Concerns of the Diabetic Patient on CAPD

Abstract

Twenty-three diabetics with endstage renal disease on various forms of chronic peritoneal dialysis were interviewed. All of them had symptoms of neuropathy of varying degree and 17 were complaining of muscular weakness. At the time of the interview, only six patients were sexually active while the remaining 17 had been inactive for periods ranging from two months to 10 years. There was a trend to a decline in sexual activity after commencement of dialysis. We recommend that the routine follow-up of these patients include regular interviews by trained sex counsellors.