Lower parathyroid hormone and creatinine in diabetic uremia.

Groups of 14 diabetic and 30 nondiabetic patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were compared as to levels of serum creatinine, heights of PTH elevation, and finally as to severity of peripheral neuropathy. Diabetics had a statistically lower predialysis serum creatinine, PTH, and MNCV than did nondiabetics. The dual metabolic derangements of uremia and diabetes, along with multiple metabolic aberrations, including PTH, may explain the more severe neuropathy observed in diabetics. A proportionately lower PTH elevation in the diabetic is characteristic of this subgroup of uremic patients.