I want my DH to see a GP but he can only see the nurse

I didn’t want to pass without acknowledging the stressful situation you are currently in. I would call your practice, and insist on an appointment with your gp to discuss these latest results.
I’d also explain it is causing a large amount of stress and anxiety.
Muster up some courage and be polite but firm. If the receptionist won’t let you book ask to speak with the practice manager.

Good luck to you and DH

Chakotay have you spoken to your surgery and told them that you wish to discuss your DHs diabetes treatment with a GP? Diabetic nurses are usually very well trained and know what’s going on but if you wish reassurance from the GP you should get it. You could say you want a second opinion. Good luck

Diabetic nurses are the right people to see in my opinion they are so well trained in the one area Gp s are not always as knowledgable on individual illnesses but if you are not satisfied do ask to speak to the GP
My friend became very unwell three years ago and after a few blip was diagnosed with Type 1 after lots of ups and downs in and out of hospital with them trying to control it she then got allocated a diabetic nurse who has been wonderful rang her two or three times a week in the early days and still keeps close contact ….she injects three times a day She was such a good patient doing exactly as she was advised that last year she was allocated the arm disc ( I m not sure of the name for it) but she now no longer has to prick her finger to test it is all done online and shows at the other end so if she drops or goes higher the nurse knows as soon as she does and contacts her She had a blip after having the jab and the nurse rang to give advice as she was alerted by the app at her end

She has had wonderful service, second to none and never has to see the doctor, the nurse is the expert

From what you've said, your husband needs insulin because his diabetes is out of control and his blood sugar readings are very high, not because he's become Type 1.

Type 2 diabetics have to commence insulin if Metformin, diet and lifestyle aren't sufficient.

My DH has T2 which became considerably worse whilst he had Covid. He now has to take his blood sugars twice daily as well as injecting. After he left hospital he didn’t know why he was doing all this as he couldn’t remember what had been said (Covid fog brain). We made an appointment to see the diabetic nurse at our surgery.

The nurse was so very helpful, explaining why he should keep a diary and what blood sugar levels they were aiming for. Keeping the diary allows the patient to monitor their own blood sugar levels and adjust the insulin accordingly. Incidentally it’s a visual reminder of what sends the blood sugars rocketing. The aim is to keep the blood sugars fairly steady. The prescribing nurse will be be able to advise on how much insulin should be given once she has seen the diary in operation over 2 weeks.
It was a very informative visit to see her and my DH’s blood sugars have become far more stable ever since. BTW, I went with DH to his appointment to take notes and also understand what was needed.

I suggest for now you go with the flow and if you still feel you need to see your GP after the visit with the prescribing nurse do it then.

Diabetes.co.uk has a forum where you can ask any questions and DiabetesUK is also available. They are two different websites.

www.diabetes.co.uk/

www.diabetes.org.uk/

Have you asked for an appointment with a GP and been refused one Chakotay ?

My DH has Type 2 diabetes and has insulin twice a day. His spike was caused by having Legionnares 6 years ago.
Taking insulin does not mean it is now type 1.

As BlueBelle said the nurse is the best person to talk to. The doctors are not so well-informed. These nurses are specially trained. He recently had a spike and spoke to the nurse who has now got him back on track.

Yes Chakotay insist on speaking to the practice manager they’re usually so helpful at least mine is and she gets things done on my behalf I always ask the receptionists for their name then pass on a complaint if they don’t seem interested in getting you to see a doctor. You’re really entitled to see one ask in your most polite manner and as said in a previous post tell them you’re both very anxious and your dh needs to see a doctor. Good luck ?

By all means insist on seeing a doctors but I think he will refer you to the specialist nurse. She will have contact with the doctor if it is necessary.

Diabetic nurses are usually far more knowledgeable on this condition that any GP.

Franbern

Diabetic nurses are usually far more knowledgeable on this condition that any GP.

I am not sure what type of nurse she is as DH and I have seen her for other things also I have see the prescribing nurse for other things as well, not sure how it works but would it be that they are generic nurses with diabetes knowledge as part of their training rather than specialists?

That was my thinking dragonfly46.

There are usually Practice Nurses very well trained in diabetes and usually run the diabetic clinics in GP Practices. They will also do other things as well as care of the diabetic patients. They will have discussed your husband with the GP but you may not be aware of this. He should be able to see the GP as well though if he wants to. As others have said type 2 diabetics often have to inject insulin as well. He should be recording everything in his food diary so they can identify anything that may be affecting this.

From experience, I would rather be type 1 than type 2.It need not be life changing nor life limiting. I am sure that your husband is still type 2 but needs to get his blood sugars under control and insulin injections will help with that.I have been type 1 since I was 10 years old .I am watching the current Corrie storyline with interest.Best wishes to you and your husband .

Thanks everyone, to know that it may not be type 1 is very reassuring.