Getting referred to a specialist

Posted , 8 users are following.

I want my GP to refer me to a specialist as I have diabetes T2 and he says that he won't because he doesnt think i need to see a specialist care. However my diabetes is worsening and I also have high blood pressure so i think its reasonable to request this. I have checked online and i meet the requirements for a referral but he just won't listen. Any idea what I can do.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi i really know what you are talking about when it comes to doctors. They just don't listen
  • Posted

    Hi i know what your talking about when you say your doctor dose not listen. I can only tell you that i would get another doctor. I have had this problem myself. Hope this helps.
  • Posted

    I'm not sure that the medics are often all that helpful with the practicalities of diabetes.  Why not do your own research, try reading about Low glycemic Index diets(low GI) try also Patrick Holford's books.  Try looking also at other ideas like taking cinnamon tablets for its natural bs balancing properties and chromium etc. At the end of the day you have to understand what is good for you and there is guaranteeing that a specialist will help that much.
  • Posted

    I have to say that unfortunately you cannot insist on a referral to a specialist.  My blood sugars went up to 30+ January 2015 and my GP would not refer me, but by increasing and adding to my meds it did eventually come down. Unfortunately 3 weeks ago it went up again. But he will not make any changes until my next HbA1c in April. OM Monday I was admitted to hospital for an unconnected reason. The ward doctors were not too happy about my blood sugars being 20+ and referred me to the diabetes specialist who was horrified by my BS levels being so high and never being referred to him. There seems to be a fundamental difference of opinion between diabetes specialists and GPs as to whether Type 2 diabetics ever need to be referred to them and if so at what stage.  The diabetic specialist thinks the BS is so high I may well soon need to go on insulin and that waiting till April may have been dangerous.

    like you I also have high BP. What makes you think your diabetes is getting worse? Do you check your BS regularly? What are the figures? Have you been in touch with DiabetesUK and asked their advice? I have found them to be very helpful.

  • Posted

    Again unfortunately you cannot force your GP to refer you to a specialist, what makes you think you are getting worse? Are you on medication for your diabetes? You don't give this information. 

    Ive had experience where a member of my family was referred to a specialist and following a full round of blood tests was told his blood sugars are reasonable and was placed back under the care of the GP.

    Blood pressure doesn't always happen along side diabetes, I know many diabetics without blood pressure. Also a diabetic specialist would not monitor your blood pressure it isn't his specialty. Daft as it may seem on specialist doesn't automatically deal with two different problems.

    sorry for the bit of a downer on your problem but keep a close eye on your blood sugars by doing your own at different times of the day on different days, make a note of them and take them to your doctor when you next see him, it may make a difference if you can show your blood sugars are erratic, good luck.

  • Posted

    Hello James,

    ​I should have been going to see a diabetic specialist myself today but it got cancelled has she was sick,i was going has i am unable to take a lot of the diabetic pills and now i have to wait again. Can you please tell me how your diabetes is worsening beacause you should be going to see your diabetic nurse if it is i to have high blood pressure i have had it for years nothing what evr to do with my diabetes.If your not happy with your gp then go see another one in the practice.

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