Stereotypes

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I have heard some comments blaming dialysis patients for diabetes. However, this is a stereotype and not true. According to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, ranked in the top five for Children Hospitals in the United States, the cause of diabetes is unknown. In addition, as stated by Children's Hospital, diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar. Cincinnati Children's treats children from all over the world, like the Cleveland Clinic.

Cleveland Clinic:

What causes diabetes?

Health care providers do not yet know what causes diabetes.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Diabetes_Mellitus/hic_Diabetes_Frequently_Asked_Questions.aspx

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No - the stereotype isn't that the pts caused themselves to have diabetes but rather once a pt is diagnosed with diabetes, if they don't take care of themselves, then they can develop renal failure. The same thing is true of patients that have high blood pressure: if they take care of themselves, they don't develop renal failure.

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I had excellent glucose control for 10 years, yet, my kidneys failed, can you explain that? In fact, according to Professor Emeritus of Organic Chemistry, Joel Kauffman, Ph.D(M.I.T-14 drug patents, 100 peer reviewed publications) only 57 percent of diabetics respond to diabetes medication or modern insulin. This was confirmed by a drug company Vice President. My Nephrologist(30 years experience) stated that 50 percent of diabetics will have kidney failure at some point. I have never been a big sugar eater, as my R.N. mom would tell you, have never been big candy eater or a sugary soda drinker. I would much rather have a bag of peanuts than a candy bar. I might have a candy bar once every 6-8 months, if that. Hate salt on my food. I really dislike beer and coffee, worst drinks on this earth. My diet plan from my Nephrologist requires me to have one source of potassium per day, my potassium has always been too low, even now. I have also taken 2,400 mgs of calcium per day, again, too low at 6.8. To keep my potassium and calcium at normal levels, I have really had to work at it. My three month sugar score is at 5.8. I take 35 units of Lantus per night. The only time my sugar is high is when I cannot not sleep, I worked on the night shift for 18 years. This is why I have a hard time going to bed at night, sometimes. I really try to take care of myself, most days are quite good, every blue moon, not so good.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No - I'm sorry I have no explanation for you and we can't provide medical advice.

I do feel bad that you had good control of your diabetes but still developed renal failure.

Stereotypes are just that: generalizations. They don't go for everyone. I use stereotypes in my practice (I"m an APN in nephrology) when I have patient after patient who has a >10.0 hgbA1C, when I refer them for diabetic teaching again and again and again, when I obtain an insulin pump for them but they refuse to wear it, when I prescribe insulin and/or oral diabetic agents and they refuse to pick them up after I have jumped thru hoops for Medicaid. \

And...yes, I do have very compliant pts who are a joy to partner with in their care.

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No - I'm sorry I have no explanation for you and we can't provide medical advice.

I do feel bad that you had good control of your diabetes but still developed renal failure.

Stereotypes are just that: generalizations. They don't go for everyone. I use stereotypes in my practice (I"m an APN in nephrology) when I have patient after patient who has a >10.0 hgbA1C, when I refer them for diabetic teaching again and again and again, when I obtain an insulin pump for them but they refuse to wear it, when I prescribe insulin and/or oral diabetic agents and they refuse to pick them up after I have jumped thru hoops for Medicaid. \

And...yes, I do have very compliant pts who are a joy to partner with in their care.

I would wear an insulin pump think it is a great idea. :) 10.0 hgba1c is outrageous. I take my insulin every night before I go to bed. I think what would be a great idea for you for those who will not take their insulin, take them to a dialysis clinic, and show them what they have to look forward to, in the future. Do you ever want to see your favorite TV show, again? Patients can be idiots.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Not all pts are like this - most are very compliant because they don't want to go to dialysis. And the compliant pts are a joy to partner with.

The noncompliant pts take many resources: they are hospitalized more often using up our precious healthcare dollars.

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Specializes in hemo and peritoneal dialysis.

We all have seen a few of these:

"I wuz doin' fine til I started this dialysis thing. Shoulda never went on it in the firs place. My moma said it would jes make me sicker.":banghead:

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