Why is dextrose added to dialysate?

Dextrose is added to dialysate primarily to provide additional calories. This addition helps to ensure that patients receiving dialysis maintain their nutritional status, especially since some may experience dietary restrictions or have difficulty consuming adequate calories due to their medical conditions.

While maintaining proper glucose levels is important in the context of dialysis, the primary reason for including dextrose in the dialysate is not to prevent hypoglycemia directly. Instead, its presence serves as a supplemental source of energy, helping to sustain patients' overall health and well-being during treatment. The choice to include dextrose also supports metabolic needs, as dialysis can increase energy expenditures in patients.

In practice, the addition of dextrose can help balance the metabolic demands of those undergoing dialysis, contributing to better outcomes in managing their conditions.