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After a recent trip to the ER with my Dad , he is type one diabetic over 57 years , he had infection in his feet they checked his come level which was 1100 and told us he was in kidney failure and needed to be admitted and he refused.

By Anonymous September 2, 2018 - 8:58pm
 
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What should I watch for and how long can he go with out proper treatment, my heart is breaking

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HERWriter Guide

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing!

What do you mean by "come level"?

People with diabetes can be at risk of kidney disease. This can occur in 30 - 40% of those with Type 1 diabetes, and in 20 - 30% of those with Type 2 diabetes.

High blood sugar can cause damage to filters in the kidneys (nephrons).

Kidney failure can be delayed or prevented by managing your blood glucose (blood sugar). If proper blood glucose management is started earlier enough, much damage can be prevented.

If one or both of your kidneys should stop working properly, waste products recirculate through the body. Excess fluids and toxins build up.

Blood pressure elevates. Red blood cells decrease. Appetite decreases, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and debilitating fatigue sets in.

These can be signs of kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), renal insufficiency, or renal failure.

Chronic kidney failure develops gradually over a long period of time. Hands and feet may become numb, and may swell from fluid retention.

The skin may itch. The need to urinate may be frequent, but producing little output. Muscles may cramp and twitch. Sores may appear in the mouth. Body temperature may be low.

The skin tone may be a yellow-brown. The patient may suffer from shortness of breath. As symptoms worsen, they may experience seizures and ultimately coma.

Other health problems can emerge long before kidney failure occurs.

For example, if the kidneys stop producing enough erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that tells the bones to make red blood cells, anemia can develop.

If the kidneys don't keep calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood in balance, bones are weakened.

Being alert to the symptoms of these conditions above, and acting on them quickly and effectively, may help reduce the risk of experiencing kidney failure.

As to how long he can live in this condition - we cannot say. He may become critical and not have much choice in being hospitalized. Does your father have a living will? That is something you need to check into. I hope he changes his mind, for your sake as well as his.
Best,
Susan

September 3, 2018 - 7:40am
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