Update with Nephrology, Losartan discontinued from my treatment plan

[DMH200435]

To give an update for today, I talked with Nephrology and losartan was discontinued for now. I was told that hypoglycemia was a rare side effect of the medication so they would like for me to repeat labs in 2-4 weeks. As for my kidney function decreasing, I was told that the increase in BUN and Creatinine were falsely higher due to taking losartan and they are not concerned, saying my kidney function is still the same.

I also don’t have a renal dietician where I live, and I was told they weren’t concerned about my diet seeing as my potassium levels were in normal range (last reading was 3.8 from previously 4.7 - I cut back on eating potatoes, which was pretty much in every meal over the course of the pandemic), but they did want me to go for a low sodium diet for my blood pressure, and continue to send them in readings that I take at home. She told me that once my blood sugars are more stable, we can talk again about adding medication to treat my proteinuria.


As for endocrinology, I have yet to hear back from my doctor. I left a message asking if I can go down to taking lantus only once a day instead of twice. I still don’t need short-acting insulin with my meals because it’s like I have a functioning pancreas again. My blood sugars have remained in the 70s-130s with a rare reading in the 200s once (the higher side only being if I have a bigger meal) but my blood glucose drops back down on its own within 2 hrs of eating.

[DMH200435]

After speaking with endocrinology, my long acting insulin has been cut down to 16units twice a day to see if it helps with the lows. I’m hoping things stabilize now.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to DMH200435]

Hi DMH200435,

Glad that you caught up with your medical team and are moving forward with medication changes and monitoring.

Although the BP medications that you mentioned are widely prescribed, they are not for everyone. The important thing is that your doctors work together to get this settled.

I can empathize as my brother is a severe type 2 diabetic. Since my mother's

passing, my husband and I are his only family, so I am the one who supports.

My brother has been plagued with hypoglycemic issues; many during times of stress and has has his Lantis and primarily his Novalog; recently adjusted due to the hypoglycemic issues. I've seen this first hand, so I can feel your frustration.

He takes Lisinopril and Norvasc and not Losartan.

Like you, he hasn't been given a specific diet; just told to watch the sodium and red meat.

Although he is not a kidney patient, he limits sodium to 1500- 2000mg daily, tends to eat more chicken and eggs and eats light wheat bread whenever possible. I also noticed lately that he has been cooking with more vegetables and eating them over pasta or rice. He also eats alot of salads with chicken, eggs and turkey on them and a slice of bread.

Shockingly, he also has been eating the same frozen non sugar strawberries, blueberries and rasberries with some cool whip zero on it.

I agree that most importantly you get the hypoglycemic attacks behind you and the rest will fall in.

In the meantime, if you are still interested in speaking to a dietician who deals with both diabetics and CKD patients, check out Davita.com, American Diabetes Association and the NKF via their 800 numbers. NKF is below.

Perhaps they can recommend someone via phone or online, when you are ready.

Just an idea.

Know that I'm pulling for you and sending positives your way.

Please reach out and let us know how you are doing. We care.

Bet

[jodaer]

Hi DMH, that sounds like tons of good news. So glad it's starting to go your way. Keep us informed as to how you are doing. Anytime we can lower our med intake is a good day

[DMH200435 in reply to jodaer]

Thank you. I think I was at a point where everyday I worried about my kidney function, constant lows with my blood glucose, and so many changes were made with nephrology and my endocrinologist related to my medications at the same time, I went into a panic when I had my first severe hypoglycemic event. I’ve looked at posts from different people taking losartan and how it’s helping their kidney function, and I am waiting to see how my labwork changes over the next couple of weeks. I’m still sticking with diet and exercise and I as of now I haven’t experienced any lows with the latest adjustment. Once I have repeat labs I will be discussing proteinuria treatment with nephrology again.