Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes High Potassium Levels?
My bloodwork labs have been showing a high potassium at 3.6...repeated the test and it shows 3.3...now today it shows 3.4. I am on a potassium med to take 1 daily....I am a dietbetic non-insulin corrected by my diet 7.0 last A1C reading. I am concerned about this
Mon, 4 May 2015
Dear user,
I really understand your concern.
Normally, blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
Based on your blood test, you have had some readings: 3.6, 3.3, 3.4, all these are quite normal, so there' nothing to worry about.
Also I would say that values range varies from one to another lab and also from the use of potassium med and diet that you follow. You may have had low potassium level, for that I think the doctor prescribed potassium pills.
Causes for this in patients with diabetes are chronic kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, frequent urination. Some other common causes are diarrhea, exessive sweating and vomiting.
Hope my answer was helpful for you.
Best wishes!
Dr. Elton Halili
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN GENERAL MEDICINE
I really understand your concern.
Normally, blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
Based on your blood test, you have had some readings: 3.6, 3.3, 3.4, all these are quite normal, so there' nothing to worry about.
Also I would say that values range varies from one to another lab and also from the use of potassium med and diet that you follow. You may have had low potassium level, for that I think the doctor prescribed potassium pills.
Causes for this in patients with diabetes are chronic kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, frequent urination. Some other common causes are diarrhea, exessive sweating and vomiting.
Hope my answer was helpful for you.
Best wishes!
Dr. Elton Halili
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN GENERAL MEDICINE
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....