What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is the process of artificially removing waste products and fluid from the blood. This is usually done by our kidneys and dialysis is required when one’s kidneys are not functioning properly.

People with chronic kidney failure normally require regular dialysis for life, unless or until they receive a kidney transplant. Those who are acutely ill may also need dialysis for short periods in an intensive care setting

There are 2 types of dialysis – hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

1. Hemodialysis

This procedure removes waste and extra fluid from the blood. The patient’s blood is pumped into a dialysis machine and filtered by a dialyzer (also known as an artificial kidney). After being filtered, the blood is returned to the patient’s bloodstream.

Hemodialysis can be done at home or at a dialysis centre

2. Peritoneal dialysis

This procedure cleans the blood inside of the patient’s body. A cleansing solution is pumped into the patient’s abdomen. With the abdomen lining acting as a natural filter, waste and extra fluid passes from the blood into the cleansing solution.

Peritoneal dialysis is a home-based treatment. It can be done at home, work, school and during travel.

However, this type of dialysis may not be suitable for everyone. Treatment might prove difficult or impossible with patients who are morbidly obese or have had multiple abdominal surgeries.

Will I need dialysis if I am diabetic?

Diabetes happens when the body can no longer produce enough insulin to turn blood glucose into energy. As a result, the body retains more water and salt than it should, causing weight gain and ankle swelling. Waste material will also build up in the blood.

About 30% of patients with Type 1 (juvenile-onset) diabetes and 10% to 40% of patients with Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes will eventually suffer kidney failure.

These patients have 3 treatment options:

1. Kidney transplantation
2. Hemodialysis
3. Peritoneal dialysis

At Medical Assistance4u

Our team of medically trained staff at Medical Assistance4u can provide you with consultation services to assist you in providing good elderly care and finding the right assistive tool and medical equipment. 

We also provide services like installation and repair services, relocation and disposal services for bulky medical equipment, home care services and transport for your wheelchair-bound loved ones.