Would you be concerned about a potassium level of 5.2?

[CoreyCharman]

The lab results listed anything above 5.0 as elevated, but most websites put 5.2 at the top of normal.

My husband (T1D) had some labs done yesterday with his GP. He hasn’t said anything about the level yet—not sure if we will hear from him. But I wonder if certain things might be affecting this.

End of last week his blood sugars were on quite the roller coaster, and there was one day he started to feel really sick and I was worried he may have had a bit of ketones. He was working on a project at his parents lake property that he had to be in the lake for and wasn’t wearing his pump a lot of the day so I thought it might be related. The whole week was just a huge roller coaster of lows and highs…much more uncontrolled than usual due to all of the work he was doing.

He is better now, but I have read that when some diabetics go into DKA, they can have off the charts potassium from the lack of insulin.

So I guess what I’m wondering/asking is if it’s possible the potassium is temporarily elevated due to some uncontrolled blood sugar issues last week, or if it’s likely more chronic than that. First time his potassium was borderline high.

So many healthy fruits, vegetables, and meats are higher in potassium and he needs to lose some weight so I don’t even know what to feed him if he is borderline high.

 

[EllieM]

Hi @CoreyCharman sorry I don't know the answer to your question but can you clarify who is the T1 here, as some of your posts say that you are T1? Or are you both T1?

 

[CoreyCharman]

The problem is with the husband, is this not allowed? If this post is not allowed, please delete it.

 

[EllieM]

The problem is with the husband, is this not allowed? If this post is not allowed, please delete it.

It's perfectly allowed. I am just confused because in your other posts you sound as though you are also the T1.

 

[CoreyCharman]

It's perfectly allowed. I am just confused because in your other posts you sound as though you are also the T1.

I already have type 1 diabetes, I don't know what the problem is?

 

[Pipp]

I already have type 1 diabetes, I don't know what the problem is?

Hi @CoreyCharman .
I think we just need to know if your husband also has T1 diabetes, as you have asked the question about his blood potassium. The reason is that we need to know is so that members have full understanding of his diabetes status in order to give relevant advice.
Hope that explains things for you?

 

[CoreyCharman]

 

[Hopeful34]

Hello @CoreyCharman High blood sugar can raise potassium levels temporarily, but it's one of those tests that if you're not well hydrated, levels of potassium can be raised. If the blood is taken too slowly or not tested quickly enough potassium can also be raised. The surgery may well ask for it to be repeated in 2 weeks. That's happened to me a few times, and the 2nd test was fine, so I wouldn't worry unduly at the moment.

 

[Pipp]

Thank you. I think that is clarification that both you and your husband have T1 diabetes.
So, I am hoping some of our members who also have T1 can advise you from their own experience. Though perhaps need to wait for results of blood test.

Hope both you and he continue to keep well. Please do come back with the results of your husbands blood tests, and perhaps more specific advice will be availableto you.

 

[CoreyCharman]

Thank you all.

We really need to be patient and stay calm until we get the results.

Again, this is such a great community and you're all so helpful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

[jape]

The lab results listed anything above 5.0 as elevated, but most websites put 5.2 at the top of normal.

In Canada (Ontario) the range is up to 5.2. My latest potassium is 4.6 but I have been at 5.2. Because I have CKD, I need to be aware of my potassium intake, and should avoid high potassium food like avocados, apricots, etc. However,5.2 is not a level where red lights start flashing yet. I try to contain my potassium intake to 2000 mg per day.

 

[Rachox]

On one occasion I was recalled for a repeat potassium level that showed as slightly elevated. The second test was fine so the elevated one was put down to incorrect storage of my sample

 

[Ushthetaff]

I get blood tests done on a regular basis due to being on dialysis , the potassium range for us on dialysis is 3.5/5.5 , I know when I was quite ill a few years ago I had a bonkers potassium result like high teens ,i had to have a insulin and glucose infusion I remember it being a large dose in a very short time period , to be honest I wouldn’t be too worried but a retest is the probable outcome