"I feel everything is assumed to be due to my diabetes"

For years now I have been suffering with pain in many of my joints. I am a type one diabetic also. I have been to the GP constantly for help for this as well as issues with my bowels. I cannot get the help I need as I am always told because I am diabetic the diabetic team should deal with it and get in touch with them. I am going in circles and my quality of life is not great just now.

The GP won’t prescribe anything to me for pain not even something to take when it’s at its worst because I have been told by them my organs are at risk because I am diabetic anyway and these medications can increase that risk.

I totally get that but right now I can’t enjoy life because of pain. I don’t even know why I am in pain, because all I have been told being diabetic can cause things like this. I speak to the diabetic team and they tell me these are things the GP should be dealing with and they have even written a letter to the GP with their recommendation.

But still no luck. I have been seen by physio, who also wanted the GP to help me with the pain so I can fully do the exercises given and progress with them but also no luck. The physio have referred me to the pain team, but also said they aren’t sure what they will do if the GP hasn’t explored medication options or any other options other than physio.

I have not been seen by my diabetes consultant face to face in nearly 2 years as it keeps getting changed to a telephone call despite her telling me every time on the phone I need to be seen face to face in clinic.

I have been seen by the DSN who are great but are also stuck on what to do to help me with numerous issues diabetes related and not diabetes related. I feel everything is assumed to be due to my diabetes without anything else being explored.

My diabetes is actually impacted when I am in pain which the team have seen in my readings that when I am in pain my diabetes is more difficult to control. I am lost in where to go to get the help I need to be able to have enjoyment in life and be able to work the way I should be at my age. I am close to 30.

I fully understand the NHS are stretched and under pressure, I work for the NHS also, but I will always go out my way to provide the best care possible to my patients and at the very least make them feel listened to and heard.

I believe there must be some sort of protocol for the GPs to follow to guide them in what to do for people with diabetes instead of handing straight back to the diabetic team?