Abstract
Glucose absorption from the peritoneal dialysis fluid was studied in 13 patients with severe renal failure. The dialyses were performed throughout using a dialysate glucose concentration of either 15 g/l or 42.5 g/l. Dialysate turnover rate was changed by varying the equilibration time. With each dialysate glucose concentration there was a relation between the rate of glucose absorption and the turnover rate of dialysate. At a turnover rate of 21 g/hour and using a dialysate concentration of 15 g/l, the rate of glucose absorption was 9.5 g/hour; using a dialysate concentration of 42.5 g/l the rate was 38 g/hour. To optimize glucose absorption the dialysis should be carried out with a high turnover rate and with a high dialysate glucose concentration. Under these circumstances the risk of dehydration and glucose intolerance should be considered.