![]() ![]() If you are pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant, do not use any CAM therapies unless directed to do so by your physician. Make sure to tell your medical providers about any alternative therapies or supplements you may be using. Promote potassium and sodium exchange in the gastrointestinal system.Īlternative therapies can help treat the underlying cause once your condition has been stabilized. Promote potassium shift from blood to cells. Promotes potassium shift from blood to cells. Minimizes the effects of hyperkalemia on the heart. Hemodialysis is the most reliable tool for removing potassium from the body in patients with kidney failure. A common criticism of this approach is that it may be impractical to avoid all of these different foods.Medications used to treat hyperkalemia are meant to stabilize heart function, promote the movement of potassium from the bloodstream back into the cells, and encourage the excretion of excess potassium. However, there are steps you can take to prevent hyperkalemia if your potassium levels are over 5.5 mmol/L:Įat a low-potassium diet - Foods high in potassium include bananas, vegetables such as potatoes and broccoli, and chicken breast. In these emergency situations, your healthcare team will try to stabilize your potassium levels with immediate treatment. Most people are taken directly to the emergency room when severe hyperkalemia is detected. How to manage your potassium levels and prevent hyperkalemia This can lead to dangerous heart complications and requires immediate medical attention. Severe hyperkalemia is when potassium levels are 6.5 mmol/L and above. The next time you review your blood test results with your healthcare provider, look for the section with potassium and make sure it is above 3.5 mmol/L but below 5 mmol/L.Īnything above 5.5 mmol/L is classified as hyperkalemia. This test, called a basic metabolic panel, is usually done during an annual physical exam. Potassium levels can be tested with a simple blood test during a visit to the clinic. How to check if your potassium levels are in range This can be life-threatening and often requires immediate medical care. Other symptoms of high potassium levels can include shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and chest pain. For people with diabetes and CKD, this inability to filter potassium results in a greater risk of developing hyperkalemia.Įlevated potassium levels can interfere with the normal rhythm of your heartbeat, leading to a condition known as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). However, up to 40% of people with diabetes may develop chronic kidney disease ( CKD), where your kidneys are not able to filter waste from the blood as efficiently. Typically, the kidneys are able to get rid of extra potassium in the body through the urine. This state of high potassium levels is called hyperkalemia. If the body becomes resistant to insulin (the main characteristic of type 2 diabetes), then potassium may build up in the blood. Potassium levels are important to monitor in people with diabetes because insulin helps move potassium from the blood into the cells throughout the body. The body uses potassium to contract your muscles, help your nerves function, and maintain a normal heartbeat. Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that your body needs to function properly. ![]() People with diabetes regularly monitor their blood glucose levels and perhaps their time in range but often do not think about their potassium levels. Find out how you can check your potassium levels and prevent complications. Unfortunately, most people do not realize they have this potentially life-threatening condition until they are in the emergency room. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of having high potassium levels, or hyperkalemia. ![]()
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