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Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition Effects on Blood Glucose

Intradialytic parenteral nutrition, or IDPN, is used for nutritional support for those going through dialysis for kidney failure. It consists of a solution of sugars, proteins and fats to replenish much of what is lost during dialysis. IDPN can have an effect on blood sugars, however, and those receiving it should be closely monitored throughout administration.

  1. Increased Levels

    • IDPN has been found to increase the blood glucose levels, especially in non-diabetic patients. This is because the intravenous fluid that is used contains sugars to replace those that are lost during dialysis. However, this can cause an unwanted rapid increase in a normal person's blood glucose levels. This increase can happen quickly and it is impossible to predict if this effect will happen with any particular patient.

    Decreased Levels

    • In some patients, a decrease in the blood sugar levels can occur immediately following a treatment of IDPN. Similar to a sugar rush experienced after consuming a large amount of sugar, a crash from the sugars contained in IDPN can occur. When this occurs, the patient will feel dizzy, nauseous and may experience a headache. This is called a hypoglycemic episode. Just like a sudden increase in blood glucose levels, a sudden decrease is a shock to the body.

    Monitoring

    • Because a doctor cannot predict which patients will experience an increase or decrease in their blood glucose levels due to IDPN, close monitoring must be done throughout the treatment. Most doctors will test a patients blood sugars before, during and after the treatment. Catching problems quickly will have better treatment results. Weekly or monthly blood tests may be requested by a doctor to monitor for other issues that can result from frequent spikes in blood glucose levels.

    Treatments

    • Once a problem with the blood glucose levels related to IDPN is identified, the doctor can treat the problem. Once a particular reaction has been identified in a patient, the doctor will be ready to combat it sooner at future treatments. In a case where the blood sugars increase, the doctor will administer a dose of insulin to help bring the blood sugars down. When a patient is established to have experienced a hypoglycemic episode, eating a snack will help.

    Long-Term Effects

    • If the blood glucose levels are getting too high often, negative long-term effects may occur. The liver function may be compromised, resulting in liver problems in addition to the kidney problems that already exist. The body may be tricked into producing too much insulin when IDPN is not being administered, causing the patient to become hypoglycemic more easily. Unmonitored hypoglycemic episodes can be dangerous. Frequent monitoring by doctors and gaps in administering IDPN can help to avoid problems and identify them early if they do occur.

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