About Melissa Anderson Expertise I have a Bachelor`s degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school. Ask me anything and everything relating to Atkins and other low-carb diet plans!
Experience I've been on Atkins since 2001 and I'm still going strong!
Education/Credentials Professionally, I have a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school.
Special Diets - diabetic, renal failure,high potassium diet
Expert: Melissa Anderson - 10/6/2008
Question hello, my grand father is 84 years old, Diabetes mellitus type 2 since 35 years, diabetic nephropathy with LVF (EF 50%). he is kept on loop diuretics and he's loosing a lot of potassium... recently his serum Pot. was 2.5 and improved with syp.potklor. can you suggest a better diet for him?
Answer Your grandfather is in a delicate balance. The diuretics lower his potassium, but his kidney problems can make his potassium become dangerously high. The safest course is to keep his potassium intake exactly the same day to day. A "normal" diet tends to be fairly low in potassium, and that's probably the best diet for him. If needed, his doctor can prescribe daily potassium supplements. You might ask for a referral to a nutritionist to learn about high potassium and low protein foods (although I'm sure you already have him on a low protein diet).
Good luck!
Melissa
