potassium and diabetes

[slimgirl]

Morning, would like some advice pkease.im type 2 (well thught I was)diagnosed in july this year.my nurse advised diet only for a few months, and I have cut down on sweet things.in july my potassium levels also were low 2.8.im on bp tabs which included a water tab.went off water tab and potassium went to normal levels within a week!!im confused as nurse says there is a link with potassium and diabetes.back in 2 weeks for total bloods again as nurse not sure of diagnosis.any else like me.appreciate some advice thanks.

 

[Dazza1984]

Potassium is distributed into the body cells under the influence of insulin. If this cannot happen (as in diabetes where insulin is either not present or not able to interact with the cells) the potassium builds up in the blood.
The body gets rid of this extra potassium (due to it being unable to enter cells) via the kidneys. This is osmotic diuresis. As you took water pills even more potassium would flow out through the kidneys. This accounts for your low blood Potassium levels.

Potassium has numerous functions in the body but most importantly is the function of the heart. With low pot levels you can get weird arrhythmias. Did you experience that?

It is frustrating when medical professionals do not explain the interplay between things. There are easy ways to put it in layman terms (easier when face-to-face mind) and not end up scaring patients. That's what I try and do with the owners of the animals I treat.

Hope this has helped some?

D

 

[Tigerkitty1950]

I have a book with every vitamin and mineral in it, it seems that potassium and magnesium are both very essential for the Healthy working of the heart, I try and eat some bananas regularly, and bought some sunflower seeds and cashew nuts for ( magnesium) I also have calcium tablets with mg included, has vit D, and zinc in also, I think it is very important to replace what we are losing by taking these drugs