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Do you usually suggest to your T1D healthcare provider which T1D devices/medications you want to use, or does your provider tend to suggest to you which T1D devices/medications you should use?
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I’m not sure if I answered this correctly. I said that we both contribute suggestions. Years ago, when I had another healthcare provider, they were very involved in deciding which pump and which medications were the best for me to use.
Since moving, and with a different medical group, my healthcare provider is very hesitant to recommend one medical device over another. My insulin has not changed since when I started on the pump in 1998, Novolog. Generally, I prefer that my healthcare professional advise me about updates and medication suggestions. I don’t feel that I get that now. My visits are mostly about how I’m doing over the past 3 months.
When you are on Medicare, you only really discuss this stuff every five years for equipment (Pumps). Otherwise, I’ve been on most all my vitamins and supplements for over 30 years. I have also been on Novolog for well over 20 years. When things work well, no reason to change.
Do CGM’s on Medicare also have the 5 year waiting time?
YES!!!
I usually have to inquire or prompt my physician to discuss new technology, afterwhich he gladly shares information and suggests new medications/devices. If I do not ask, he does not typically bring it up.
We both bring up ideas, he wins and I am usually disappointed. It is generally because it is what he is used to working with, sticking with what he knows.
Collaborative decision after discussion of pros and cons is how it’s been for me in the past. I’ve just started with a different endocrinologist and am not sure he will be the same.
The majority of appointment time is spent discussing lab results and reviewing pump/CGM data. If there are specific issues with either that leads to discussions on approaches to remedy the problem which could include new devices and medications. I always try to write/send to endo a short list of topics I want to address a day or two before my 90 day appointments. I also provide the list at the appointment. It helps us both to make the best use of the limited appointment time.
My provider knows I don’t want closed loop. Too controlling. Have been wanting to go off pump for awhile and she always talks me out of cuz A1c is mid 5’s. Went on MDI last year and am happy not being attached to a pump. A1c still good. Costs more money for insulin pens. Pump and insulin was no cost. But for now will stay on MDI
I tell the doctor when I want to change; I’ve been on Medtronic, Omnipod & T-Slim over the 12 yrs since I was diagnosed as LADA Type 1 Diabetic. He is very amenable to the changes, although not so proactive about suggestions. I wish I had the proverbial “team” . I don’t have a diabetes educator and see endo only 2x/yr. But doing well.
It’s pretty much all my suggestions, based on learning new things on this and other website, TID summits, etc. Switched from Lantus to Tresiba, from a pen (on MDI) that only had whole units to one that had half-units, and I believe I’m his only patient on Afrezza.
I always come to my provider and ask too switch tech or meds. She has tried adding her own suggestions 2x for meds and they both had horrible side effects. I trust my body and my own research more than hers sadly.