Type 1 - Connect

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

------------------------------
Natasha, Ange and Erin

Membership and Community Team
community@diabetesaustralia.com.au
------------------------------

Hi! I'm Nathan's mum.

I had a few "helpful" people after my 9 month old Nathan was diagnosed with Type 1 tell me that if I had only breast-fed him then he wouldn't have gotten diabetes. 

Seriously!? Who says that? My response was to simply shake my head. 

By the way, if they had bothered to ask instead of assume, they would have found out that he was in fact breast-fed & continued to be until he was 18mths old.

But the funniest one was probably the neighbour who told me that I can cure his diabetes by following the carrot juice diet. 🤯

Mind blown! Not 'mind blown' as in why didn't I know this but 'mind blown' as in WOW! There are actually people out there that believe this shit! 😂

------------------------------
Nathan

Original Message:
Sent: 15-05-2024 17:30
From: Diabetes Australia Community team
Subject: Myths ...

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

------------------------------
Natasha, Ange and Erin

Membership and Community Team
community@diabetesaustralia.com.au
------------------------------

Hi! I'm Nathan's mum.

I had a few "helpful" people after my 9 month old Nathan was diagnosed with Type 1 tell me that if I had only breast-fed him then he wouldn't have gotten diabetes. 

Seriously!? Who says that? My response was to simply shake my head. 

By the way, if they had bothered to ask instead of assume, they would have found out that he was in fact breast-fed & continued to be until he was 18mths old.

But the funniest one was probably the neighbour who told me that I can cure his diabetes by following the carrot juice diet. 🤯

Mind blown! Not 'mind blown' as in why didn't I know this but 'mind blown' as in WOW! There are actually people out there that believe this shit! 😂

------------------------------
Nathan

Original Message:
Sent: 15-05-2024 17:30
From: Diabetes Australia Community team
Subject: Myths ...

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

------------------------------
Natasha, Ange and Erin

Membership and Community Team
community@diabetesaustralia.com.au
------------------------------

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

I once had a doctor (yes he is a real GP in a real medical practice ) tell me that his wife, who practised "alternative medicine" could cure my diabetes using "Kahuna bodywork therapy". Out of curiosity, I asked how much she charged for such a service and he told me that because I was asking about the cost I wouldn't be a suitable candidate for the "therapy" - concerning yourself about the money apparently has a nullifying effect on the magical powers of the therapy.

I contemplated reporting him to the appropriate authorities but decided instead to find another doctor... he still practices today and still promotes the same pseudoscience.

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

One of my big complaints is how it's portrayed on television or movies where any character that's a diabetic and collapses must be given insulin.  It's hard enough when people think they know how to deal with a hypo but trying to find you insulin is not a solution.  This just adds to the problem I'm afraid.

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

------------------------------
Natasha, Ange and Erin

Membership and Community Team
community@diabetesaustralia.com.au
------------------------------

So hubby had a knee replacement surgery 6mths ago, he's been type 1 for 33 years now. Day 2 post surgery the pain levels were still very high but they get you up fast and moving for physio etc, and he had a great RN through the day who would come in at obs and mealtimes, observe/record his sugar level (has a Libre 2 CMG sensor) and how many units of Humalog he proposes to take. Then shift changed, different staff on, and he has his dinner and injected, but about 9:30pm his levels were going up (pain pushes his numbers up) he wanted to inject so buzzes the nurse, shows his libre numbers on his phone app, arrow shows still rising and he's at 12.5. I'm going to take another 10units. She said NO, can't do that, I'll ring the Dr. so he listens as she speaks to the Dr on shift, who said "can you give him a sandwich from the fridge?". What the! So my hubby said nicely could I please speak to the Dr, and repeated "I have elevated blood sugar of 12.5 and need to inject some more rapid acting insulin. The Dr said to him, just have some food. At this point my hubby's patience expired and he suggested they both needed some diabetic education, that he was now going to inject and just write it on his chart. Interesting experience 

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

------------------------------
Natasha, Ange and Erin

Membership and Community Team
community@diabetesaustralia.com.au
------------------------------

I had a similar experience when I had a hernia repair. As soon as I was moved from recovery to the ward, a nurse came in with a syringe and said "I'm here to deliver your insulin."

Me: "Ummmm, how do you know how much to deliver?"

Nurse: "10 Units" and moves in to inject.

Me: "How do you know it's that much?"

Nurse: "The chart says 10 Units 3 times daily"

I asked for a BGL measurement and to see what food I was being offered before I decided what insulin I needed.

Nurse: "No, it says 10 Units..."

I eventually convinced the nurse to ask the doctor on duty to talk about it. "Well, I can ask, but it's the right amount, he's not going to change it..." An hour later, eventually the nurse came back and agreed to give a variable dose and asked how much I wanted. I still hadn't officially been informed of my BGL, although I had checked my CGM myself while waiting so knew what to ask.

They were also reluctant to rely on my CGM for BGLs, but I eventually convinced them to use that as well (although every second nurse would watch me check my CGM and then ask me "And what time was that reading?")

Like your hubby, I went higher than expected due to the pain/meds/reduced activity. When I asked for a top-up dose of insulin, they said no. Another round of argument and threat to self-medicate, and eventually they went to ask the doctor on duty (again with the "I'll ask, but I'm sure they'll say no" and hour delay)...

They also realised a couple of days into my stay that I was diabetic, so should be switched to the "diabetic diet" (too bad if I had actually needed that for the first few days!). Presumably this diet was formulated for Type 2 diabetics, because it was all artificial sweeteners and low-carb foods. I can't stand artificial sweeteners, and the reason I have a dial on my insulin pen is so I can control BGL myself rather than by strict and inhumane dietary regimes. Much debate and threats of taking myself down to the hospital cafe (and the poor kitchen staff repeatedly bringing and taking away several wrong meals for a couple of hours as I got more and more hungry) and I eventually got the lunch I wanted (well, hospital food is never what one actually wants, but you get what I mean...)

I get that hospital staff are busy and over-worked, but this is basic medical knowledge. Surely I wasn't the first diabetic to have ever had surgery on that ward!

So hubby had a knee replacement surgery 6mths ago, he's been type 1 for 33 years now. Day 2 post surgery the pain levels were still very high but they get you up fast and moving for physio etc, and he had a great RN through the day who would come in at obs and mealtimes, observe/record his sugar level (has a Libre 2 CMG sensor) and how many units of Humalog he proposes to take. Then shift changed, different staff on, and he has his dinner and injected, but about 9:30pm his levels were going up (pain pushes his numbers up) he wanted to inject so buzzes the nurse, shows his libre numbers on his phone app, arrow shows still rising and he's at 12.5. I'm going to take another 10units. She said NO, can't do that, I'll ring the Dr. so he listens as she speaks to the Dr on shift, who said "can you give him a sandwich from the fridge?". What the! So my hubby said nicely could I please speak to the Dr, and repeated "I have elevated blood sugar of 12.5 and need to inject some more rapid acting insulin. The Dr said to him, just have some food. At this point my hubby's patience expired and he suggested they both needed some diabetic education, that he was now going to inject and just write it on his chart. Interesting experience 

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

------------------------------
Natasha, Ange and Erin

Membership and Community Team
community@diabetesaustralia.com.au
------------------------------

@Todd and Wayne

It is surprising the lack of knowledge some hospital staff (and hospital systems) display when dealing with Type 1 Diabetes. I had an experience a few years ago with a stay in hospital after a very nasty (misdiagnosed) appendix resulting in an emergency operation and a protracted stay in hospital recovering.

As is often the practice with T1 Diabetes in hospital they put me on a sliding scale of insulin - taken off Humalog and put on Actrapid - which worked reasonably well, and I was not in any condition to argue. I retained my blood glucose meter so I could monitor my BSL as needed and I had some glucose tablets because I wasn't eating much. On a couple of occasions, I needed to treat hypos and I had run out of my own supply of glucose tablets so need the nursing staff to get me something, quickly. It amazed me how ill-prepared they were to treat hypos in the hospital, eventually a nurse turned up up with a pack of Sustagen drink they found in an aged care ward - after that, I organised with them to find some more of them and keep them handy for me if and when needed. 

In the days before I was released the Doctor said that I could resume my own insulin regime so the following morning with my breakfast I resumed my Humalog and Lantus regime as normal. A short while later the Nurse came around with the morning medication trolly and proceeded to argue with me that, despite already giving myself insulin, I had to take the dose of Actrapid she had drawn up, it was written on the chart. When I refused and explained what the doctor had said and that she was trying to overdose me she went off and rang the doctor to confirm I wasn't lying to her, only then was she satisfied that I didn't need to take the insulin... no apology was offered. It was a case of her, a. not having sufficient knowledge of the treatment needs of T1 diabetes and how insulin worked and b. the need to mindlessly follow what was written on the chart.

I learnt on that occasion what was meant by not surrendering your diabetes management to hospital staff, some staff are very good with T1 diabetes management but some haven't got a clue.

I had a similar experience when I had a hernia repair. As soon as I was moved from recovery to the ward, a nurse came in with a syringe and said "I'm here to deliver your insulin."

Me: "Ummmm, how do you know how much to deliver?"

Nurse: "10 Units" and moves in to inject.

Me: "How do you know it's that much?"

Nurse: "The chart says 10 Units 3 times daily"

I asked for a BGL measurement and to see what food I was being offered before I decided what insulin I needed.

Nurse: "No, it says 10 Units..."

I eventually convinced the nurse to ask the doctor on duty to talk about it. "Well, I can ask, but it's the right amount, he's not going to change it..." An hour later, eventually the nurse came back and agreed to give a variable dose and asked how much I wanted. I still hadn't officially been informed of my BGL, although I had checked my CGM myself while waiting so knew what to ask.

They were also reluctant to rely on my CGM for BGLs, but I eventually convinced them to use that as well (although every second nurse would watch me check my CGM and then ask me "And what time was that reading?")

Like your hubby, I went higher than expected due to the pain/meds/reduced activity. When I asked for a top-up dose of insulin, they said no. Another round of argument and threat to self-medicate, and eventually they went to ask the doctor on duty (again with the "I'll ask, but I'm sure they'll say no" and hour delay)...

They also realised a couple of days into my stay that I was diabetic, so should be switched to the "diabetic diet" (too bad if I had actually needed that for the first few days!). Presumably this diet was formulated for Type 2 diabetics, because it was all artificial sweeteners and low-carb foods. I can't stand artificial sweeteners, and the reason I have a dial on my insulin pen is so I can control BGL myself rather than by strict and inhumane dietary regimes. Much debate and threats of taking myself down to the hospital cafe (and the poor kitchen staff repeatedly bringing and taking away several wrong meals for a couple of hours as I got more and more hungry) and I eventually got the lunch I wanted (well, hospital food is never what one actually wants, but you get what I mean...)

I get that hospital staff are busy and over-worked, but this is basic medical knowledge. Surely I wasn't the first diabetic to have ever had surgery on that ward!

So hubby had a knee replacement surgery 6mths ago, he's been type 1 for 33 years now. Day 2 post surgery the pain levels were still very high but they get you up fast and moving for physio etc, and he had a great RN through the day who would come in at obs and mealtimes, observe/record his sugar level (has a Libre 2 CMG sensor) and how many units of Humalog he proposes to take. Then shift changed, different staff on, and he has his dinner and injected, but about 9:30pm his levels were going up (pain pushes his numbers up) he wanted to inject so buzzes the nurse, shows his libre numbers on his phone app, arrow shows still rising and he's at 12.5. I'm going to take another 10units. She said NO, can't do that, I'll ring the Dr. so he listens as she speaks to the Dr on shift, who said "can you give him a sandwich from the fridge?". What the! So my hubby said nicely could I please speak to the Dr, and repeated "I have elevated blood sugar of 12.5 and need to inject some more rapid acting insulin. The Dr said to him, just have some food. At this point my hubby's patience expired and he suggested they both needed some diabetic education, that he was now going to inject and just write it on his chart. Interesting experience 

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

------------------------------
Natasha, Ange and Erin

Membership and Community Team
community@diabetesaustralia.com.au
------------------------------

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

We seem to have drifted into hospital treatment, so I'll add a good story.  Some time ago I ended up in the Ipswich hospital with broken bones after a bike accident (yes, I'm naming hospitals).  I was given complete control of my diabetes and my wife brought in my insulin and test meter.  My surgeon later transferred me to St Andrews Ipswich hospital for the operations, where I was again given complete control of my insulin/BGLs.  In both cases, the nurses would sometimes test my BGL with their meter and at other times, they would record the result which I had taken.

My only gripe was that they took my insulin into the operating theatre which was then discarded with other waste according to their procedures.  My wife had to bring a new batch.   I'm not sure why they through I would need insulin during the operation, but they are responsible and I accept that.

I can understand nurses feeling the strong pressure to follow their instructions, as they should.

I had good service at both hospitals. 

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?

Hi Jock and Community team 

The hospital  stuff ups under the heading of "Myths" must be called out for what they are,  "Neglect" by our medical and hospital system in Australia. It's neglect because there are already measures in place that aren't being utilised by medical professionals.  

Diabetes Australia must ask the most important questions derived from the comments of members on how can a diabetic patient be so neglected in a hospital in terms of critical mistakes being made by staff that could lead to a life threatening situation.   We are already entitled to a yearly health care plan yet it doesn't appear to be used as a guide for medical staff in hospitals. Why Not?

Firstly, it must be emphasised that before a procedure in hospital I always consult my endocrinologist who then writes a letter to the specialist in order to prepare for pre and postoperative needs. Of course, this is not possible in an emergency. 

Secondly, and reiterated again, why are there no updates on the Myhealth website by those persons in charge of our Chronic Health Care Plans in case of hospitalisation? Basic instructions in emergencies should be detailed such as current insulin regimes etc etc and that the patient should in most instances is able to self medicate.  I was extremely fortunate that my wife could speak on my behalf when my heart stopped working and I was rushed to hospital.  
Thirdly, I always carry some form of Medical Identification either on the phone or wallet.  
The Medical Identifications sold by Diabetes Australia shop in the form of a bracelet etc are also invaluable and should be sold to new members at a discount. Identifications are so important that sometime diabetics even have a tattoo.  
After reading about these hospital debacles it's now obvious that these identifications need to be linked to the MyHealth plan, which is easily accessible in any hospital through written directives on medical identification. All medical staff must know and be trained about this Chronic Health Plans's existence on MyHealth, so it is portable and can be viewed in every medical setting.

We seem to have drifted into hospital treatment, so I'll add a good story.  Some time ago I ended up in the Ipswich hospital with broken bones after a bike accident (yes, I'm naming hospitals).  I was given complete control of my diabetes and my wife brought in my insulin and test meter.  My surgeon later transferred me to St Andrews Ipswich hospital for the operations, where I was again given complete control of my insulin/BGLs.  In both cases, the nurses would sometimes test my BGL with their meter and at other times, they would record the result which I had taken.

My only gripe was that they took my insulin into the operating theatre which was then discarded with other waste according to their procedures.  My wife had to bring a new batch.   I'm not sure why they through I would need insulin during the operation, but they are responsible and I accept that.

I can understand nurses feeling the strong pressure to follow their instructions, as they should.

I had good service at both hospitals. 

Let's talk myths …

What is the funniest myth you have been told in regard to diabetes.

How did you respond?