My mother-in-love was put on metformin years ago as diabetes prevention.  They left her on too long (doctors admitted it) and it caused kidney failure.  She’s 75 and otherwise in good health.  She now has to do in-home dialysis each night, all night.  However, one of the things used is dextrose, and that has now caused full-blown diabetes, so now she’s on insulin as well.  Because I don’t entirely understand dialysis, I don’t know how to even approach helping her.  She’s stable enough they even told her if she misses a day or two (like for vacation), she would be fine, provided she severely limits liquid intake.  So even if I am not able to help her, can someone versed in this please help me understand dialysis and lead me through the thinking process on how to support and help?  Not looking to get her off dialysis or insulin or anything…just support what she has going on.  She is fine being on all that, and that’s her choice.  But I look for teachable moments, and I need teachin!  Plus, what do we do if there’s no doctors?  Any ideas welcome!  Thanks in advance for any input.  I truly can’t wrap my head around dialysis!

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Deborah Ferguson