Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. It usually takes several years to develop diabetic kidney disease. The filtering function of the kidney impairs gradually over time. Fortunately, progression of kidney diseases in diabetics can be arrested or slowed down with the help of medications and dietary modifications.
In addition to controlling the elevated blood sugar level, maintaining normal blood sugar level is also beneficial for diabetics susceptible to kidney diseases. The diet for people with kidney and diabetes focuses on meeting nutritional requirements of the patients without increasing the blood sugar and blood pressure levels and avoiding damage to the kidneys.
Diet for Kidney and Diabetic Patients
Check Daily Carbohydrate Intake
Controlling carbohydrate consumption is the most important part of the diet for diabetics. Replacing simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates helps to prevent abnormal spike in the blood sugar level after meals. While taking the recommended amount of carbohydrates daily, diabetics should remember to divide their daily carbohydrate intake into proper portions, consuming the same amount of carbohydrates at each meal.
Although the exact carbohydrate requirement of diabetics may vary, depending upon the severity of the condition, usually 3 servings or 45 grams of carbohydrate can be consumed at each meal to meet the calorie requirement of diabetics. Common sources of carbohydrates in our diet include grain products, bread, rice, fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products.
Low Potassium and Phosphorous Fruits and Vegetables
In addition to limiting carbohydrate consumption, diabetics with kidney diseases should reduce intake of foods rich in potassium and phosphorous. Too much potassium and phosphorous in the diet aggravates kidney disorders. However, several sources of carbohydrates are rich in potassium and phosphorous.
To meet your recommended daily carbohydrate requirement without increasing potassium and phosphorous intake, add fruits and vegetables low in potassium and phosphorous to your diet. Fruits that contain small amounts of potassium and phosphorous include apples, grapes, watermelon, cherries, pineapples, berries, plums, pears, tangerine, grapefruit and apricot. Vegetables that can be included in the diet of diabetics with kidney problems include, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, beet, kale, eggplant, carrots, leafy green vegetables, radish, turnip, cucumber, peppers, onions and snow peas.
Low Sodium Food
Although fruits and vegetables contain sodium, excess sodium in our daily diet comes from salt. A low salt diet or avoiding foods with added salt helps to keep the blood pressure level under control and prevents damage to the kidneys.
Consuming large amounts of proteins is harmful for diabetics with reduced kidney function. A reduced protein diet slows down progression of chronic kidney diseases. Cooked and canned meat products are not only rich sources of protein but they contain large amounts of sodium.
High protein foods that should be avoided by people on a restrictive diet include sausages, bacon, organ meat, hotdogs, salami, canned meat, cheeses, peanut butter, dried beans and nuts. Proteins that are considered safe for diabetics include fish, poultry, egg, lean meat, seafood and cottage cheese.
Milk and Dairy
Diabetics with renal disorders can add two servings of milk and dairy products to their daily diet. They can consume low fat milk, plain yogurt and milk products without added sugar and salt. Buttermilk, chocolate milk and desserts, ice cream, yogurt and pudding sweetened with sugar should be avoided by diabetics.Combined Diet Treatment For Kidney And Diabetic Patients,