"Diabetes - The illness your doctor knows very..."

I am writing these comments as in recent years, the service, care and interest in my medical issues and requirements leave a lot to be desired. First, I've been a patient for over 20 years. I recently met my "assigned doctor", a couple of years ago - it took 18 years for the introduction!!?? In the meantime, I've always seen who's available. Two years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes. The first doctor prescribed Metformin, which I now know is for Type 2 diabetes. Importantly, I am sporty, active, eat well and am not your typical Type 2 diabetic. I decided to ignore the prescription, but radically changed my diet, low carbs, and reduced my HBA1C from 92 to 53. I went for regular check-ups. Now that's significant, but not enough to be within the target range, which I believe is below 48. Anyhow, my doctor now took an interest and thankfully does some research, and comes to the conclusion I may have LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). This is not Type 1 or Type 2, somewhere in-between. After a year or so, I am finally referred to a specialist at Addenbrookes, who I must say is amazing. It was such a relief to finally have been referred to someone who knows what they are talking about. By this time, I have a better understanding of my diabetes, and finally am able to have a sensible conversation with a medical expert. What irks me, is that it has taken so long for my GP to refer to a specialist. It seems to me that they are loathe to admit they have such little knowledge in this specialist area. They are not meaning to be dishonest, BUT at the same time they are being dishonest. Simply, "I don't know" would go a very long way. I recently requested some medication online for various things and was asked to make an appointment. For completeness - Ventolin for Hayfever, get a prescription for Diabetes/ fast acting insulin and I have a verruca, some skin lesions - worried about skin cancer as I grew up in the southern hemisphere. Well, the doctor couldn't have wanted to get me out of door quick enough. She said she doesn't have the diabetes prescription from Addenbrookes so can't do anything - No further explanation without prompting. She also says I'm early and should come in for the check-up in December, not now, forgetting diabetes is pretty serious. Then I showed her my skin lesions. OK noted. Again, I had to prompt her to make a referral. I'm still waiting to hear from someone. Then I mentioned the verruca. She says go and see the pharmacist. I do and the pharmacist (very helpful) says I must go see the doctor. Why? Because, with diabetes, circulation in my feet is poor and cannot recommend anything without a doctor's prescription. So, what does the doctor know about diabetes?

Overall, I'm shocked by the lack of diabetes knowledge and the lack of interest. More importantly, it would be nice if they were mature enough to own up about shortcomings, which would allow me to make an informed decision. Referral to a surge