Hemodialysis in diabetic patients with chronic renal failure.

Eighteen male diabetic patients with a mean age of 48.5 years and end-stage renal disease were maintained on chronic hemodialysis for a mean duration of 15.2 months. The cumulative survival rate for the first year was 86%. Their diabetes was no more difficult to control after starting hemodialysis. Cardiovascular complications accounted for the two deaths and most of the management problems. Patient rehabilitation was considered to be satisfactory. It is concluded that chronic hemodialysis can be a suitable form of therapy in this group of patients.