All hail the non-compliers

Mmm, non compliance, now that is an interesting phrase! After being diagnosed t2 diabetic by my GP, I changed my diet according to my doctor's instructions to save my life. As usual the condition deteriorated, I was put on tablets, they didnt work... to cut a very long story very short, after 7 years I ditched her and educated myself. My HbA1c has reduced from 10.4 to 6.1 in 9 months. How did I do it? By reducing my carb intake. Sure it is not for everyone, but it isn't going to kill everyone, unlike the tablets that are shoved down our throats at the earliest possible opportunity. Instead of sending your diabetic patients to the dietician, get them to do some reading either online or at the library on low carb diets. Give them a meter and prescribe them some test strips, oh them - yeah they cost a fortune! Non compliant? I did exactly what I was told by my doctor and by my dietician. If I hadnt ditched them I am convinced I would be blind or be an amputee inside 5 years. Oh for sure, some patients will not listen but give them a fighting chance first before you write them off! Education is vital though, testing without being told what to do with the results is a waste of everyone's time and money. This is where I learned the majority of my information. Feel free to join and comment. You never know you might learn something, and, meet some of your HbA1c targets as a bonus!
http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/forum/Blah.pl? martin cronshaw

The 'art' of medicine is to do as little as possible for as long as possible. God bless the good ship DNA and all who sails on her - she is drifting toward a honeyed and dreamy horizon of health whilst the pill poppers are slowly drowning in statins. Kev

To expect patient compliance not only for medications but also for diet and physical exercise, a good doctor patient relationship is the first requirement. If the patient does not have any trust in you he/she will never comply with your advice and prescription. To have a good doctor patient relationship explanation about his condition and educating him about the medication, diet and other things is very essential. Without practicing these things expecting good patient compliance is like living in fools paradise Dr Maqsood Ali, MRCGP, DTCD, FCCP

I love a good DNA! Makes the day that little bit brighter. If we could just agree we don't need to spend all that time signing the noncompliant repeat scripts too it would be perfect! Em