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Do you usually suggest to your doctor what T1D devices/medications you want to use, or does your doctor tend to suggest to you which T1D devices/medications you should use?
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He reads. I read. He coaches. I play the game. We both benefit. (ɔ˘ ³( ͡❛ ‿ ͡❛c)
She teaches me and due to my experience I teach her! It’s a Win/Win situation.
I’m disappointed that I have to be the one to investigate. No diabetes educator available in my area that I found that I could relate to, who would be proactive for patients.
I will research and ask about things. We will discuss options but most of the time I get to choose. The only thing he has denied me was Afrezza. I’m on a pump but wanted to use it to lower those occasional difficult highs that resist other insulins. Perhaps he skipped over it because he didn’t know enough about it at the time to discuss. He just made an excuse and went on to other things. I let it go because I was unsure about it. He is generally very good about discussing and helps me in deciding on other things. We work together.
We both keep up on all the new and upcoming diabetes treatments out there. I asked about type 2 meds to help with my treatment plan. He made some suggestions to which type, good and bad and we decided together on best for my treatment at the moment. I brought up Afreeza, not many of his patients were using it, but he agreed to try it and now he prescribes it more frequently.. it is fun to hear about things going on in Europe from your doctor!
We work together with ideas, suggestions, and research. She’s very willing to research answers to my questions and, in addition, I have access to knowledgeable diabetes educators who are certified trainers on the latest medical devices.
We both have a say in any suggestion discussions and we reach an agreement that is ultimately based on my preference and best interest. She is super supportive and non-judgmental in that way. We trust each other regarding care of my diabetes.
We discuss what options are available, but it really depends on what the insurance carrier (in my case now Medicare) will supply. If insurance doesn’t cover, I can’t use. I just had to go through antibody testing to prove to Medicare after 28 years as a type 1 that I am in fact a type 1. They also don’t cover my current CGM.
My doctor bases her suggestions on what my insurance will cover, but she also lets me know that there are some products that are better.