Doctors prescribe low-sodium diets to help manage conditions such as heart failure and high blood pressure. A healthy alternative to salt for some people is a salt substitute. However, if you have an underlying condition that potentially impairs your kidney function, such as Type 1 diabetes, the high potassium level of salt substitutes may put your health at risk if you use them.
Type 1 Diabetes
Your body uses insulin to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Normally, your pancreas produces enough of this hormone to prevent high levels of sugar in your blood, which can lead to adverse health effects. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not produce an adequate amount of insulin to sufficiently control glucose levels. There are several long-term complications of diabetes, including nerve damage, eye damage, blood vessel and heart disease and kidney damage.
Diabetes and Nephropathy
One function of your kidneys is to maintain a healthy balance of potassium in your bloodstream. One serious long-term complication of Type 1 diabetes is nephropathy, or kidney damage. Over time, Type 1 diabetes can damage the fragile filtering structures of your kidneys, which results in impaired kidney function or even kidney failure. When your kidneys are not functioning at an ideal level, they cannot effectively eliminate excess potassium. Hyperkalemia, or a serum potassium level that is too high, results.
Potassium and Salt Substitutes
If your Type 1 diabetes causes kidney impairment, expect your doctor to prescribe a low-potassium diet to lower your risk of developing hyperkalemia. If you also are limiting your salt intake, it may make sense to use a salt substitute. However, because salt substitutes are usually high in potassium, medical professionals and dietitians do not recommend them for individuals required to restrict their intake of the electrolyte.
Dangers of Hyperkalemia
If untreated, hyperkalemia progresses to a level that puts your health and potentially your life at risk. If an underlying condition such as Type 1 diabetes increases your likelihood of developing the electrolyte imbalance, it is imperative that you notify your doctor immediately upon noticing any of the following symptoms: nausea, muscle fatigue and weakness. High potassium levels may cause diarrhea as well. Other symptoms of hyperkalemia include paralysis and possible chest pains resulting from life-threatening abnormalities in your heart's normal rate and rhythm.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Low-sodium Diet Guidelines
- University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority: Sodium
- MayoClinic.com; Type 1 Diabetes: Definition; May 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Type 1 Diabetes: Complications; May 2011
- Chemocare.com: Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)
- MayoClinic.com; Hyperkalemia (High Potassium): When to See a Doctor; December 2009
