Connect
Can Low Blood Sugar and Too Much Water Decrease EFGR?
3 months ago spouse's EFGR was 35. Test taken yesterday indicates it decreased to 29.
He is diabetic/high blood pressures.
He has been working on stabilizing his blood sugar. It can have a swing up to 200 and then severe drops where he is starting to crash at 60.
The nephro has prescribed additional BP meds in addition to the Lisinopril. She added 5 mg Amlodipine which didn't make a difference and then she added another 5 mg. Which still does not seem to make a difference.
He drinks at least 64 oz of water daily.
He does have a low urine stream and I believe the doctor had shared that he had an enlarge prostrate.
Now to my questions:
1. Can he be drinking too much water? The doctor had shared, stay hydrated!
2. Can the sugar crashes be as harmful as high blood sugar? His glucose number that was part of the same test was 47.
3.) Can the reduced flow of urine case the EFGR to drop?
4.) Anybody have experience with Amlodipine and not working?
We have an appt on 2/3 with the Nephrologist, which I intend to ask all these questions to. But was hoping someone here might have experiences/knowledge to share.
***Sorry for the long post. I wanted to give a background.
Any ideas/information would be very helpful.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.
Connect
Good questions for the nephrologist next week.
I have been told the eGFR that is creatinine based is affected by several factors, and the Cystatin C version is more stable. So you or he might ask for that test in the appointment.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@sultanvr It sounds like your husband has the double whammy of high blood pressure and diabetes, the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease. Getting both of those under control may go a long way to helping his kidneys. But, it is not an easy battle, as you are finding out! It can be a fine balancing act, and from what I have read, having changes in either condition can make for some stressful times as you watch the eGFR value seem to bounce around.
Ask what amount of fluids the Dr is suggesting, and let them know how much your husband is getting in each day. I am not a doctor, nor a diabetic. Have you asked the endocrinologist who handles his diabetes about the sugar crashes? Logically [to me, anyways] it seems like a wide range of sugar values, and crashes, can't be good for a body.
I was on Amlodipine for a while, but it wasn't doing what they wanted. Now, I am not on any blood pressure meds.
I will be looking for your update after the 2/3 appointment.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@sultanvr I am diabetic (50ish years) and have a history of high blood pressure, as Ginger said these are the two most common causes of kidney disease. I also have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4.
I have an endocrinologist for the diabetes and a nephrologist for the CKD. The nephrologist has prescribed blood pressure meds (Amlodipine, Losartan and Torsemide) plus an OTC antacid because he felt my urine was too acidic. The Amlodipine is the smallest dose possible. I haven’t had any med changes in a long time and my blood pressure is now well controlled. I have a BP cuff at home to test and I keep the record to show my nephrologist at office visits.
My endocrinologist and nephrologist are in the same health care system. They can collaborate on my care and can share records. I also have seen a dietician/ nutritionist who is well versed in diabetes and renal nutrition requirements. This has been very helpful. There are dietary requirements for both conditions and for hypertension as well that you should be aware of.
For your questions:
1) Hydration - As Ginger said, your nephrologist can advise you on the proper amount of hydration.
2) It is the high blood sugars of Diabetes that is hard on the kidneys. My nephrologist said “it is like expecting the kidneys to filter syrup. It clogs them up over time and is damaging.” The “crashes” or low blood sugars aren’t harmful to the kidneys but are dangerous in so many other ways and can be life threatening! 47 is way too low!
3) Reduced flow of urine and enlarged prostate are concerns and questions for a urologist. I’m not sure if that would affect the eGFR.
4) Amlodipine - mentioned this above. There are lots of options for blood pressure meds. You can review it with your nephrologist on 2/3. If it isn’t working for you the doctor can probably recommend something else.
Hope all goes well with your appointment.