Diet for diabetes and stage 4 CKD - very confusing.

Posted by valb68 @valb68, Feb 8, 2018

Anyone with diabetes (on insulin 1x per day) and CKD stage 4? I have a difficult time balancing the two different diets. Anyone else with this problem?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

@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

REPLY

@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

REPLY

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.

REPLY

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.

REPLY
@valb68

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.

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
@valb68

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.

Jump to this post

.....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!

REPLY
@valb68

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.

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
@valb68

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.

Jump to this post

@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

REPLY
@cehunt57

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.

Jump to this post

@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

REPLY
@rosemarya

@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

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.