Dialysis with type 1 diabetes: what does it mean for life expectancy?

[Hafaith]

I was wondering what it will mean for a family member who will start dialysis and has type 1 diabetes. Is life expectancy significantly shorter for him than for people without diabetes?

[Darlenia]

Hi Hafaith. I'm a caregiver to my husband, a diabetic type 2, who is now on peritoneal dialysis. Sadly, both diabetes type 1 and 2 will impact life span with type 1 being concerning because it generally affects humans at a much younger age and so on. But much is dependent on how well the patient and his/her doctors can control the negatives. Also notable is that progress is being made in the transplant area. Many with either type of diabetes receive transplants which significantly extends their lives. I've also noticed that some with diabetes type 1 are actively searching for and undergoing pancreatic islet transplants with very good results. Your loved one may benefit from this procedure too. See diabetesresearch.org/what-i... So keep looking forward and keep advocating for your loved one. Science continues to move forward. There is hope for good outcomes in various areas.

[Hafaith in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you so much for your reply, Darlenia. Because we live abroad, the possibility of trasplantation of kidney and pancreatic islets are quite difficult, but I will look into it.

However, I was wondering if we could feel like we have some time while we find a living donor or while someone calls him for a trasplant from a deceased donor because he will enter a waiting list. I know people without the condition of diabetes can be on dialysis even up to 10-15 years if they are well cared for, but I have no idea what to expect for someone with type 1 diabetes.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply.

[Darlenia in reply to Hafaith]

Hi Hafaith. I'm in the US so not sure how things work in your country. In the US, diabetics, type 1, with kidney failure do receive transplants. And the transplant for a type 1 diabetic person may involve different configurations- some receive a pancreas and kidney at the same time or one followed by the other and so forth. Having a live kidney donor would be a great first step and will definitely cut back the wait time and improve life! It may be hard to believe, but there are a number of type 1 diabetics here who have had failed transplants and then receive another. It all depends on the patient. Our nephrologist referred us to a transplant center where we had the opportunity to ask questions. Perhaps your nephrologist can do the same. A visit would give you and your family member lots of information and direction. Indeed, the vast majority of people receiving transplants are diabetics and the centers know how to work with them. My husband managed to get on the transplant wait list at age 70 so everything is possible. I'm hopeful your family member will have a wonderful outcome.