Diet for diabetes and stage 4 CKD - very confusing.

@valb68, I want to welcome you to Mayo Connect. I understand that the balancing act can feel overwhelming.
I think that we can connect you with some other members who have also discussed their diabetes diets and/or CKD.

Is this a new diagnosis? Do you need resources? If you can share a little bit about yourself, I think we can better assist you.

Rosemary

@valb68, Hi valb68, I am happy that you found some helpful information in the New and Confused Diabetic Discussion where I tagged you. I think that your idea of consulting a nutritionist is a good idea. Here are some resources that I would like to share with you. Maybe they will help prepare you for a meaningful conversation with the nutritionist.

Diabetes Diet: Create your Healthy Eating Plan - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295

Chronic Kidney Disease - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354527

Low-phosphorus diet: Best for Kidney Disease? - https://www.mayoclinic.org/food-and-nutrition/expert-answers/faq-20058408

Let me know what other information might be helpful to you.
Rosemary

I hear you. I'm type 1 diabetic since 1975 (with history of gastroparesis), post pancreas transplant in 2005, now stage IV CKD. I'm not on dialysis. I've been accepted/approved for kidney transplant and am listed with UNOS. I'm also looking for a living kidney donor. I've been on a low carb, sodium and fat diet for a long time and do carb counting to calculate insulin bolus dosages. I have a list of high fiber foods that I tend to avoid because while high fiber is great for managing cholesterol, blood sugar and weight; it wreaks havoc with my gastroparesis. I used to be high protein but since CKD I've been told to limit protein to a certain amount for my size/weight. I don't have fluid restrictions and I'm supposed to stay well hydrated. If/when I start dialysis there will be different requirements for protein, fluids, potassium, phosphorus etc. I've been given lists of foods that are high in potassium &/or phosphorus that I will need to attend to if/when that time comes but for now I've been told to eat according to what my labs dictate. My last 3 lab reports have been good. I am blessed and very thankful. This is what is working for me but since each person is different find a good dietician that can help you develop a plan that works for you.

Thank you, @cehunt57, for telling me your story. It is very helpful. Do you mind if I ask your age? My nephrologist hasn't discussed any of this. I'm beginning to realize that his main focus is on his current dialysis patients. He has said nothing about diet; my gfr is around 21, and he has not even mentioned dialysis or transplant at this point. He is the department head at a large university medical center! I think I will have to be more assertive. My father wasn't diabetic, but died from ESRD after 4 years on dialysis. Thanks again for your input.

I'm 61. My Bday was Wednesday 2/7/1957. In the past 3 weeks I had a physica

.....physical, lab work, routine endocrinology & nephrology follow ups plus a dental cleaning and exam. I'm doing well and am stable. Last July my GFR was 14. In October it was 35 and is currently 30. I am blessed!

Belated birthday greetings, and glad to hear you are doing well. Your GFR increase must make you feel very good!

@valb68, I hope that you found some useful information in the resources that I included a couple of days ago.

I want to encourage you to follow up on your plan to get an appointment with a dietician. Your nephrologist should be able to connect you with someone who is knowledgeable of your condition, and best able to work with you. Being diabetic and stage 4 should qualify you for some training and support.

Has your nephrologist indicated any kind of future plans for your situation? How often are you seeing your nephrologist?

Rosemary

@cehunt57, Thank you for joining this discussion. I am happy that you have found what works for you, and that you have continued to adhere to your program.
You are so right: we are each different in what we need to do to maintain our own level of success.

I also want to join @valb68 in wishing you a belated Happy Birthday!
Hugs and hope as you keep on moving forward.
Rosemary

I too have diabetes and “esrd”
It is very confusing my dialysis makes my taste buds disappear I don’t have a taste for anything except cookies and sweets. It’s crazy I have started on a protein bar at each dialysis because I have no feeling to eat after dialysis. Just wanting to live right for whatever time I have left i’m Not getting a transplant. I,m just living out my life in the best way possible.