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Can I Eat Before Going To Dialysis Inspite Of Being Diabetic?
Question: is it better to eat before going to dialysis especially if your a diabetic
Brief Answer:
Dialysis
Detailed Answer:
This is a very important question. The answer depends on whether or not glucose is added to the dialysis fluids or not. This practice varies from country to country and even center to center. So ask your dialysis team if they include glucose in the dialysis fluids. If they do, chances of having a low sugar reaction are small. If they don't then it is advisable to take steps necessary to prevent a low glucose episode. people undergoing dialysis in general tend to have a higher propensity for 'hypoglycemia'. Further it is relevant to know if the individual is on diabetes medication that can make one vulnerable to low glucoses. So for example the person with diabetes is on either insulin or on certain types if diabetes medications like 'sulfonylureas' or 'meglitinides' then low sugars are possible. If the individual is not on these types of medications for his or her diabetes then chances are suffering a low glucose reaction are extremely low. In such circumstances vigilance is not needed such as eating before dialysis. In the cases where insulin or sulfonylureas/meglitinides are being used then it is advisable to stop or lower the dose of the day time meal related short/fast/rapid acting insulin dose prior to dialysis. Since this is a complex subject, it is best to consult with an endocrinologist in person to assess the situation and make appropriate recommendations
Dialysis
Detailed Answer:
This is a very important question. The answer depends on whether or not glucose is added to the dialysis fluids or not. This practice varies from country to country and even center to center. So ask your dialysis team if they include glucose in the dialysis fluids. If they do, chances of having a low sugar reaction are small. If they don't then it is advisable to take steps necessary to prevent a low glucose episode. people undergoing dialysis in general tend to have a higher propensity for 'hypoglycemia'. Further it is relevant to know if the individual is on diabetes medication that can make one vulnerable to low glucoses. So for example the person with diabetes is on either insulin or on certain types if diabetes medications like 'sulfonylureas' or 'meglitinides' then low sugars are possible. If the individual is not on these types of medications for his or her diabetes then chances are suffering a low glucose reaction are extremely low. In such circumstances vigilance is not needed such as eating before dialysis. In the cases where insulin or sulfonylureas/meglitinides are being used then it is advisable to stop or lower the dose of the day time meal related short/fast/rapid acting insulin dose prior to dialysis. Since this is a complex subject, it is best to consult with an endocrinologist in person to assess the situation and make appropriate recommendations
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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