A comparison of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in diabetic and nondiabetic patients

Between May of 1978 and December of 1980 we have treated 33 patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for a total of 1209 patient weeks. Thirteen patients were diabetic, 14 nondiabetic but with complications that made CAPD the treatment of choice, and six were nondiabetic without complications. Good control of plasma glucose was obtained n diabetics by the use of intraperitoneal insulin. Overall plasma glucose control, as estimated by glycohemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels was the same in both groups. Plasma triglyceride levels were normal in most of the diabetic patients and elevated in most of te nondiabetic patients. Visual difficulties did not prevent self-dialysis in seven diabetic patients who were legally blind, and these patients spent the least time in hospital and had the least peritonitis. Diabetic patients seem at least as able to cope with CAPD as nondiabetic patients and may derive some special advantages from the technique.