GP or Endocrinologist ? Which do you see ?

GeorgeGuinn · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:27 AM

My Dr is a General Practitioner and has been treating my diabetes for about 8 years. Overall I have been pretty satisfied with the treatment he has provided. It has helped that he is diabetic and up on the latest drugs. But now that I am taking insulin I am thinking that if my insurance will allow me to I should switch to a specialist.

This is partly due to the very minimal instructions he provided on how to calculate the insulin dosage and give the shots.

Who do you all go to ? A GP or a specialist ?

Anyone from Oklahoma City that can suggest a Dr here in OKC

Thanks

fgummett · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:36 AM

I see my Endo every 6 months and my GP/Family Doctor more frequently than that. Endo looks after my D primarily, while GP is good for everything else, especially refilling prescriptions.

The way I look at is this: GP = General Practitioner... no matter how skilled or well intentioned they are, they cannot possibly keep up to date with all the latest studies and literature on every condition and treatment option out there... that is why there are specialists. At the same time, I also make sure that I keep up to date in the latest to do with my own condition(s).

princesslinda · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:39 AM

I follow up with the internist who diagnosed me, and have had no problems thus far. However, if/when I start insulin I would definitely want to be seen by an endocrinologist. I feel most of us T2's are "thrown to the wolves" as far as being given adequate information by our docs, so if taking insulin (or if something happened and my meds became ineffective), i'd want to learn from the experts.

In general, i've learned far more about diabetes here than from my doctor.

Jill-O · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:46 AM

I just see a GP, and am happy.

Jan B · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:56 AM

I stick to my GP. He has a great Endo I could see that he consults with in the same clinic. The GP has great "bedside" manner, and a sister w/Type 1. I learn a lot here on DF and don't feel the huge drive to see the Endo. I may one day decide to the the Endo . . . don't know!

w5wjp · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:59 AM

My GP is the main man.....I get an immediate referral to the endo if something doesn't look right.

Jan B · #7 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:01 PM

Sorry . . . this was a Type 2 thread! I look at New Posts, and don't always look at which thread. To me it's like one big forum, instead of lots of mini-forums.

Sorry for the intrusion!

fgummett · #8 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan B

Sorry . . . this was a Type 2 thread! I look at New Posts, and don't always look at which thread. To me it's like one big forum, instead of lots of mini-forums

I agree that DF is just one big forum and value the opinions of everyone here...

Evermont · #9 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:18 PM

So far just a GP. I'm making it way too easy for her by staying on top of things so I don't really know how good she is. When I want some additional blood test she goes along for the ride.

-sammy- · #10 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:20 PM

i dont see my GP for my diabetes at all, i go to the diabetes clinic at my local hospital.

GeorgeGuinn · #11 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan B

Sorry . . . this was a Type 2 thread! I look at New Posts, and don't always look at which thread. To me it's like one big forum, instead of lots of mini-forums.

Sorry for the intrusion!

Jan it's doesn't matter what kind we have we all have similar problems. In fact since I am shooting insulin

now many of my questions have been answered by people with Type I.

Thanks

CarrieB · #12 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 03:48 PM

Don't think we have quite the same choices in the UK, general pattern is see the diabetes clinic at the hospital when diagnosed then handed back to the GP as soon as possible.

I have a check up with the practice nurse at the GP surgery every 6 months (full blood test, feet, BP and a chat) only see the GP if there's a problem.

Started with problems last year, GP referred me to the hospital, where I saw ..... a GP who does one session at the hospital! I had about 10 minutes with her, she altered my tablets and refered me back to GP. To be honest I had a lot more confidence in my GP who had only referred me to the hospital as he thought insulin might be needed, and protocols meant he had to refer me for that.

No improvement (not a great surprise there) so GP refered me back to hospital, asked if I'd like to see Dr or diabetic specialist nurse. I chose the nurse, who needed a little pursuation that the GP was right, now she's been convinced its fine, I get anything up to an hour for an appointment, and phone calls inbetween while we're getting me to the right dose of insulin.

Not sure how all that sounds, but the system usually works well. I'm better with someone who knows me (as a type 2 without complications I only ever get to see the more junior hospital Drs who move on too quickly)

art · #13 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 06:46 AM

35 year old internist. He's great.
His practice has an endo if I need one.

Art

davef · #14 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fgummett

I agree that DF is just one big forum and value the opinions of everyone here...

I always think that anyone can have a helpful idea/hint/tip, please don't stay away from us T2's Jan, I know you have given me good information and help.

davef · #15 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 07:09 AM

Oh yeah, forgot to answer the question.

I only see my GP, if/when things progress then I'll look at seeing an Endo but for the moment me and my GP are doing a good job together.