GP or Endo Doc?

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Permalink Reply by Jolie on December 30, 2008 at 3:29pm

It is a matter of choice, I think. For me, originally right off the bat I was referred to an endo and things were great. Then he moved and I started looking for a new one. I still had my GP to rely on, but he readily admitted that he didn't know much about the disease. I have since found a new GP who actually listens to me and reads the studies I bring to him. So together we are managing this disease. He is open to letting me try new things. The hardest to convince him about was lo-carbing, but he has come around on that issue now. I think the most important thing is to find someone you can trust, who is knowledgeable about the disease and who will really listen to you. Good luck in whatever you decide.

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Permalink Reply by Heather on December 30, 2008 at 4:30pm

It's my personal opinion that an endo would be better. I thought that my GP was doing right by me but really had me going in the wrong direction. I found this out after changing over to an endo. Now my diabetes is doing alot better.

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Permalink Reply by Sande on December 30, 2008 at 4:51pm

HI Tracy, Diabetes has so many things that can affect you, I have found a good Endo and Diabetes Educator that is connected with your Endo is the very best you can do for yourself. You still need your GP for most anything you might encounter also. Pretty much everything else....but be very picky about the Endo you choose. Learn all you can about your Endo....some of them aren't worth anything but a bill, and not such great care~~~so do your part and check them and their reputation out~~Sande

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Permalink Reply by Jody Chesen on February 4, 2009 at 7:33pm

I say BOTH. I've been going to this Endo for close to 20 years now (total trust there) AND when my insurance (thru my husband's job) changed about 10 years ago my Endo gave me the name of my GP (another great relationship). I think it helps that the know each other and trust each other's opinions. It is best to have a great team!

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Permalink Reply by paula on February 6, 2009 at 5:02pm

The GP's all seem to make that very statement when you pose the question of seeing an Endo. Personally I would absolutely see an Endo.That is their specialty the disease is complicated enough even the specialists don't have all the answers.Research is continual with trying to understand all the ins and outs of this disease.When I first became Diabetic I too was going through a divorce.I do understand how stressful and overwhelming it all can feel like.:)

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Permalink Reply by Cheri on March 1, 2009 at 6:41pm

Hi Tracy -
I say ABSOLUTELY get an Endo - but not just any Endo, one that specializes in diabetes (if possible). My experience is, no matter how "miffed" they might get, most GPs are limited in their knowledge - and have trouble seeing past the prescription pad.

One other piece of advice, visit http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/ and read it all! Better yet, get Jenny's book Blood Sugar 101: What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes - it saved my life and answered many, many questions.

I realized that I needed to take responsibility for learning about my disease and for advocating for myself. Since then, things have gotten better.

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Permalink Reply by Cathy on March 1, 2009 at 6:56pm

I think I lucked out on my MD he is awesome and very caring. I did not ask to see an endo he said I need to see one since we have done everything and he thinks it is time for a pump. Then him and his staff researched hi and lo for a endo and found me one. 3 hours one way but my office nurse has a sister that has been to her. Her sister stays 20 days out of the month in the hospital. She needs a kidney. So these people try to take care of me. Plus my nurse herself is diabetic and is a pumper.

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Permalink Reply by Ian Vanhoof on March 16, 2009 at 11:15am

I think it is important for you to have a good relationship with both. My GP suggested my Endo, and I really like him and his team. I was lucky though, You should shop around for an Endo in your area that you are comfortable with.
My Endo has a whole team of people working with him. (foot doctors, nutritionists, etc). SO he has made it almost like a one stop shopping Endo clinic. That works for me.

I go to my Endo for anything having to do with my Diabetes. Everything else is my GP's job.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Manwaring on March 23, 2009 at 5:07pm

This may just be my opinion, but a condition as complex as diabetes needs to be followed by an endocrinologist. I don't care if you have type one or type two, both have their complexities that an endocrinologist specializes in treating. A general practitioner isn't typically the only person you will need help from.

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Permalink Reply by Betsy Whitehead on April 2, 2009 at 5:49am

A good endo is hard to find but I would highly recommend it at least for the first 10 years or so! HA! Take any and all education classes you can. Even with doing everything "right" your blood sugars can wreck havoc with your body. Education is so important with this disease. Good luck and take care of yourself!!

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Permalink Reply by Cin on September 14, 2009 at 7:18am

For many years, I just went to my GP for my diabetes care. Then about 2 yrs ago, I mentioned being ready to take the pump plunge. The Diabetes educator came right out and said "I'm glad you are ready to take the plunge. I would prefer to send you to an Endo though since I'm not in the office very often (she saw the D patients one day a week). I feel like you would benefit more from an Endo". She made the appt and the rest is history. My Endo deals with my diabetes, thyroid, and cholesterol. My GP everything else. Though, this is one of those "to each his/her own" deals. Do whatever it takes to make sure you are getting the best care possible. If that means making a change, then do it. It's your health and life.
Take care !

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