
Suggest Treatment For High Potassium Levels In Blood

Question: MY DOCTOR DID BLOOD WORK ON ME LAST WEEK AND JUST CALLED TO TELL ME MY POTASSIUM LEVEL WAS EXTREMELY HIGH .I AM DIABETIC TYPE 2 I AM ABOUT TO GO ON A 7 DAY CRUISE TO ALASKA AND I AM CONCERNED. THE DR IS CALLING ME IN MEDS FOR THIS. WHAT CAN HAPPEN AND WHAT SYMPTOMS SHOULD I LOOK FOR.
Brief Answer:
Possibile causes of high potassium
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
There are several causes of high potassium in a type 2 Diabetes patient
The possibilities are,
1) Lab error: very common and need to repeat the test.
2) Hemolysis of blood sample: This is also a common error. Need to repeat the test.
3) Medicines: Especially certain Blood pressure medicines.
4) Kidney problems.
5) Type 4 Renal Tubular Acidosis
The first 3 possibilities are the commonest causes.
May I know the medicines which you are taking now??
And what is the level of potassium.
High potassium can cause irregular heart beats ( if it is too high)
Regards
Binu
Possibile causes of high potassium
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
There are several causes of high potassium in a type 2 Diabetes patient
The possibilities are,
1) Lab error: very common and need to repeat the test.
2) Hemolysis of blood sample: This is also a common error. Need to repeat the test.
3) Medicines: Especially certain Blood pressure medicines.
4) Kidney problems.
5) Type 4 Renal Tubular Acidosis
The first 3 possibilities are the commonest causes.
May I know the medicines which you are taking now??
And what is the level of potassium.
High potassium can cause irregular heart beats ( if it is too high)
Regards
Binu
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
