Diabetes is hard on anyone, but the elderly have an especially difficult time because of the maintenance required to keep the disease in check. Now, a new study suggests that elderly diabetics also have a “higher level of residual renal function when they start dialysis,” which means more are starting dialysis than ever before. In addition, they generally need to start it earlier than non-diabetic patients.

Also, the “proportion of deaths from infection was significantly increased in diabetics (12.8% vs. 9.8% of deaths).” These scary numbers mean that diabetics have to be that much more diligent about caring for themselves, and in talking with their doctor about options before complete kidney failure takes over the body.

Image: MorgueFile.

Post from: Blisstree

Elderly Diabetics and Kidney Failure

Oprah Winfrey has lost her 12-year old dog Sophie this weekend after a year-long battle with kidney disease. Last May she lost another dog, Gracie, after she choked to death on a ball.

This is so sad; I can’t imagine losing two pets like that within such a short amount of time.

Post from: Blisstree

Oprah Loses Another Dog