IanD
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 2,429
- Location
- Peterchurch, Hereford
- Type of diabetes
- Type 2
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Carbohydrates
Sorry to ask kidney related questions, but we've all been threatened with kidney failure as a diabetic complication.
My wife Ann (non-d) has declining kidney function & eGFR (filtration efficiency) is slowly falling, now below 50. The Dr is concerned & getting further tests.
[eGFR 90 is healthy & 15 needs dialysis.]
My friend James (non-d) has rapidly declining kidney function, a year ago eGFR=52, 6 months ago eGFR=32, latest eGFR=17.2. The consultant says "come back in August" so although James is worried, he's not too worried - obviously the problem is not urgent in the eyes of the HCPs.
James has been given NO specific diet or other advice, but is on a low cholesterol diet. He is slim, his ankles are not swollen. So far as he knows the only symptom is genital itching. He has been told that kidney deterioration cannot be corrected.
Another friend, RC, had low function, eGFR in the 20s for more than a year & was unaware that his kidneys were failing until the consultant told him "we can start dialysis next week." Shock horror! Only a month before, my Dr said they were watching my eGFR (mid 60s) so I knew what to suggest RC should ask his Dr - & get printouts. He saw a homeopath immediately & was given a diet. In 6 months his eGFR=60. [His Indian diet was heavily spiced & over-salted so was easy to improve.]
Another friend SC (T2 diabetic, blind & has all her meals prepared by a carer) has HbA1c running at 9.5 - 12 & her consultant is not concerned, even at spot readings above 20. "If she feels alright, don't worry." He has increased glargine (given by district nurse) from 6 to 46 over the years. Diet is high carb.
Are these consultants only watching deterioration, waiting for the moment when they can start the more drastic treatments, while neglecting active care?
Is there really nothing that can be done in the way of specific advice - diet/medication etc for people with moderate loss of kidney function?
My wife Ann (non-d) has declining kidney function & eGFR (filtration efficiency) is slowly falling, now below 50. The Dr is concerned & getting further tests.
[eGFR 90 is healthy & 15 needs dialysis.]
My friend James (non-d) has rapidly declining kidney function, a year ago eGFR=52, 6 months ago eGFR=32, latest eGFR=17.2. The consultant says "come back in August" so although James is worried, he's not too worried - obviously the problem is not urgent in the eyes of the HCPs.
James has been given NO specific diet or other advice, but is on a low cholesterol diet. He is slim, his ankles are not swollen. So far as he knows the only symptom is genital itching. He has been told that kidney deterioration cannot be corrected.
Another friend, RC, had low function, eGFR in the 20s for more than a year & was unaware that his kidneys were failing until the consultant told him "we can start dialysis next week." Shock horror! Only a month before, my Dr said they were watching my eGFR (mid 60s) so I knew what to suggest RC should ask his Dr - & get printouts. He saw a homeopath immediately & was given a diet. In 6 months his eGFR=60. [His Indian diet was heavily spiced & over-salted so was easy to improve.]
Another friend SC (T2 diabetic, blind & has all her meals prepared by a carer) has HbA1c running at 9.5 - 12 & her consultant is not concerned, even at spot readings above 20. "If she feels alright, don't worry." He has increased glargine (given by district nurse) from 6 to 46 over the years. Diet is high carb.
Are these consultants only watching deterioration, waiting for the moment when they can start the more drastic treatments, while neglecting active care?
Is there really nothing that can be done in the way of specific advice - diet/medication etc for people with moderate loss of kidney function?