It’s been awhile since I’ve been on this forum. I thought we were through…guess not!
My husband (71) was formally advised he had D2 in the summer of 2019 through lab work required prior to meeting with a new doctor. He was shocked to learn that his A1C levels from lab work done in January 2017 indicated that he was already D2, but his doctor (who retired shortly afterwards) never advised him. At the time (2019) he had an insurance plan that did not give him good coverage and many of the diabetes informative sessions that were available to patients within the Baycare system (for example) were not available to him. Eventually he was able to find an endocrinologist who provided some basic information, scheduled checkups every 3 months and prescribed Metformin, but basically “we” were on our own (he does not meal plan or cook) and cobbled together an eating plan that reduced his carbohydrates. He dropped about 20 pounds, weight that he didn’t necessarily have (want) to lose, and although sometimes his numbers were erratic, they were basically good. For a period of time he used the FreStyle Libre, but because he was D2, it was an out-of-pocket expense. Months ago he stopped using the device because it had a short shelf life (hot tub?) and his numbers had been consistently good for a year or so. Despite carbs being increasingly added to his diet (he did not want to lose anymore weight) his BS levels were good…maybe for a year. In fact his numbers were so good/steady that he went off the Metformin (with his endocrinologist’s knowledge).
Without a change in lifestyle (same weight, same activity, same diet) through testing using finger sticks he has seen a gradual increase in BS these past couple of months …especially first morning readings which are often 140-160. He went back to taking Metformin at night as previously prescribed, but he is still getting high readings in the am (and sometimes in the pm). At the suggestion of his new primary, whom he likes and trusts, he dropped his endocrinologist. He has an appointment with his PCP in a month and is planning to get lab work done in a couple of weeks to be able to get an A1C reading. My husband is very aware (I believe) of how easy it is to go from D2 to D1, but as far as seeking medical attention goes, for him “less is more”. I’m glad he found a PPC whom he likes and trusts, but I think he should still see an endocrinologist; he has great medical insurance now and can choose one who is more integrated into the health system. Also, I want him to go back to using a GCM. His record keeping is a bit erratic. BTW…diabetes is apparently in his family, but they don’t talk about it much (hard to explain)
I don’t want my concerns to be a bone of contention…this has happened before…but I don’t like where this is headed. Thoughts?