Treatment of end-stage renal failure due to diabetes mellitus with peritoneal dialysis--treatment of choice?

End-stage renal failure (ESRF) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, especially the insulin-dependent form. Treatment of these patients with dialysis and/or transplantation has become widespread and it has been suggested that peritoneal dialysis has several advantages when compared to hemodialysis. This report describes the results of therapy using peritoneal dialysis in seven ESRF patients. These patients did not do well and only two were alive at the end of the follow-up period. Diabetic retinopathy did not progress during treatment and peritonitis was not more common in diabetics than nondiabetics. Renal transplantation is the preferred mode of treatment in diabetic ESRF patients. In our experience there is no difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.