Interesting remark when a doctor tells you HIV is better than Diabetes.

tish · 11-13-2013, 09:54

Yesterday, I took my dad for his check-up, who is Diabetic. The doctor says he is a mild D,

when I told him that my dad would not stop eating sweets, choc, and cake. My father seems ok and tested 7.6 (136) 1hr after an ice-cream.

Then he said he thinks it is better to treat HIV than diabetes. HIV requires one tablet, D is a lot more complicated to treat and dietry requirements becomes a nightmare if you want to manage it well.

I haven't compared it to HIV. I know nothing of the illness, so couldn't comment. But I agree with him on D being a full time job.

I like this doc, he is open to discussion on D and lchf diet.

Any views on his strange remark?

smorgan · 11-13-2013, 10:05

I think I'd have to agree with "mild diabetic", if even diabetic. 136 after ice cream is so not serious. Was he diagnosed by A1C?

The AIDS quip was totally off the wall. One pill? Last I heard it was a certain death sentence.

carbcrazydog · 11-13-2013, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by smorgan

I think I'd have to agree with "mild diabetic", if even diabetic. 136 after ice cream is so not serious. Was he diagnosed by A1C?

The AIDS quip was totally off the wall. One pill? Last I heard it was a certain death sentence.

yep me too! which pill? and when did that happen! people who are HIV+ve are still sadly shunned here.

tish · 11-13-2013, 10:27

Salim,

I agree. I always thought HIV, being prevalent here, were pretty serious, even if I know nothing, other than it being a 'death sentence'. I'm not so sure though how well the, is it antiretrovirals?, help or how many is to be taken daily.

My dad's last A1C -6.0%. He refuses to go to the doctor, but I just schlep him like a 'kid'

I'm glad you think its 'mild'. The doctor doesn't 'stretch' the tests because he is 80yr and he looks fine and carries his age very well. Dr thinks if at his age he seems ok, no need to be 'hysterical'

.

Shanny · 11-13-2013, 10:30

It's only a death sentence if it develops into AIDS. So far many patients have gone 20-30 years avoiding that progression - case in point - Magic Johnson who's racked up 20+ years and going strong. I don't know whether HIV therapy is only one pill or what, but it's apparently working to stop the development of AIDS in many cases.

foxl · 11-13-2013, 11:19

It WAS an off-the-wall remark, nonetheless ... I know ppl in medicine who have a gallows-y sense of humor, he sounds like on of them. Hopefully he is not treating any folks with HIV ... but anyhow. He is trying to minimize it, with your dad being 80, I agree.

Rustynail · 11-13-2013, 15:32

I think I will stick with the DM2.

Honestly, this diabetes just may have saved my life. I was in a real tailspin before dx, and since I've woke up and started taking care of myself. Not only have I lost 120 pounds since May, but everything is different now.

tish · 11-13-2013, 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustynail

I think I will stick with the DM2.

Honestly, this diabetes just may have saved my life. I was in a real tailspin before dx, and since I've woke up and started taking care of myself. Not only have I lost 120 pounds since May, but everything is different now.

Wow that's is a great achievement in a short period.

I must say, that I had no energy before dx, and I feel better now.
For me, it still had a lot to do with this Forum and its generous guidance.

Jen · 11-18-2013, 19:38

I'm pretty late to this party, but....

That doctor should brush up a little on HIV. People with HIV have compromised immune systems and must be absolutely vigilant about any infections. It's more than just "popping one pill". HIV is no longer a death sentence as long as one has access to the appropriate meds, but it is not a walk in the park.

Doctors comparing one chronic condition with another and deciding that one is preferable to another just seems ridiculous. I wonder if they'd feel the same if they had to walk in the shoes of anyone maintaining a 24/7/365 watch.

Jen