PD and diabetes

[Jackie0602]

My husband will be starting dialysis in the near future. We spoke to the dialysis nurse about the choices and think PD will suit him better. However we were concerned that the fluid contains glucose and wondered how people had found their blood sugars since using PD . is diabetes still manageable?

[fredinspain]

I have been diabetic for many years and on insulin for at least 10 years. I went on PD 5 years ago and it didn't seem to affect my blood sugar levels much. I am still on the same dose as before PD. Most hospitals have a dietitian in the renal unit who can calculate the calorie gain from the sugar for a particular regime and you can adjust your calorie intake from food otherwise you will put weight on.

You must keep your protein intake high and probably increase it as PD removes protein from your body but apart from that there isn't much restriction other than the avoidance of foods with a lot of Potassium or Phosphorous in them. The renal unit will give you advice sheets to identify these. Liquid intake is rarely a problem with PD certainly in the first few years unless you drink a lot.

Hope it works out for you.

[Jackie0602 in reply to fredinspain]

Thank you that is most reassuring

[Hidden]

Hi Jackie - My specialist told me if you are careful with a good diet it will be OK with diabetes & should not gain weight