Preparations for Renal Replacement Therapy in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

The natural cause of diabetic nephropathy is characterised by rapidly declining renal function. If this is unrecognized until the patient has symptoms of terminal renal failure, the nephrologist and the patient face a multitude of problems. The degree of renal failure must be estimated, disturbancies in the acid-base and calcium-phosphate balance corrected, the general state of the patient as regards other diabetic complications evaluated and the appropriate form of renal replacement therapy chosen and instituted. The patient needs thorough and repeated information and comfort.