Q: My papa has been advised dialysis because his creatinine levels have risen to 7.1 in the urine sample. He is a diabetic for the last 15 yrs. But this was the first time he suffered from high BP and in turn, swelling on his face and feet. Aren't there any alternatives in which orally taken medicines may help? Doctors are advising him just one chapati in diet but he already eats very little and is very thin. Please suggest a good diet which won't harm him but is filling. I am against dialysis and can't there be any other solution? This is a nightmare!!! Please help.

A:I learn that your father has had diabetes for 15 years or so and most likely has kidney failure related to diabetic kidney disease and thus has been advised dialysis. The kidney disease in diabetes is usually irreversible and once kidney function decreases to less than 10-15% then dialysis or kidney transplantation is required. Once on dialysis he should be able to eat well and eat high quality proteins and good diet. The only restrictions are of salt, potassium and liquids.