Diabetes Screening

[Maddie6]

Hi,
I am new to this forum and have a question.  I see my Primary Care Doctor once a year for an Annual Exam.  She usually doesn't need to do Lab work on me because I see a Rheumatologist every three months, and he always has my blood checked for the meds I take for rheumatoid arthritis.  The last two years I have asked my PCP if I could have a fasting glucose screening, and she said I don't need one.  Last year she said I didn't need the screening because my cholesterol was very good last cholesterol testing several years ago.  I'm confused as I thought a diabetes screening was a part of an Annual Exam?  My father had Type II diabetes in his senior years.    Thanks for any feedback.  I don't want to bother my rheumatologist, as he is focused solely on the RA.  This screening would seem to fall under her care, right!

[Maddie6]

Hi,
Thanks for your post and comments.  That is in the back of my mind to get a new PCP.  When she goes thru the numerous questions that go along with the physical exam, one of the questions is if anyone in the family has diabetes, and I always answer yes, so this is why it has me confused.  I have to see her late summer, so I will ask again for the screening.

[troytroy]

Hi,

I am a diabetic and usually have blood test to determine my A1C once a year and a fasting glucose test.  My wife is not a diabetic and during her annual physical her primary PCP performs a fasting battery of blood tests that include cholesterol AND glucose screening.

I would suggest that you tell your PCO that diabetes run in your family and you want to be tested. If your PCP refuses to authorize the test maybe you should think of getting a new PCP.

troytroy