Doctor - a very honourable profession. This profession a unique as a Doctor is expected to have many different qualities under his belt.
Doctor should be a patient listener.
Doctor should think rationally before suggesting investigations and while interpreting the results of investigations done.
Doctor should be cordial and easily approachable.
Doctor should be soft spoken.
Doctor should be a good counsellor as well.
The above mentioned qualities are most important for a doctor while managing patients. These become more important when treating people with chronic disorders like Diabetes. Most of these qualities are sadly missing in our generation of Doctors.
The younger ones are too impatient to listen and the older ones are over confident to listen to the patient complaints fully. In the current scenario the loser is always the patient. If the doctor is too enthusiastic to investigate it literally boils the patient financially. At the same time if the doctor doesn't evaluate the patient using laboratory services, the patient is at the risk of developing diabetes related complications. So it is pretty delicate balance when the magical question is asked - "How much to investigate? The answer to this question is also kind of tricky or controversial. The reason for constant screening in Diabetes is because of the fact that most of the complications develop rather slowly and may be missed in early stages. They do not present with any classical early symptoms.
The younger ones are too impatient to listen and the older ones are over confident to listen to the patient complaints fully. In the current scenario the loser is always the patient. If the doctor is too enthusiastic to investigate it literally boils the patient financially. At the same time if the doctor doesn't evaluate the patient using laboratory services, the patient is at the risk of developing diabetes related complications. So it is pretty delicate balance when the magical question is asked - "How much to investigate? The answer to this question is also kind of tricky or controversial. The reason for constant screening in Diabetes is because of the fact that most of the complications develop rather slowly and may be missed in early stages. They do not present with any classical early symptoms.
Points to remember:
Blood sugar: FBS and PPBS à Frequently
HbA1c: Once in three months
Blood Urea: Once in a year
Serum Creatinine: Once in a year
Spot Microalbuminuria: Once in 6months
Fasting Lipid profile: Once in 6 months
Liver function test: Once in a year
Serum uric acid: Once in a year
Hemogram: Once in a year
Urine complete: Frequently.
The frequency of investigations can change when abnormal results are seen during routine testing.
Living healthy with Diabetes is in our hands. Small amount spent today on investigations may go a long way in saving you from the dreaded complications of Diabetes.
Get tested & keep Diabetes under your control....
To complete the above list, following screening tests should be done as per American diabetic association guidelines 2015.
ReplyDeleteBlood pressure should be measured at every routine visit
Adults with type 1 diabetes should have an initial dilated and comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist within 5 years after the onset of diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes should have an initial dilated and comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist shortly after the diagnosis of diabetes.
If there is no evidence of retinopathy for one or more eye exams, then exams every 2 years may be considered. If diabetic retinopathy is present, subsequent examinations for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should be repeated annually by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. If retinopathy is progressing or sight-threatening, then examinations will be required more frequently.
All patients should be screened for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) starting at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and 5 years after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and at least annually thereafter, using simple clinical tests, such as a 10-g monofilament.
For all patients with diabetes, perform an annual comprehensive foot examination to identify risk factors predictive of ulcers and amputations. The foot examination should include inspection and assessment of foot pulses. Patients with insensate feet, foot deformities, and ulcers should have their feet examined at every visit.
- Alivemeter Nutritionist
https://www.alivemeter.com//
Thanks for the input....
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