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Diabetes Q&A | Kidney Disease | Worried about GFR . New test on my bloo
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08/14/09 01:49 PM

"Worried about GFR . New test on my blood work. Dr. says I should be concerned but didn't recommend seeing a nephrologist. What do you think?"
Asked By: xanadu222hb  
Category: Kidney Disease

Background Info Hide
Diagonosed diabetic 1992. Three heart attacks 92,95. Eight interventions(1998 PTCA) . Meds ( attenolol 50Mg per day, diovan/hctz 160/12.7 1/day, felodipine 10mg 1/day, avandia 4 mg 2/day, glypizide 10mg 2/day, lipitor 40mg 1/day, tricor 145 my 1/day, aSPRIN 81 MG 1/DAY, CIALIS 2.5 MG 1/DAY, Byetta 10 mcg 2/day, lantus ( sliding scale aprox 22 u per day) Insulin R as needed sliding scale. Last blood work GFR estimated 54 , microalbumin 3, albumin creat ratio 3.6 , A1C 6.7n previous A1C 's 6.1,5.8. Exercise three times a week at YMCA 1 1/2 hrs EA. Have lost 8 Lbs. Weight 214. Height 5'8" Age 68. BP averages 127 / 74. My Dr. says ARB'S worsen kindney function but when asked declined to takke me off them. Do you think I should add a nephrologist to my care team? At present, family DR.endocrinologist, cardiologist

Expert Answers (1)

08/14/09 10:34 PM

Dear xanadu222hb, You are taking quite a few medications. I am concerned because some of the medications you cite are not approved for use with insulin. Are you seeing an endocrinologist or a primary care physician? I would recommend seeing an endocrinologist. As for your GFR, it is a little lower than desired, but does not indicate panic that you have kidney failure. It reflects how well you are filtering wastes through your kidneys. This number can go up and down. Below 60 indicates some impairment. Usually dialysis starts when it is about 15 or so. At this time, I don't think a nephrologist is necessary.
Answered By: Janice Fisher
Accreditations: RD, LD, PHD, CDE, BC-ADM
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