Diabetic Medications and Kidney Failure

Nurses General Nursing

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My doctor said that I was borderline diabetic and my sugars was elevated a little bit maybe 150.He wanted to give me this pill which I had never heard of. He gave me samples to try. At the moment I don't remember the name but when I looked up all of the side effects it said dehydration, must drink plenty of water, ketoacidosis and renal failure. I decided that this wasn't the medication for me. I work in dialysis and there's so many patients there that are diabetics, it began to make me wonder. Given the side effects of some of these medications, could they have cause d some of the patients to be on dialysis. Its just a thought that ran through my head and it really has me thinking.

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Don't mean to get in your business, but was this a one time reading of 150 or was your A1C also elevated?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

AllNurses cannot give actual medical advice, so always talk with your doctor. The pharmacist can help you understand your medications, too.

You can buy a gluocometer and a few test strips at the drug store or online for a relatively small amount of money. it is out of pocket, but probably $50-100 for a glucometer and a few test strips. You can keep an eye on your own blood sugars if you think you may be diabetic. The A1C is an important test. You can even do a home A1C test now, for about $40/2 tests. Or tell your doc to run them.

Diabetes increases the risks of kidney failure. Elevated blood glucose >180 can cause damage to the blood vessels. It is what causes neuropathy in the lower extremities (messes up the capillaries and some nerve damage). It can do the same thing to the vessels in the kidneys.. And intestines..

Different diabetic medications work in different ways. Many of them work by having the patient void extra sugar. Drinking fluids helps this process. Sugary pee can increase the risk of UTIs.. That can eventually become pyelonephritis. Drinking fluids can help lower those risks.

All medications have benefits and risks, and many probably have suggestions for helping the medication work well. (Take with milk/food/water/empty stomach).

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello,

You really need to speak with your primary provider and have him or her talk to you about your concerns. Per the Terms of Service of the site, we cannot provide the medical advice you seek.

We wish you well.

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