How to Pass Kidney Stones in Diabetics

Kidney stones are incredibly painful and have the potential to become a medical emergency. About 70 percent of people that suffer from kidney stones are male, which is partially why kidney stones have been equated to male childbirth. Since kidney stones can mimic other medical problems, it is essential that a kidney stone be accurately diagnosed before trying to pass the stone. Once the stone has been diagnosed, comfort care should be provided while waiting to pass the stone.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink at least 8 ounces of water during each waking hour. This will assist the stone in passing easily through the urinary tract.

• 2

  Monitor blood glucose closely and ensure that blood glucose levels remain within normal limits. When a diabetic does not have normal blood glucose levels, the body does not function as efficiently as it should, thereby resulting in a less efficient urinary system.

• 3

  Take a pain reliever to ease the pain associated with the kidney stone if the pain is too uncomfortable to bear. Avoid liquid pain relievers that can be purchased over-the-counter, such as liquid Tylenol, because liquid medications may have sugar in them that could negatively impact a diabetic's blood glucose. Do not take more medication than directed on the bottle. Consult a physician if suffering from extreme pain.

• 4

  Strain all urine by placing a strainer over the toilet. Collect everything caught in the strainer and bring it to a physician to be analyzed. The stones and sediments caught in the strainer may allow the doctor to determine what the stone is made of and provide recommendations to prevent kidney stones in the future.

• 5

  Consult a physician if pain has not subsided within 24 hours. Kidney stones are sometimes so large that they are unable to pass through the ureters. In cases like these, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is commonly used to break up the stone into smaller pieces that can pass through the ureters.