Stage 4 Kidney Failure. Taking Insulin Shot For Diabetes. What Is The Life Expectancy?

Posted on Thu, 28 Mar 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 Answered on

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : MY MOM AGE 85 WAS TOLD SHE IS IN STAGE 4 KIDNEY FAILURE AND IS IN HEART FAILURE.
SHE TAKES 2 SHOTS OF INSULIN PER DAY...DIABETIC FOR 20 YRS.
HOW LONG IS THE AVERAGE LIFE SPAN FOR THESE CONDITIONS? ON AVERAGE...
SHE DOES NOT WANT A NURSING HOME BUT I FEAR IT MAY COME TO THAT..

Answered by Dr. Ravi Bansal (1 hour later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Stage 4 kidney disease means that her kidneys are working between 15 to 30 percent (GFR 15ml/mt to 30 ml/mt). Such patients are likely to reach the stage of dialysis over 3 to 5 years and once on dialysis, the life span as per literature is average of 2 to 3 years.

But she also has lot of risk factors that may influence the outcome-
- Cardiac failure (% of cardiac function - ejection fraction is not mentioned)
- General condition (Is she able to walk around, eating well, how much swelling is there and what is her exercise tolerance)
-Diabetes

The need of nursing home is to be decided by treating doctor on the basis of patient’s condition.

Overall - no one can predict the life span of a person. I hope that she lives long and as long as she lives she has a meaningful and painless life.

Hope this helps. If you have any query please write in.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad