Tear sheet from Juicebox Podcast episode #1097

Grand Rounds: Hospitals, Urgent Care And Initial Contact

Scott Benner and Jennifer Smith RD, LD, CDCES share diabetes insights for clinicians who want to do better...

Key takeaways for physicians:

• Physicians should recognize the importance of providing accurate and clear information to patients with diabetes.

• It is crucial for physicians to understand the mental trauma that can accompany a diabetes diagnosis and to provide a supportive and empathetic environment.

• Physicians should be aware of the limitations of their knowledge and expertise in diabetes management and should refer patients to specialists when necessary.

• It is important for physicians to communicate to patients that diabetes management is a dynamic process and that treatment plans may need adjustments over time.

• Physicians should avoid scare tactics or overly negative information when discussing diabetes with patients, as it can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety.

• Physicians should encourage patients to be proactive in seeking out resources and education about diabetes, both from their healthcare team and from reputable online sources.

• Physicians should be open to learning from patients who may have a deeper understanding of their own diabetes management and should be willing to collaborate with patients in developing treatment plans.

• Physicians should strive to provide comprehensive care for patients with diabetes, including addressing both physical and mental health needs.

• Physicians should be mindful of the impact their words and actions can have on patients and should strive to provide clear and accurate information in a compassionate manner.

• Physicians should recognize the importance of ongoing education and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in diabetes management.

Key takeaways for patience:

• Patients should expect and demand good care from their physicians.

• It is important for clinicians to provide accurate and clear information to newly diagnosed patients.

• Clinicians in emergency rooms and urgent care settings may not have specialized knowledge about diabetes, so it is important for patients to advocate for themselves and seek specialized care.

• Newly diagnosed patients should understand that diabetes management is a dynamic process and their treatment plan may need adjustments over time.

• It is crucial for clinicians to provide a supportive and empathetic environment for patients, as a diabetes diagnosis can be mentally traumatic.

• Patients should be proactive in seeking out resources and education about diabetes, whether through their healthcare team or online communities.

• Advocating for oneself and effectively communicating with healthcare professionals is essential for receiving appropriate care and treatment.

• Patients should be aware that not all healthcare professionals may have a deep understanding of diabetes, and it is important to seek out specialists who can provide comprehensive care.

• Patients should be cautious of scare tactics or overly negative information about diabetes, as it can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety.

• It is important for patients to be actively involved in their diabetes management and to continuously educate themselves about the condition.

Listen to the full episode

Timestamps:

[00:03:12] Emergent situations in diabetes diagnosis.

[00:06:42] Predisposing newly diagnosed individuals.

[00:07:31] Balancing hope and realism.

[00:12:08] Lack of knowledge in diabetes care.

[00:14:33] Navigating insulin and carb intake.

[00:18:20] Living with a new diagnosis.

[00:22:37] Don't Die Advice.

[00:24:54] Mental trauma of diabetes diagnosis.

[00:29:10] The pressure of learning.

[00:32:44] Delay in getting specialist care.

[00:35:29] Healthcare professionals and diagnosis.

[00:39:14] Diabetes and healthcare challenges.

[00:42:37] Advocating for diabetes care.

[00:47:14] Dating and revealing the good stuff.

[00:47:15] Insulin management during surgery.

Welcome back to the Juicebox Podcast for our 10th season! We're kicking off with a new series called Grand Rounds, where Scott Benner and Jenny Smith aim to bridge the gap between clinicians and patients, especially those living with type 1 diabetes. Our goal is to ensure patients receive the care they deserve and to enlighten physicians about the nuances of diabetes they may not be aware of.

In this episode, we delve into the initial healthcare encounters for those newly diagnosed with diabetes, often occurring in urgent care or hospital settings. We discuss the critical role these first points of contact play in setting the trajectory for a patient's long-term diabetes management. We emphasize the importance of providing accurate, foundational information without overwhelming or scaring patients, and the need for clear communication about the nature of diabetes as a condition that requires ongoing learning and adjustment.

We also touch on the challenges faced by adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, who may not receive immediate specialist care due to system constraints. The episode highlights the responsibility of emergency and urgent care staff to provide a good launchpad for patients, even if they can't offer comprehensive diabetes education.

Lastly, we stress the importance of self-advocacy for patients, both in emergency situations and in managing their long-term care. We encourage patients to seek out resources, ask for specialist consultations when needed, and to be proactive in their diabetes education.