Bouncing Back From a Bad Endocrinologist Appointment | She's Diabetic

[@suzannemente4876]

My poor daughter (16 and full of hormones) sat crying in the hospital car park once, refusing to go in. Major anxiety of being judged and misunderstood as a teen with T1. Needless to say, I then went looking for a female endo who was way more understanding to the trials and tribulations of a being a teen, and then diabetes on top. Broke my heart.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my goodness - can I just say - I HAVE BEEN THERE!! I am so so so so soooooo sorry your daughter ended up in that position feeling that way. This is totally unacceptable. It’s know I say it in the video but truly this condition is hard enough to live with as it is…and then to have all these feelings on top of it all…my heart breaks right along there with you. No one should ever ever ever be made to feel this way. I am so sorry your daughter went through that. She’s lucky to have such a considerate and empathic Mom in you - truly it sounds like you did EXACTLY the right thing and were not only her Mom but and advocate to her. Amazing Mama 🥹

[@ShelleyHardy-x3h]

Sorry just more..hormones horrible for gen healthy female...the hoops I've jumped😮...was always told my low mood due to T1. Decades on..my low mood, was female time of month which would have happened, without, T1....our hormones, awful, please, let her know, its awful, n will , sadly have impact on her T1...no real answer, as we're all different , just hope she can hang in there n ride the mad waves xxx

[@Atrus999]

If I didn't need an insulin prescription every few months because my life depended on it I would probably never see an endocrinologist. 😂

[@pamoneill4873]

That has happened to me- type 1 for 32 years. I didn’t return to this doctor because I knew I could not connect with him.i do feel your pain and hope this never happens again

[@lozetchells9164]

You need your prescription renewed by an endo where you are?! What do they expect, a miracle reversal?!

[@davidbowie93]

My girlfriend hasnt seen any doctor/let alone an endocrinologist since before the pandemic. She seems to handle things well with pens but, it concerns me:(

[@williamsohor4067]

Yes, I’ve been there before. But to be fair, endocrinologist’s default setting is to think you’re full of crap when it comes to a patients lifestyle. But you’re a head of the game because you’ve got a Dexcom. So you have a physical record of your sugars? And since you’re “obsessive@ nature works well for you. You can explain your highs and lows, break down the factors that led to the highs and lows. It can feel like an interrogation, but you seem like someone who comes prepared. You know how to get rid of this crap feeling? PANCREAS TRANSPLANT! Empower yourself to seek what can be a permanent solution. I’m a recipient and have advocated for and helped others to get pa bread and SKP transplants. Let’s cjat

[@davebiggins58]

Here in the UK, I was fortunate to be looked after by a specialist nurse who was also T1. It makes a world of difference. A tip she gave me when I was worried about occasional high blood glucose was, "This life is not a rehearsal, and s**t happens, you've been a T1D for 40 years. Trust yourself a bit more"

[@Timmy111888]

Most T1Diabetics are their own best endocrinologist. If your endocrinologist makes you feel like a failure it is a person issue in my book. I would look for another endocrinologist.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Yep. I agree. I’m so grateful for our endocrinologists but at the same time they see us for a sliver of time when we have to spend every single day managing it ourselves and know our body best of all (I think) and we could stand to have that more acknowledged by endos. 🥹

[@friedelpas5637]

I'm happy with the diabetes clinic I go. Most of educator and some of them have also diabetes. They try to understand together with you what is hapenning. Find solutions together with you and changes they propose you have to agree with. They look in first place to long term tends and try to understand them. They love to learn from your experiences with the tools surely when they can help also other patients. The endocrinologist come at end of consult to overview the options and made choices or once a year to discuss the results of the check up. In Belgium that consult cost 12,5 euro. In the clinic you can consult also podoloog, cardiologist psychology. .. all with speciality diabetes. Between consults I can load my values online to there platform and ask advice by mail. When I need extra subscriptions I mail them and a couple of hours later they are added to my electronic ID card . All this e-mail support for Free. They organize infosessions for there patients for free. When government provide to less finger sticks for CGM users (less then needed to calibrate Medtronic) they offer them to their patients for price they buy in. Box of 50 strips for 15 euro. And many other sevices they deliver for making living with diabetes easier and with lower cost. The patient really come on first place.

[@ShelleyHardy-x3h]

In U.S.. how easy is it yo change...so called specialist Diabetes docs? In U.K. we have no option...despite maj thinking N H S free. Its deffo Not. .well not for Tax payers, we pay for this all our working lives n are even taxed re pension yrs. So it's horrible, when treated poorly re nhs, last appt 10 mo the ago, saw diff doc, who said opposite to previous, sent me in anxiety reel...doubting myself, despite T1 for 40 plus yrs. After few days, decided, I knew best, ignored..n if that doc is there next time....nhs..we dont have a choice, despite, as previous, some of us pay lots into nhs.., I'll either argue or nod n smile, depending on my mood of the day....😅

[@sharrietech4256]

I had an endo whom I loved. He was treating me for Hashimoto. I am 67. I had symptoms of LADA last August (weight loss, thirst etc.) I called to get an earlier appointment and was told he was out of the country and to see my primary. This is not the first time he wasn't there for me. Luckily I was able to find a new endo right away and she diagnosed me with LADA very quickly (she did the blood panels). FF I am now on the Omnipod 5. At my last appointment my new endo said "You are doing a very good job taking care of your body". I am so grateful to have found her.

[@Cosmere_Dragon]

My favorite endocrinologist was diabetic herself with an insulin pump. Her suggestions were invaluable because she understood the struggle first hand.

[@emilyschultz4317]

T1D for 41 years here. After having a baby, the doctor at the hospital took me off insulin! He must've thought I had gestational diabetes. I had no advocate and had to fight the system to get my insulin back. The staff referred me to psychological care because no one believed me. I've shed many tears from doctors. Thank you for your stories. I have plenty of stories too. Some doctors are just overworked and don't listen. I told one Dr that their textbook learning didn't match real life.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my gosh I am SO SORRY to read this and hear of your experience...absolutely insane! This may be the most horrendous story I've heard of this variety. Just insanity. AND ALL THIS AFTER HAVING A BABY AND BECOMING A NEW MOM!!! I'm so sorry you were forced into a position to advocate for yourself...I think in the world of type 1 diabetes it's particularly egregious when we must advocate so aggressively for ourselves because we already have to do that in our daily lives...we need a break! AND CARE! TRUE CARE! I'm so sorry you didn't receive that, truly I'm just so so sorry 💔

[@emilyschultz4317]

@ShesDiabetic Thank you for your kind words and concern. I'm doing well. I've learned that one of the healthiest habits I can have is to forgive people. Doctors are just people.

[@cjMbuck]

Dr. Peter Attia Drive Podcast #40 with Jake Kushner M.D. discusses at one point the depression and anxiety linked to T1D due to the volatility of b.g. and the way endos attempt to make treatment and diet a cookie cutter process. Even myself, as a T2D who manages to keep it in the pre-diabetic range with oral meds and diet, the frustration is often there. Sometimes you just have bad days. Then the cortisol release from that makes it worse. Thanks for what you bring here.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my goodness - thank you so so much for sharing this with me - I'm downloading the episode as I type this!! What you describe above is just EXACTLY spot on! Truly!! Thank you again for sharing this ep - I'm SO EXCITED to listen to it!!!

[@cjMbuck]

@@ShesDiabetic i hope you find it as informative as i did.

[@terryorourke6347]

I've lived with T1D for over 40 years. You are so far ahead of my emotional journey. Your emotional IQ regarding diabetes reminds me that developing this intelligence is not a function of time. Congrats on your honest and fearless attitude! You honor the acknowledgement of reality of T1D while still protecting the essential core of who you are. You are decades ahead of me!

[@alohayoutube]

Hi Andrea, thanks for keeping us up to date with your journey. Your videos are always inspiring.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh thank you so so so so much for these very kind words!!!!! It's truly such an honor and privilege that I get to make these videos and connect with people like you! So thank YOU!!!! 💙

[@greenie923]

I've always felt super secretive about treating myself after an endo appointment. To hear you talk about it makes me feel like, oh wow. It's not just me.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh! Yes!!!! I've actually never heard of anyone else doing this either!!! Just goes to show we're never alone! And hey...I LOVE YOUR STYLE! 😉💙

[@greenie923]

@@ShesDiabetic Awwww!! YES! 🙌🏽

[@KathleenMc73]

I've had appointments with my consultants where they've told me I don't have good control of my diabetes, and I feel bad about it. But then I have an appointment with my diabetes nurse, who I see much more often, and she knows about my lifestyle and my journey, and she tells me I'm doing really well. I put much more stock in her feedback because she knows me better, but it doesn't mean the negative feedback doesn't get you down.

[@ShesDiabetic]

That's so excellent that you have a nurse who truly knows the whole of what makes you you and thus what makes you and your diabetes tick. I think this is so so wonderful! But I totally hear you...that negative feedback, no matter what, can feel like a real sting that's hard to dissipate and deal with ESPECIALLY when you're just trying your best and working through so so many different factors 🥺

[@zachazlett]

I avoided an endocrinologist for several years because I’ve never heard of one that doesn’t talk down to their patients. I finally went to one a few months ago and was treated like total garbage until they found out I was actually a type 1. Now they jump through hoops for me. It’s sad and crazy.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my gosh that is so sad and crazy indeed...I'm so so sorry to hear you went through all that...my goodness. Totally unacceptable. I hope all is on the up and up now and that they continue to treat you with care and respect.

[@darlarainford3825]

I just recently stumbled across your channel. I enjoy your upbeat energy and your positivity and I am looking forward to watching more of your content! I wanted to mention that I have been diabetic for about 12 years and I see an endocrinologist regularly but when I get in a cycle that things aren't going well and I feel really stuck it has been helpful to make an appt with my diabetes educator. She often approaches things in a different way from my endo and/or explains things with a different voice that feels less cookie cutter and/or judgmental. She will also intercede for me with my endo when I am having trouble communicating directly with him because we just seem to have different communication styles. I am currently on my fourth endocrinologist and that has been a common theme with all of them!

[@Sean-uz1lt]

Very well said and mature. Even doctors who can’t relate or have a bad bedside manner is still a good resource not to ignore. I’ve appreciated your videos addressing the psychological aspects and finding a community who can relate. I’ve had type 1 for 22 years. Just the last year I’ve reached out to more type 1 and it has helped. The community part helped me get out of a dark hole, and encouraged me to try new tools to make living with T1D easier. So thanks. What I have learned and my wife who is a nurse as taught me. Doctors treat diseases not people or lifestyle, most of them. Nurses are trained to treat the patient. Each of them can only treat some aspects of type 1 which is a disease and a lifestyle. Not that all doctors don’t care, they only really get to see you 1 hour out of 2,200 hours from the last 3 months. So doctors ask about carb ratio so they can adjust the prescription for the insulin. Doctor stuff, and quick enough to do during the office visit. They don’t usually ask if you have been counting carbs correctly or pre-bolus, lifestyle and diet stuff, Way more time consuming. Type 1 tools are also developing fast. It is hard for anyone person to stay current. So I have found it is good to supplement the doctors work with research and classes from diabetes educators or dietitians. Every few years, 5ish, to help get me out of bad routines I don’t notice or things I forgot. Even to catch up on new developments in treating T1D.

[@kathleenmccauley579]

I love your videos because you let us know we are not alone. As a type 1 and having to see an endo every three months, I have had plenty of them where I’m crying on the car ride home. I guess it’s because we are trying so hard to do our best, and a callous comment, or even lab values that don’t match how hard we are working to stay in range, can hurt so much. Thank you for sharing and educating and letting us know we are not alone.

[@ShesDiabetic]

My friend thank you for your kind words!! We are all not alone at all!!! I’m so sorry that you’ve experienced this frustration too - and you put it perfectly. It’s just SO demoralizing when those values don’t reflect how hard we’re working and what a struggle it truly is. And truly I’ve met some amazing Endos, so I don’t mean everyone when I say this, but those doctors that don’t recognize that complexity and empathy that would be so valuable given the entirety of the situation are missing out on a huge opportunity to build trust and respect with their patient.

[@kathleenmccauley579]

@@ShesDiabetic, yes exactly! Well said!

[@darstar217]

I’m not diabetic but I have other chronic illnesses, and I just wanted to say this channel has been really helpful, even for me. Thank you!

[@craigmelissa12]

I have had one Endo almost kill me when I was first diagnosed and then the next was just the best and treated me properly. Be careful out there guys....

[@ShesDiabetic]

It can be sooooooo unpredictable out there...I'm so so sorry to hear about this experience of yours. Not acceptable at all! 💔

[@GForceVRX]

I’ve been finger pricking 10 times a day for 38 years, there’s nothing wrong with that Andrea don’t worry. We do what ever we need to do to make ourselves feel comfortable and safe, non T1’s wouldn’t really understand so they shouldn’t really be commenting on these things. I think you’re an amazing and brave person Andrea, and my wife loves you too!

[@stevereuter6013]

Four years ago, I was straying from taking good care of my Type 1 Diabetes. I was working 12 hours a day 6 days a week that lasted a year and I did not make the time to care for myself. One of my A1C tests during that time was 13%‼️ I asked my primary care for some advice / direction and he gave me a referral to see the endocrinologist who practiced in the same clinic as him and to see a diabetic dietitian who was also in the same clinic. This turned out to be a Yin and Yang experience for me. The endocrinologist was a very mean person and treated me as if my appointments with her were interrupting her from doing something more important. Her nurse was also very short with me. I quit seeing her after just two appointments. However, the diabetic dietician was one of the nicest persons who I ever met. She was very patient with me and understanding of what I was going through. I saw her for several months. Unfortunately, she retired. So, I went back to my primary care doctor for my diabetic checkups.

[@glenngardin3561]

Greetings from Canada, Andrea! I was diagnosed a little over a year ago, by my family doctor. One day after retiring at age 57. Total shock, to say the least. Within a week, I had and endo and a coach. Both are fantastic. Been told that I'm doing well, but it is a full time commitment. Thank you for you posts. Look forward to hearing your journey.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Greetings Canada!!! I'm so so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis...a diagnosis anytime is hard, but I think particularly an adult diagnosis is a lot to digest. But worry not!!! You've CLEARLY GOT THIS!!! I'm so so glad to hear you have a coach and Endo that you love! This is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! I applaud you for setting up a team that you love and putting in the work! You are absolutely amazing!!!!!! Thank you so much for watching and commenting your super kind words!!!

[@tombutler4533]

I just want to say thank you thank you thank you I'm not a diabetic but my wife is and I try to be that person for her that you were talking about and I love that she sent me this video not only is it insightful but it's a nod to being that person for her. You have such positivity It is so welcome in this cynical world Thank you whether you know it or not you are a miracle to others. Keep up the good work You are doing a fantastic job Thank you

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my goodness - THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!!!! You are SO very kind and clearly an incredibly caring person and partner to your wife! That is just too wonderful for words!! It's truly my honor and privilege to make these videos and connect with incredible people! It's people like you that are the miracle in this world! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

[@AnitaFilip5280]

Love you! Love this very, very, very helpful conversation. Big hug!❤

[@ShesDiabetic]

Thank you lovely sweet wonderful Anita!!!! You’re just the best!!! Big hugs and love to you too!!! 🥹❤️🥰

[@richardrosecky1574]

I am glad that my Nurse Practitioner is a kind person

[@ShesDiabetic]

I’m glad for that too!!!! 🥹

[@auswalker7865]

Thanks for your reinforcing support Andrea. I recall making a comment many years ago when you spoke about a doctor who questioned your number of finger prick tests: "You can't manage what you don't measure". I find that with modern technology, especially CGMs, having a measure of Time in Range and seeing the graphs on my T:slim X2 is very re-assuring. When I am concerned about some high readings and then finding that my Time in Range is good I am immediately re-assured that I am doing OK.

[@ShesDiabetic]

YES!!! YOU ABSOLUTELY DID!!! AND YOU WERE AND ARE SPOT ON!!!!! And thank you for reminding me about the time in range. So true and so important! Sometimes we get so focused in on the little details that we forget we need to pan back and look at the overall picture. Like my Dad always used to say "stand back and take the 10,000 foot view". Thank you so much for your reminder and as always kind and smart words!!!

[@leanna416]

I had double digit years of bad care. From doctors that simply didn't help, to doctors that caused me to have anxiety around doctors visits because they were critical, I didn't have a true medical support team. Now I'm coming up on 2 years of an endocrinologist who has literally changed my.life. I have the best control of my diabetes ever and she talks in appointments about showing ourselves empathy. She has also talked about how she wants my anxiety about doctors visits to be a thing of the past. Love your video and prospective!

[@jodiep1268]

I’m in the UK and had a locum consultant (who is actually a professor and highly regarded) for one of my appointments when I was in my third trimester of pregnancy. I’d just had a growth scan which showed baby’s tummy was measuring on the big side and he immediately said that my control wasn’t good enough because this is a clear sign. He had temporarily come out of retirement and didn’t know how to look at my pump data on the computer and looked cynical when I told him by blood sugar was (and had been for most of my pregnancy) 90% time in range. He said that it clearly wasn’t as the ultrasound said otherwise. I left in floods of tears, not knowing what I could do to protect my baby when I was already doing everything in my power to look after myself and my baby. At my next appointment I was dreading seeing him again but I think someone had said something to him as he was very apologetic and full of praise. I’ve since had a lovely consultant who tells me to go easier on myself as I bolus a lot for phantom carbs as I’m too impatient for my pump to do its thing! I’d rather have lows but apparently that’s more dangerous than having highs and they actually don’t mind us being higher for 25% of the day!

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh I am so so so so sorry you went through that - to have that overwhelm ON TOP OF BEING PREGNANT!!! Oh my gosh - I can only imagine!! I'm so glad (and applaud) your Endo for recognizing his behavior...thank goodness!! I'm like you clearly...I prefer those lower ranges, but have to keep reminding myself it's okay to be higher!! It's a constant push and pull with my own instincts but we got this!! One day at a time!! 💙🥹

[@gareyf]

Before upgrading to the Medtronic 780G, I tested ten to twelve times a day. It was the only hope for maintaining an A1C under 7.0. However, since upgrading to the Medtronic 780G, I seldom test more than two times a day. Personally, I would tell your Endocrinologist to go take a hike and them immediately find a new Endocrinologist.

[@mikek4499]

You are doing so well with taking care of yourself and I am looking up to you for what you are doing for our community, Andrea. You were one of the first I found to learn more about t1d from people who live with it and it helped me a lot taking care of my son. I feel some people simply don’t understand how much work and thought goes into balancing life with this condition. There is no perfection. You are amazing and nothing else. Keep up the fantastic work ! Kia Kaha 😊

[@ShesDiabetic]

Mike! Thank you so so much for your kind words!!! I'm so so truly honored to be invited into your diabetes world with your son and am thrilled the channel has helped (truly it means THE WORLD TO ME!). You're so right - a lot of people just don't 'get it' and I'm sure that's frustrating for your son - and then as a parent too!! Thank you again for your kindness - and RIGHT BACK AT YOU!!! YOU AND YOUR SON ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!! That's the FACTS!! 🥹

[@hayleyhysell2861]

I really appreciate this! Because I’ve felt like this multiple times with my appts with my PCP and it makes me feel better to know I’m not the only one! I do go to a very dark place and I feel Iike these tips have helped so much! You have been an inspiration to me ever since I found out I had type 1 diabetes!

[@dwightl5863]

I have seen several Endocrinologists' over the last 40 years. My eye doctor suggested I see a Endocrinologists. It was very good advice. I have not had an unpleasant experience with any appointment that I can recall. Much better control when he recommended a pump. We then moved and started with another Endo. Things went even better with him suggesting a CGM and then a closed loop insulin pump treatment. In hindsight I should have started using technology earlier but the financial cost was a barrier at the time.

[@ginakretschmann910]

This is very helpful advice. I appreciate your channel.

[@ShesDiabetic]

I'm so so so happy and grateful to you for sharing this with me and being a viewer and part of the community! Thank you!! 💙

[@kristywhited8857]

My current endo is awesome. Very respectful and helpful. Exactly what I need. However, I've had that "other kind" in the past....more than once. Not helpful and always scolding. I think your video today will be very helpful for many and expecially for newly diagnosed. After my 35 years, I still have ups and downs and times that I feel like I could easily give up because whatever I do and however hard I try it just doesn't seem to work consistently. But I do know what I want from my endo.....solutions. advice. information. understanding. Not scolding. That's my job!

[@rcm9762]

Been there, done that! Nice series.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Thank you so much!!! 💙

[@nancyperea-correa288]

Thank you for sharing. I been type 1 since 2013, I have the Tandem pump for almost a year and 6 month, and the G7 sensor now. I still don't know how manage this diabetes, i had to change my good endocrinologist due to the insurance, now no one is checking my pump data for any changes, it hasn't been downloaded or read for a long while now.

[@thorritz8520]

Wow, I can say I have never had my endocrinologist be negative, etc. He's expressed concern and as a caregiver we have discussed it as two mature adults. If anyone threatened to take my pump away I'd either laugh or say let me talk to an adult. Remember you drive your care. Good suggestion by the way.

[@ShesDiabetic]

I'm so glad you've had positive experiences and I love and thank you for your empowering words!! Sometimes medical professionals can feel so intimidating that it can all be very overwhelming. Thank you so much for raising this awareness further with your very wise words!!! 💙

[@marinakiell1069]

Getting ready for the MDI Correction Factor video? I think it’s a very important video to be had. People at diagnosis are usually only doing MDIs for the first 6-12 months following the diagnosis before even getting a pump. I remember in your Honesty about Pumps video that you needed KZbin’s assistance in learning how to deal with the infusion set. I know Diabetic Danica’s video helped you tremendously. Hypothetical I would say a correction factor video would give that relief to those newly diagnosed so they don’t have to try so hard to look back on their hospital stay to try to remember how to manage their Type 1 Diabetes

[@KathleenMc73]

I only just got a pump and I've been on MDIs for 15yrs. Guess the system here in the UK is different than in the US.

[@diabeticinthewild]

Me! Me! Me! Had an Endo argue with me that I should be eating 150 carbs per meal, three times a day, and a 50 carb snack right before bed. I laughed at him, then argued with him when I realized he wasn't joking. He was referred to me as the best Endo in the area, so then I found an amazing nurse practitioner who knew what she was doing. 😊

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my gosh that is just too bizarre for words!! How strange!!! Thank goodness you found that nurse practitioner! It's interesting how a lot of people have turned to nurse practitioners rather than the Endos! I'm just so glad you have someone who is...reasonable!! lol!!!

[@Abber64]

Wow, i have NEVER had a bad Endo appointment in my life. They were always very encouraging, mind you I have always lived a healthy lifestyle with good control. The only issue I have ever had with Drs is that they ALL want to put me on cholesterol medication and I refuse to take it. Why? Because my cholesterol is perfectly ok according to the health standards. They say though that because I am Type 1, the bar is lowered. However, I still will not take drugs, and they accept that. If you are having bad Endo appointments, I would recommend looking for a new one. Type 1 Diabetes is a medical condition that relies on control, and you do not want a Doctor that discriminates, but one that is helpful, supportive, and encouraging as they are the medical professionals and being discouraging does not help the patient.

[@stevenforche1584]

@ShesDiabetic. Very good presentation of the topic. And a good topic to bring up. This is in parallel across all medical conditions, of which Type 1 diabetes takes precedence because it takes more providence in terms of the patient taking control, controlling the blood sugar and then getting graded on it. Part of a doctors excellence in helping a patient is: Acting in the patient's best interest to help their medical condition. Which precludes talking down to a patient or blaming them. (Interesting on the finger stick admonition). I'm Type 1 since 1991. I'm 63 years old. I ran 6.5 A1C to 6.7 for 20 years. Then with CGM, and better insulins MDI never had a pump, the last 6 to 8 years I've run 6.1 to 6.2 on my HbA1C. In the last year and a half I've had an average of 5.5. And after 33 years I have no retinopathy, nephropathy or neuropathy at all... One thing I would recommend for this video is look into your (every Type1 here) Myers Briggs Personality type. And go with your strengths and weaknesses, just like @ShesDiabetic was explaining what she does after a visit. You can look into the Myers Briggs personality type indicator by going to Wikipedia for an overview. And then go to 16Personalities.com. What it is is 16 different types of ways people Want To Operate based on 4 different either/or ways of being or wanting to be. Good luck to all of you Type 1's on your life journey. And do your best. And "tolerate" the medical system.

[@zorander6]

As a 46 year old lifer (born t1) never be afraid to fire a doctor. I didn't see an endo for over 20 years because the ones I saw refused to listen to what I was telling them based on life experience. I stayed with my PCP who's husband was type 1 and she was ok with it. I only started seeing an endo because my insurance financially forced me onto a pump. The current endo is type 1 and seems ok. Being nice to yourself is the most important part, this shit is hard and lows and highs happen.

[@ShesDiabetic]

I'm so glad you've found what works best for you and you have a team you're happy with! This is wonderful news! And I COMPLETELY agree - be nice to yourself!!!! 🥹

[@andricheli]

I am thankful to have an endocrinologist who is really understanding and understands the difficulty of managing type 1 diabetes. She doesn't guilt or shame; sometimes she just listens. She gets it that it is impossible to manage this disease perfectly 24/7. There's never any judgment. BUT I have encountered SO MANY other medical professionals who are big on the shame, guilt, blame, etc. People who don't understand that it's not as simple as taking medication and going about your day, medical professionals who have no understanding of type 1 diabetes in general and who don't understand the technology we use today. I get that not every medical professional can understand every facet of every disease, but then they need to take some time and LISTEN to what the patient is telling them about the disease they live with, not counter back with incorrect information. And funny because back when I used a meter I was told I needed to test about 10 times a day if on a pump because the risk of DKA was higher. Go figure.

[@worthybookjourney3231]

My son does not have a good endo. But she was the only one in our area. She had far more type 2 patients so she really didn't bother to look at type 1 issues other than the basic info. Carbs for lows. Insulin for highs. My son was getting no sleep due to the cgm and pump alarms. We wanted to switch to a cgm that did not talk to the pump. She would not write the prescription for him because she wanted all the info in one place and not 2 separate locations. I get that but she didn't seem to care that he had alarm fatigue, body fatigue and was becoming depressed. She blamed him for anything and everything. We had a terrible experience with Medtronic 670g. She said he was the only one and that he wasn't doing it right. We know some of her other patients so we knew they were having trouble too so she lied. She only pushed that pump at patients and only had a rep for that pump inhouse. So we stopped going to her and now don't have an endo. He just goes to his general doctor. I can't say that care is better but it certainly isn't worse. You are blessed to have a good one.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my gosh I am SO SORRY you and your son were treated in this way...this is completely and utterly UNACCEPTABLE!!!!! And the lying...oh I'm just enraged over here! I'm SO SORRY. I'm glad you've left her and have the doctor's care - like you say the care may not be better, but one could argue she was actually adding stress and overwhelm rather than helping. Again, I'm just so sorry you went through that, this is just so disheartening when we're already in disheartening positions living with T1D. I'm thinking of you and your son and sending you both a big squeeze and telling you you're amazing!!! 🥹❤️

[@kg6sxy]

I am type 2 but I am insulin dependent. For the last year and a half my blood glucose has been swinging from very high to dangerously low and it is exhausting. The delays when correcting highs and lows are really drawn out. I take insulin to correct a high that is stable and it can take 90 to 120 minutes before it starts to drop again. Or I can be stable at the upper end of a healthy range and 10 minutes later I am a sliver above zero but thankfully I carry a glucagon kit. My readings can swing from really high to really low multiple times in the span of a couple of hours and the feedback that I get is just that diabetes is unpredictable. I am definitely more worried about lows but they both take a lot of energy to correct. Most people don't understand how draining it can be every day. I hope everyone get some sleep without having to deal with CGM alarms going off repeatedly!

[@andregrobler1034]

Andrea, I agree you feel bad. Luckily I only, over the 40 years, had one bad endo. Did not click with this guy. I always told myself it is because this guy does not know what it is to live with diabetes. (My Hba1c is 6.2 thus totally under control) Easy to read medical stuff in a book and then theoretically trying to apply it to a patient that every day must try and mimic a pancrease as best they can. Of course you must try your best to live healthy, test your sugar and take your insulin as it is your life and if you mess it up you are the only one to blame. 😊. Thanks for sharing your type 1 challenges as I am sure we are all able to relate on one level or another.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Such wise words! And I think what you do is exactly why it's really hard when we come face to face with medical professionals that treat us like we're stupid or not engaging with our care. To live with this condition - just basically to survive requires a lot of care and engagement. I think when we feel underestimated or chastised it's really really hard to feel like you're being seen for truly who you are and how difficult it is to live with this condition, and that's a gap that is almost impossible to bridge once present between an Endo and patient. 🥺

[@scp170190]

Genuinely *no one* who isn't a T1 themselves understands what it is to live with it, every day. I have had appointments with doctors who have told me I need to try harder to limit 'highs' - as though it were a simple choice. You're not alone!

[@ShesDiabetic]

Yep. Unfortunately you are 1000% correct. I think they are missing a HUGE opportunity for empathy which is not only helpful but also necessary because living with t1d is an art not a science and treating it like a science only is just demoralizing and ignoring the fact of the management of the condition. Plus just the doctors admitting that 2+2 often times does not equal 4 in type 1 diabetes would be so meaningful and actually helpful. 🥹

[@THE-michaelmyers]

Making threats like stop stick checking or I will discontinue your pump is not positive Doctoring AND that Physician might need to be reported. A very good friend is a Veteran who is a diabetic with an Epilepsy complication. When I am in the US and can do so I help him get to the VA for his appointments and have also been close to him during video appointments with his Endocrinologist. She is a very kind-hearted lady who is more concerned about his diabetes management than to get that picky. In fact, this lady is a sweetheart and the VA is lucky to have her, and YES there are a few good Physicians that practice in VA medical centers. I understand you might have limited options when it comes to finding a better Endocrinologist because of insurance networks, etc. Still, if I was having an appointment with a Physician and they issued such a threat to me I would be showing them how to shove something in a place I won't mention and walk out!

[@rexhowells7015]

Andrea , totally agree . When I have my blood tests done for going to the endocrinologist, I feel like its exam time, and will I get a good report, or a bad one when I see him . And even when we have a good endocrinologist , they don't really understand, as they aren't in our shoes . Its all about the numbers and not what we have to do to get good numbers, and when we work really hard for those numbers, we can still get bad ones. Sorry for the rant, my endo will be retiring soon , I have had to see a different one the last couple of times , and they are even more about the numbers . I was 6 .3 HbA1C previously, 6.7 this time, they didn't like the increase. Thankyou again for your channel, and how it has become a support to so many ❤

[@ShesDiabetic]

YES REX!! That's EXACTLY how I feel - like it's exam time!!! Totally and utterly hear you! I'm so sorry to hear that your new Endo is even more into the numbers-only view. We really desperately need to be seen holistically by these Endos. I'd say both those A1C's are pretty darn spectacular and I'm so sorry they didn't like the increase...this really gets me down!! It's like...have they ever heard of life happening and fluctuations happening?! Maybe also that we're not robots!! Ahhh!!! You know you have all my empathy and support Rex!!! 💙

[@rexhowells7015]

Thankyou 👍

[@Thems0the0breaks0kid]

Yes Andrea! I really admire T1 specialists cos it’s such an odd disease but, to do their jobs well, they can not be doctors who do not understand basic chronic disease psychology. And yet so many of them can’t cope with patients living their lives outside of the diabetic bubble.

[@littlemissunshine7846]

I hear you. Being diabetic weather type 1 and /or 2 is hard. One remember to take meds and insulin especially if have so before eat., creating recipes that are taste and enjoy to eat. I'm foodie person I love food and I want eat what everyone else eating

[@ShesDiabetic]

Yes! Yes! and YES! You're so right!!! Food is one of the joys, not to mention necessities in life! And to have a condition that effects that exchange of pleasure and necessity is completely and understandingly omnipresent and can be totally overwhelming. It's a day to day, hour to hour, meal to meal management. I hope this hasn't condition has in no way taken away your love and joy for food!!

[@Alicia_Kanis]

Most of the endos and PA’s I’ve had have been awful. Only my one endocrinologist that I’ve had since the beginning and the one PA I had for a large chunk of my time as a T1D have been good. I had my diabetes educator tell me last year that I needed to take insulin at meals, even after I told him I had stopped eating regularly; he didn’t take me seriously. Fast forward to late April of this year and I was diagnosed with atypical anorexia. The only reason I finally got a diagnosis was because my endocrinologist took me seriously. I’m starting to do better, but I can’t help thinking how I could have gotten help SOO much sooner had I been taken seriously. And how many fellow T1D’s are ignored and are suffering silently. 😞

[@ShesDiabetic]

Alicia! You have all my empathy!! I am so so so so sooo sorry this has been the case for you!! As a person who's also suffered off and on with disordered eating I know so well just how hard it is to deal with alongside type 1 diabetes, but also how much of the treatment by Endo's of type 1 diabetes ignores any aspects of disordered eating and can even stoke the flames of the condition. I just feel you so so so much on this. I'm so glad to hear you're finally getting the proper attention and care that you should have gotten long ago. You are not alone...sending you a huge hug and so much love and strength - you've got this!!! 💙

[@joannewignall6417]

T1D for 45 years and I couldn’t care less what my endo says (We don’t call them that in the UK, but same thing). I honestly couldn’t. I eat cake, biscuits, chocolate, pasta, potatoes…everything! As long as I have the correct insulin after it, which I do….i limit nothing 😊 x

[@ShesDiabetic]

YAYYYYYYYYY!!!! I LOVE THIS FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! Xxx!!!

[@stevenforche1584]

Also @ShesDiabetic, any Type 1 Should also understand the Kubler Roth Stages of Grief. Both for the initial and ongoing diagnosis and for the "endocrinologist visits". 1. Denial 2. Anger 3. Bargaining 4. Depression 5. Acceptance. Look to: Five Stages of Grief on Wikipedia.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Thank you so much for sharing this here!! It's so true and such a great point and valuable concept to remember and implement in so many aspects of life with Type 1 Diabetes!!

[@irisbraun4171]

Thank you Andrea very cool Video I very much agree with you Best thing i did found my new endo i really love her I haven't felt bad after an appointment in 4 years and not just because she works near „Cupcakes Vienna“ I should definitely avoid point 3 after a good appointment. I take too much time to implement the positive information i just got

[@ShesDiabetic]

Cupcakes Vienna...OH ME OH MY! THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE PERFECT ENDO FOR LIFE!! Tell her she must never ever move to a different office!! 😂😍🧁 I'm so very happy to hear you've found a great Endo who supports you all around!! This is just...THE BEST!!

[@ForgottenCovers]

Even the person who graduates last in their class in Med School still becomes a doctor 😅

[@ShesDiabetic]

This is true!! And think of the ones who graduate last from U of M!!!!!! Oh! Muh! Gud!!!!

[@ForgottenCovers]

@@ShesDiabetic 💀☠️😵

[@traceymayo1583]

Yep, all those :( I know exactly how you feel Andrea believe me. Esp when the nurse asks me "do you feel depressed having diabetes"? I fel like saying "what do you blood think"? grrrrrr I felt like hitting something when I come out.. Stay positive and take care my friend xx

[@ShesDiabetic]

I HEAR YOU!!! lol - do you feel depressed??? Ummmm…WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT?!? I’m so sorry you’ve been there too - too many of us have been there - this is totally unacceptable 😢!

[@traceymayo1583]

@@ShesDiabetic These doctors/nurses just do' not understand how frustrating being diabetic is. They may have the certificates and qualifications but they just do not understand how how we deal with this every day.

[@emilyadams9986]

Hey Andrea, I was just wondering; does your current endocrinologist (who you like) have Type 1 Diabetes too, or have someone in his life who does? I watch The Dale Tribe once I'm a while (because they're a really artsy, creative family, and I'm into music and theatre myself), and one of the kids, A.J. (stands for Aspen Joy) was diagnosed with T1D around nine years old. Their endocrinologist also had T1D, and she's an older woman, so she had it back in the days of meal planning, testing by colour range instead of exact numbers, et cetera. The family feels really fortunate to have her, like you said that you feel fortunate to have the understanding endocrinologist (try saying that five times fast, lol) that you have.

[@emilyadams9986]

*has T1D, not had.

[@dwightl5863]

Maybe an unseen autocorrect error? Just saying.

[@christinewelch8365]

At My first endocrinologist appt she GUARANTEED me that I was not a type one!!!!! Wrong!! She didn’t look at the bloods tests my family doctor sent. My family doctor was shocked when I told him. Side note -mother, sister, and grandson are type one. DUH!!!!

[@karlahernandez5750]

My GP was shocked when the test results came back that I wasn't type 2 and in fact I was T1D. 2020, 67 years old and I was rapidly losing weight. I hadn't weighed 100 lbs since I was in elementary school. Yes, I'd say something was really wrong with me.

[@christinewelch8365]

@@karlahernandez5750 I was in my late 60s as well. She put me on metformin which made me sick. I lost 10 lbs. Happy to say I now have a great endo and diabetic nurse who is a diabetic herself. I feel lucky that I have such a great team taking care of me.

[@ShesDiabetic]

I'm so happy to hear you're now well taken care of (THANK GOODNESS!) but Christine - I'm so sorry for what you went through. I know I'm not a doctor so probably don't know what I'm talking about to a certain extent, but I've heard this tale of being diagnosed as T2 and then later as T1 more times than I can even count. It's crazy to me how doctors dig in on the T2 diagnosis without question until things really go awry, I'm continually confused why it has to get to an extreme point for T1 to even be considered...again, I'm just so so sorry you went through this. Not only went through it in general but also whilst feeling probably so awful during the onset without any management 🥺

[@christinewelch8365]

@@ShesDiabetic when I went back to the original endo she came in and said You’re actually type 1!!! I replied I know! I knew all along. Changed endos right away.

[@Hannahnana-nana89]

I mean, i was type 1 diabetic for like 7 almost 8 years before i was referred to an endo and the first one i met was so mean to me and yelled at at me about how i wasn't taking care of myself and should be doing way better unless i want to die. Well i left his office crying and called my husband balling my eyes out. I didn't even know i was supposed to be working with a endocrinologist. 😢 Since then i have had several good and bad doctors i have had to work with most of whom don't take my concerns seriously. 🤦‍♀️

[@Ch1pp007]

15.7 and rising having pre-bolused for fish and vegetables. Sometimes this makes no sense.

[@ShesDiabetic]

Oh my I HAVE BEEN THERE!!!! You are not alone!!! I hope things flattened out after a while, but my goodness I’m so sorry - that is just SO FRUSTRATING!!!!

[@Ch1pp007]

@@ShesDiabetic About ten seconds after doing a corrective dose my CGM went from 15.7 rising fast to 11.9 falling fast. All in good fun. I just want to know where all the carbs were in salmon and broccoli.

[@ShellBellz]

Explain to me why it is bad to want to be low than high. I too feel so much better on the low side and if I dip below 70, I feel I can just eat a few carbs. But when I am high, I feel anxious and exhausted and have a splitting headache all day and don't feel like myself at all. It messes with my mental health and so why wouldn't I rather be low? But if there are any lows recorded on my chart, my Endo has a fit, while if I say I can't live above 250 all day and waking up at 320 is awful, he has no answers except that it is better to go high than low. But why?

[@ShesDiabetic]

I hear you...absolutely...my case was that I was constantly having lows that would see me in the 60's and 50's as a result of my behavior so that was putting me into a tailspin of rollercoasters and exhausting me. However, I do hear you - absolutely! Becuase that was my thinking! I still tend to prefer to run lower but have more tolerance for the mid ranges and don't rage bolus as much, if that makes sense. But let me just say...I totally get you!!

[@ShellBellz]

​@@ShesDiabeticGreat term...rage bolus. Lol! I do believe I do that too. 😂

[@KathleenMc73]

My instinct after a bad appointment would immediately be 'have a piece of cake'. (Although that would also be my instinct after a positive appointment. 😂)

[@ShesDiabetic]

YAY!!! I LOVE THIS!!! ALL THE CAKE ALL THE TIME!!! 🍰🧁😍

[@karlahernandez5750]

Endocrinologist? Who is that? I never hear from him. I only hear from him if I bring up that I am having a problem. I have a GP. I have a case manager that I hear from a couple times a year. I'm pretty much on my own.

[@ShesDiabetic]

I gottcha. I suppose everyone's 'team' is assembled differently. Some docs will take on all your diabetes needs, some will not and will request you go to an Endo for all those needs and supplies. As long as you have something that works for you and you have all that you need - that's the most important thing I would say!!

[@riccardrosen2073]

You have the best treat ever. Just go to the mirror and behold one of the most caring and good hearted human on the planet. You are fantastic Andrea, regardless what any doctor says. Take care!

[@mikemcd879]

sorry wait i barely see my endo.....and my family doctor doesn't know alot about diabetes but I have never ever heard about a doctor threatening to take my pump or a pump away from someone!!!!! sorry you had that experience that's horrible i think i would have changed doctors!!! i missed my last appointment he made a comment about not seeing the dietitian. so on purpose missed my last appoinment I onlty ever go once a year....my diabetes is real good control...i am in range 80-95% of the time.

[@ShesDiabetic]

OMG I have totally TOTALLY done the 'missing' of appointments so I can just go the bare minimum. It's so dependent on our management that sometimes a doctor's appointment feels like just more work rather than help - at least for me I feel this way! And clearly you have amazing systems in place because that time in range is AMAZING!!!

[@mranderson5668]

Are they really better than a doctor?

[@ShesDiabetic]

I’ve always had an Endo, so I can’t say for sure. But I have had doctors that have talked to me like I’m type 2, and then I’ve had to correct them, which is pretty demoralizing. I also think Endo’s tend to be way more clued in about the advancements in technology and Type 1 specific information that primary care doctor’s just don’t have the time or bandwidth in general to research and keep up with. But just my personal experience - not to be confused with fact, of course!!

[@alexandre67]

Je suis diabétique de type 1 depuis 38 ans. Je vois une diabétologue 1 fois par année pour mon ordonnance, car la loi l'exige. Nous parlons de la pluie et du beau temps, et sa conclusion est toujours la même, je n'ai pas de conseils à vous donner. Mon hémoglobine glyquée (HbA1c) est à 5,6 mmol/l. (100.901 mg/dl) The only one in charge is me. Greetings from Switzerland

[@dwightl5863]

In my opinion with a 5.6, there wouldn't be much need on how to do any improvements. As long as it is not gotten by a lot of lows. You are doing very good.

[@alexandre67]

@@dwightl5863 and without hypoglycemia. According to the doctor, my tracings are those of a normal person. Daily physical activity, healthy diet without excess, normal weight...no cigarettes or alcohol. A completely normal life.

[@kaddiddlehopper]

"Threaten" to take a pump away? Because you check your blood sugar? How do these people have a license? If I had a doctor do anything of that sort, it would be my last visit to them, and I would be going to another doctor, even if it required driving to another state. I would also be making a complaint to the medical licensing board. That sounds like a lazy doctor who doesn't want to sort through all of your information and questions. If you're not testing as much, they don't have as much to answer.

[@littlemissunshine7846]

We have life long disease that not going away any time soon

[@ShesDiabetic]

Indeedy! But I remain hopeful and optimistic that treatment will continue to improve at the very least, and possibly a cure at some point too (but I can't let myself get too excited about that)

[@ytc257]

I am a Muslim From Bangladesh

[@ShesDiabetic]

Welcome and thank you for being here!!! 💙

[@kittymetal186]

I feel bad for you and your awful experience. I live in England and an Endocrinologist diagnosed me with inherited Type 2 Diabetes. However, another Endocrinologist realized I actually have Reactive Hypoglycemia, a rare diabetic condition (in 15 years of seeing patients, I was only the second patient with it). That re-diagnosis helped me immensely. Ever since my diagnosis I get (useless) follow-up with a diabetes nurse. For 3 years she doesn't understand Reactive Hypoglycemia (a simple Google search gives tons of info!) I've been told I test myself "too much" (4 or 5 times a day!) and the nurse laughed at me! I need my blood sugar reading to prevent hypos or figure out how many carbs I can have in my next meal or snack. She kept telling me my blood sugar is "normal" (it tests as "normal" HbA1c, but it spikes then plummets into hypos at other times). Of course it's "normal" - I eat minimal carbs and sugar! Also, Metformin lowers blood sugar, which already is a problem. She hasn't removed it from my prescription list for 3 years! I complained to the main clinic doctor and admin supervisor about the nurse's lack of knowledge and respect towards me. I could rant more but you get the drift! Your advice is excellent. Thanks for mentioning the UK Diabetes Psychologist. I'll look into that. Thank you again and take care! 😀