Comments on: Diabetes May Create A Chasm Between Patient, Doctor

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:10:15 +0000

It's funny really as I have pretty much always felt like that when going to my family doctor to get a simple prescription to my endocrinologist, both in Spain and the UK. Even last week I knew I would get a "Diabetes Telling Off" and to some degree I deserved it and perhaps needed it. It also shows that the doctor does actually care. When I left the room the other week, I felt ashamed and had the feeling that I had let everyone down. This caused me to issue my own apology! http://www.diabetesinspain.com/featured/a-diabetic-apology/

By: JIm Huck

JIm Huck — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:05:56 +0000

I hear many accounts from fellow Type 1s about their doctors saying that the Dawn Phenomenon is a “myth,” or worse, not even being familiar with the concept. Diabetics deal with dozens of variables like the DP in controlling their BG, and they’re often forced to discover what these variables are on their own because their CDE, physician, or dietician aren’t familiar with them.

The dialogue between a physician and a patient needs to be nothing but positive. The physician needs to realize that once the patient, he/she is on her own in many cases and needs to be intrinsically motivated to live a healthy life. Motivation by threats or shame are ineffective. Intrinsic motivation comes by helping a patient create small, attainable goals and creating a way to help the patient monitor his/her progress.

Health coaches get it….some doctors still need help understanding.

By: Jane Kokernak

Jane Kokernak — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:59:30 +0000

This is one of those pieces that make me exhale with the relief of learning I’m not the only one who feels this way. Even though I regularly show up for my endo and nutrition appointments, I recall one time that I felt so much dread on the way to an appt with my diabetes doc that I pulled over to the side of the road and cancelled the appointment at the last minute. On that day, I just couldn’t stand to go and get reprimanded.
I do want to take a moment and give a cheer for those health care providers who do understand the importance of encouragement and a realistic approach. There is a nurse educator I occasionally see who always boosts my spirits by pointing out my successes, and then building on that by asking me, “What would you like to work on?” I mean, I know there are always changes to make and work to do. Her attitude is healthy, and makes me feel healthy. Not perfect, but healthy and motivated.
So many diabetes studies focus on patient behavior. I’d like to see a study that focuses on clinician behavior, and its effect on patient outcomes.