Living with diabetes is a journey that requires continuous learning, adaptability, and most importantly, consistent care from medical and support practitioners. For many years after my diagnosis, I navigated my diabetes care with a laissez-faire attitude that, in hindsight, did more harm than good. I want to share my experience and the profound difference that making a deliberate choice in my healthcare approach has made in my life.
In the early years, my approach to managing diabetes was, to put it mildly, haphazard. I saw whatever general practitioner (GP) was available when I finally decided to visit a doctor. Endocrinologist appointments? I skipped them more often than not. And my prescriptions were filled at whichever chemist I happened to walk by. This lack of consistency in my care led to wildly fluctuating sugar levels and significant weight gain. I was in a cycle of reactive, rather than proactive, management of my diabetes.
A few years ago, I reached a turning point. I recognized that my sporadic approach wasn’t just affecting my physical health; it was also impacting my mental well-being. It was time for a change. I decided to prioritise my health and take control of my diabetes management. This meant making a conscious decision to seek out and stick with a team of healthcare professionals who could provide me with the continuous and comprehensive care I needed.
The transformation didn’t happen overnight, but the benefits of this decision were clear and compelling. I now have a regular GP whom I visit often, an endocrinologist I see twice a year, and a pump educator I meet with twice annually. Moreover, I chose to use one pharmacy for all my prescriptions. This change in approach has not only made my diabetes management more straightforward but also more effective.
The Benefits of Consistent Care
1. Personalized Care: Having a regular team of healthcare providers means they become deeply familiar with your medical history, lifestyle, and unique challenges. This familiarity allows for more personalised and effective care.
2. Improved Communication: Consistency in your healthcare team enhances communication among your practitioners. They can work together more efficiently, ensuring your care is coordinated and cohesive.
3. Trust and Comfort: Building long-term relationships with your healthcare providers fosters a sense of trust and comfort. This makes it easier to discuss concerns, ask questions, and make informed decisions about your care.
4. Better Health Outcomes: Perhaps the most compelling argument for consistent care is the improvement in health outcomes. For me, stabilizing my sugar levels and achieving a healthier weight were direct results of this approach.
Making the Change
If you’re living with diabetes and navigating your care on an as-needed basis, I urge you to consider establishing a regular team of healthcare and support practitioners. It might require a bit of effort upfront to find the right providers and coordinate care, but the long-term benefits are undeniable. Your health is worth that investment.
Final Thoughts
My journey from sporadic to consistent diabetes care has been transformative. It’s a decision I wish I had made sooner, but one I know will benefit me for the rest of my life. For anyone living with diabetes, I cannot recommend highly enough the importance of regular and consistent care. It’s not just about managing diabetes; it’s about improving your quality of life.
Let’s prioritize our health and take control of our diabetes management together. It’s a decision you’ll never regret.
Stuart Haughey 
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