What could cause a sudden spike in glucose for people with end stage renal disease

[ILMA54]

I have end stage renal disease. My gfr was 11 last March. Through changes I made, I was able to raise GFR to 14-17 through the end of last year. Generally, my renal panels have been in range the whole time. What have struggled with is albumin which has been below 3.4. Most recently, it has been around 3.2. Doctor told me to aim for 0.85 g/kg body weight. At my last appointment 6 weeks ago, my doctor also put me on torsemide to help control BP, which would rise during the day. BP now routinely 100/70.

Around Christmas, my dad died, and we had some family issues. I lost my appetite. I just did blood work (last blood work was 6 weeks ago). I should also mention I have a urinary tract infection and a cold. At the time of my blood work I was not on antibiotics.

Results as follows:

GFR=11. Alb =3.0, renal panel all good, but my glucose, which had been in the 60-80 range. This time it was 176.

What would cause such a spike?

NOTE: In the spirit of full transparency, I had a cup of Frosted Cheerios and a cup of milk about 30-45 minutes before my blood draw (though it had never bothered results before).

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

Antibiotics and stress can cause a spike in Glucose. If you are diabetic that obv also can. I would research the new BP med and see if it has a side effect of causing hyperglycemia. Always discuss with your doctor before stopping any medication.

[ILMA54 in reply to HealthBuddyMelissa]

Thank you for your response. I'll check that out!

[ILMA54 in reply to ILMA54]

Turns our that furosemide can cause an elevation in glucose and hyperglycemia. I will see what the doctor says on Monday.

[AndrewT]

Dear ILMA54,

Quite frankly, with ALL you have- and are- going through, I'm surprised that Glucose is the Only 'thing' wrong! A urinary infection, on it's own, could cause such an Anomaly- without everything else.

To answer, your question, from an 'all things equal', point of view.... End stage Renal Failure CAN cause, any number, of problems- least of all 'funny' blood results.... As can many, of the, medications- as 'side effects'. Add, to this 'mix', Diabetes, any kind of Tummy 'Trouble' or even a Cold..... Let alone, the Stress, you have been under.....

I too have had Kidney 'problems', I had a Transplant- in July 2013- So I'm 'with you' here. I think that, if I were you, I wouldn't worry too much- your 'other' blood results are fine- unless you begin to feel unwell. Do 'mention' this, at your next, Check Up though.

Please can you, let us, know how you 'get on' ILMA54? All our best wishes, are with you.

AndrewT

[ILMA54 in reply to AndrewT]

Thanks, Andrews. I definitely will.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI,

I can eat the same thing and have no change in my glucose and then one time eat it and whamo, it will spike. I think there is a correlation to eating the cheerios and milk, all with sugar and your lab. It may just have been the draw and next time it will be back down. A glucose reading is at the moment. An A1c draw will show a period of time of glucose levels, which is why it is a better gauge. Things like BP, Glucose and even kidney disease should be diagnosed as a trend in multiple evaluations and not one shot lab. Good for you for stabilizing and raising your GFR. Tell us how you did it.

[ILMA54]

I largely gave up caffeine, soda, and alcohol, drank lots of water, lost a few pounds, and got serious about sodium. I have not been as disciplined since the last good blood test.

My issue is the low albumin, which means I need to eat up to 100g of protein a say to maintain. My lack of appetite the last three months meant I was not getting protein, and I dropped to 3.0 in this last round of blood tests.

[Guinapig]

Good morning. May I ask if you're on dialysis? I believe it was the cereal and milk that caused the spike. If I even eat a piece of candy my blouse level rises. Have your A1C checked for a true reading. Good luck

[ILMA54 in reply to Guinapig]

Thanks. I am not on dialysis at this time.

[Irelandy]

Hi I had a UTI a year ago and had bloods done during it. My egfr went down significantly but came back up when the UTI had gone. Antibiotics seriously reduce the egfr too.

[ILMA54 in reply to Irelandy]

Thanks, Irelandy.

[Bond-007]

I assume “frosted” means covered with sugar & milk is a dairy or animal derived food. Neither sugar or milk is good for health & kidneys. Can them both & return them to the store.

[ILMA54 in reply to Bond-007]

Thank you

[Tissybell]

Stress and illness can definitely cays

[Tissybell]

Stress and illness can certainly cause a spike in glucose, especially with fevers. I can tell when I am coming down with simething by unexplained blood sugar spikes. See your Dr. about your infections.