potassium???

[jaberwocky]

my wife is diabetic and recently had a blood test.her potassium levels were too high.now i know ther are tablets to INCREASE potassium levels also that bananas are a good source.i've had low potassium levels(we're both sickos actually!!!) can anyone tell me what causes low levels.thank you.

[aniani]

I don't know what causes low levels of potassium but I do know that bananas are very rich in potassium

[pinktwink]

low levels can be caused if you have a lot of vomiting or diarohea. Some medications or IBS can do this. Also some medication depletes the body of potassium. A level below 3.5 is a concern. Bananas are a rich source but you may need slow k which is a medicated slow release form of potassium

[sqad617]

Low potassium levels......commonest cause...diuretic tablets.

High potasium levels....many causes.....BP tablets and badly controlled diabetes.

See your GP.

[365058bet]

When I was in hospital after my heart attack I was given some gunk to drink because my potassium was so low and yet I ate at least 7 to 10 bananas every week which confused me...

[jaberwocky]

thanks sqad617.she often has ups and downs with her diabetes.i have pushed her in to seeing the gp.unfortunately he's on holiday at the moment.she is on a range of tablets so maybe one of them is causing this.thank you.

[Eve]

Has she been eating properly as not (though significantly not) could affect both her potassium and diabetes.

[jaberwocky]

in answer jenna,she eats plenty veg,not enough fruit but all in all she does ok.she even has her wee treat of chocolate.even the doc says dont deny yourself a small treat now and again.once her doc comes back from holiday she might get more answers.unless he's an answer bank man.are you there doctor hewitt??????