talk about how great their GP's are...and then mention the trouble they are having on some of the older insulins. Most endo's will move you a little faster toward newer med's, research & technology. Some of the general medicine people have the "no need to change" which while comfortable, may indeed be making life not so easy.

(People still on NPH & Lente for example...instead of switching to Lantus and Humalog...)

If you are proactive and are prepared with a list of "new update" questions to ask...then you are probably in good hands. You are a lucky one, I feel.

[kgm0612]

If you're happy with your GP, then by all means, stay with him.

My PCP was the one who dx'd me five years ago and was more than willing to treat me, but because I have a younger brother with type 1, she felt it was best that I saw his endo. Had it not been for having a family history of the disease, I most likely would have stayed with my PCP because I trust her judgement.

Karen

[HollyB]

We don't have a pediatric endocrinologist in the town where I live and they have dealt with that by setting up a pd clinic with two local pediatricians who have decided to specialize in diabetes. They handle all the diabetic kids in the area and do a first-rate job, and everyone in the clinic really stays on top of new treatments and developments. I am very comfortable having Aaron's care in our pediatrician's hands, but this is because so much of his practice is focused on diabetes.

So yeah, I believe that someone other than an endocrinologist can give good care (and we've all heard of endocrinologists who DON'T give good care). On the other hand, if we were stuck with our family doctor I'd be in despair...

[Alice]

I still miss my pediatrician...isn't it sad we have to grow up and leave them? I think pediatricians know diabetes backwards and forwards...if you can treat babies, children & teens with diabetes...you can treat anyone.

He never gave me the "no sugar" lecture...even 42 years ago...smart guy from Mayo who my small town was blessed to have relocate. He is now dealing with dementia...which breaks my heart.

[grace girl]

I saw a GP for the first five years I had D, and I had no problems. Then I went to an endo...no problem there, either, but she really doesn't do anything that the GP did. In light of that, I've recently returned to my GP. If a situation arises where I need an endo I'll go, but for now I'm sticking with my GP.