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[Turtlewoman]

I was just recently diagnosed, well not even that, I was told my numbers were off and my sodium is low, I've been a type 1 diabetic for over 50 years, I'm just reading on the internet and being frightened and depressed. I've given up dairy and colas and coffee, no small sacrifices! I haven't seen a renal specialist, should I do that?

[Hidden]

Hi, and welcome to the community.I would definitely contact a nephrologist. You can use healthgrades.com/find-a-doctor enter your city and speciality. You'll find physicians listed there with ratings from patients. It will also let you know if they are taking new patients and what insurance they accept.

Until you have an appointment you can help calm your nerves by going to kidneyschool.org and view the learning modules. You'll get a lot of information and develop questions to ask the nephrologist.

In most cases, it will take several blood tests over a couple or three months to make a diagnosis. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the primary causes of CKD. If your diabetes is under control that will be important to slow the progression. Bring a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, OTC, and supplements. A complete and extensive medical history will also be needed.

Come back again if you receive a diagnosis and you'll find a lot of folks here to offer support and advice.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Welcome Turtlewoman,

You have come to a community of the most caring, supportive and knowledgeable people who will always listen and respond to you.

I can understand your feelings of fear and depression when hearing that something is off with your health. I am sure that every member of the community has felt that way at one time or another and often still do.

You are a very courageous woman who has done great things if you are a Type 1diabetic and kept it in tow for years. That's a challenge in itself.

I agree with Mr._ Kidney about establishing with a nephrologist. If nothing else, he/ she will take a look at your pattern of lab results and run some of his/ her own to give you a definitive diagnosis and come up with an action plan going forward.

If the person is decent they will consult with and send copies to your GP as well as the endocrinologist who attends to your diabetes.

Bring copies of two sets of labs with you to the appointment which will show patterns and reflect the changes that you have mentioned.

Dr. Google can provide information; some sites less reliable than others but can't replace being seen by a professional. Once seen and evaluated, you may find that it is not what you think.

As far as diet, you know what to do with the diabetes. Low sodium, little red meat and monitoring the carbs.

Adding in more fresh or frozen vegetables and moderate portions of fresh fruit and avoiding the junk as fried foods and salty fried chips can help. Water is healthy as is switching to ginger ale if you wish.

Your body will need controlled amounts of various nutrients no none. Everyone is different, but you know that " one size does not fit all."

My brother is a severe type 2 insulin diabetic who has other issues as well, so I understand as stress causes him bouts with hypoglycemia.

See the doctor, take great notes at your visit and as Mr._ Kidney told you, reach back and let us know what the outcome is.

We will reach back.

Breathe ...

Bet

[Meettheparents in reply to Bet117]

Bet117, I just want to mention that Turtlewoman is a Type 1 Diabetic who has wisely given up colas. She should avoid ginger ale which contains empty calories from sugar.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Meettheparents]

Hi Meettheparents,

Remember that I am not a dietician.

I choose Bubly, water, seltzer as my optimal beverages.

I keep diet ginger ale in the house if I feel like something different.

I believe the light colored sodas are preferable to dark colas as they contain less phosphorous.

If in doubt, check with a doctor or dietician as everyone is different.

Hope this helps.

Bet

[Meettheparents]

Yes, water is best, and I also drink Bubly. It’s best to avoid artificial sweeteners, especially when one has CKD.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Meettheparents]

I have been addicted the strawberry bubly. Refreshing on a hot day! 👍

[Darlenia]

Hi! Simply want to commend you for having been a DT1 for 50 years thus far with apparently not too many issues. To do that, you must have treated yourself very well. So, I know you'll keep a close eye on your recent labs as well. Just want to let you know that kidney conditions, if managed well, will allow a person to live a nice, long life. My husband, now on dialysis, is a DT2 who largely ignored his diet. He relied on meds to take care of matters until it was too late. But you're fully aware and that's wonderful. If the lab numbers for such items as ACR and GFR, including sodium levels, give you concern, I would ask for a referral to a nephrologist. In the meantime, I'm sure you have plenty of experience already with diet. Keeping the blood sugar levels controlled is, of course, the way to go as it's the blood sugars that impact the small blood vessels in one's kidneys. Stay on top of your situation; sensing a good outcome for you!

[My_Kidneys]

Dark colas contain phosphorus. Is your blood phosphorus levels normal?