Bad doctor appointment.

I’m so frustrated.

I went to see my endocrinologist today for my normal 3 month follow up visit.  My blood sugars have been out of control for the last few months (admittedly, my fault).   Yesterday, I started a new medication (non-diabetic) that can have an impact on my blood sugars so I decided that it was time I got my shit together – eat better and exercise.

I was going to tell her my plan and ask to a) not increase my insulin doses and b) see a nutritionist/diabetes manager.

Apparently, not a good plan.

As soon as she saw my A1C she immediately decided that I needed more insulin.  So I told her what I’d rather do and in this pouty voice she said “Well, I guess I can offer you no advice.  Do what you want and see me when you feel like it.”

OK…what?

She actually got up to leave.  I stalled her and asked her what was wrong with holding off for a few months so I could see if my actions could have a positive impact on my dosing and this was her response:

“Diet and Exercise play a very minimal role in managing diabetes.  You need to just keep increasing your insulin until your levels are normal.  I don’t care if you take 1000 units a day.”

Again…what?

First of all, since I’ve been diabetic, it’s been the mantra of my doctors – Diet & Exercise, Diet & Exercise.  You read on the internet about the importance of diet & exercise in managing blood sugars.  You hear about people that were seriously dependent on insulin who, through diet and exercise, were able to go off of insulin completely.  But my doctor is telling me that those two things are insignificant.

I don’t think so.

Secondly, aren’t doctors supposed to try to work to put you on as little meds as possible?  I’m not too happy that the first and only response is to up the meds.   Granted, if I don’t see results by the next time I see her, I will happily increase my meds.

So I have another appointment with her in a few months.  Depending on how it goes, I might be in the market for a new endocrinologist.