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My Husband Has Type 2 Diabetes . He Is 57
Question: My husband has type 2 diabetes. He is 57 years old. His A1C is 7.8. He has lost about 65 pounds in the last 4 years and has cut down on his bad carbs. After years, he finally got on track with checking his blood with the Freedom Libre patch (he could not get any blood out of his fingers no matter how many times or how deeply he pricked them--even tried his arm). He was just diagnosed with retinopathy and has had two treatments on one of his eyes. The doctor told him that his eyes are improving (he had started taking Preservision ARS 2). I also am trying to get him to eat more veggies and low sugar fruit. He should do more exercise. He has had erectile dysfunction for the last 3 years (some weak erections for a minute) and viagra doesn't work. His primary doctor told him his sodium is low and his iron is low and has him eating more salt and taking iron supplements. His meds are metformin, janumet, januvia, atorvistatin and blood pressure. He had an EKG and was told his heart is very strong. I am worried though that he may be having kidney problems with the low sodium and iron. The doctor has said nothing. My husband has been sensitive to cold lately and more tired. Should we insist on getting his kidneys checked? Any other thoughts? I am worried that the blood vessels are damaged everywhere in his body. Sorry for the long question......I really appreciate your help
Brief Answer:
should get kidney function, also thyroid
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Yes, you should consider having kidney function tests, not just because of any symptoms that he is experiencing but because kidney function assessment should be done at least once a year in diabetics
Some diabetics , who have established kidney disease, have tests done more every few months.
Kidney function assessment would consist of blood tests for creatinine and BUN and also checking the level of protein in the urine.
Low iron levels usually cause anemia (low blood count) and this would cause fatigue.
Kidney disease can cause anemia but in most persons, not the type related to low iron levels.
His doctor may want to consider finding out the reason for the low iron levels- it can be related to low intake of iron or increased loss of iron.
You can also consider thyroid function tests, if the levels are low it can also cause fatigue and cold intolerance as well
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
should get kidney function, also thyroid
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Yes, you should consider having kidney function tests, not just because of any symptoms that he is experiencing but because kidney function assessment should be done at least once a year in diabetics
Some diabetics , who have established kidney disease, have tests done more every few months.
Kidney function assessment would consist of blood tests for creatinine and BUN and also checking the level of protein in the urine.
Low iron levels usually cause anemia (low blood count) and this would cause fatigue.
Kidney disease can cause anemia but in most persons, not the type related to low iron levels.
His doctor may want to consider finding out the reason for the low iron levels- it can be related to low intake of iron or increased loss of iron.
You can also consider thyroid function tests, if the levels are low it can also cause fatigue and cold intolerance as well
I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I am so grateful for your thoughtful and detailed answer. I will give this to my husband and we will follow up about the kidney function. Have a great day!
Brief Answer:
no problem
Detailed Answer:
No problem at all
Wishing you both all the best
no problem
Detailed Answer:
No problem at all
Wishing you both all the best
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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