In 2004, the American Diabetes Association found that 68 percent of diabetes-related deaths among older adults were associated with some form of heart disease. Because diabetes and cardiac conditions are so closely related, individuals with diabetes are highly encouraged to following a heart-healthy diet in addition to their normal diabetic diet.
Definition
The ADA cardiac diet combines the principles of the ADA's diabetic diet and the American Heart Association's cardiac diet. It contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates spread evenly throughout the day and also limits the amount of saturated and trans fats consumed in meals and snacks. The diet emphasizes healthy, unprocessed foods and encourages individuals to control portion sizes.
Carbohydrates
Because carbohydrates are the body's most immediate source of energy, they are included in the ADA cardiac diet. The problem is that if you eat too many of them in one sitting, your blood sugar can become elevated, causing high blood sugar. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to additional medical complications for diabetics, so the ADA cardiac diet typically limits you to 45 to 70 grams of carbohydrate per meal.
Saturated and Trans Fats
The American Heart Association says both saturated and trans fats have been closely associated with a variety of debilitating conditions such as stroke, heart attack and diabetes. Limiting foods that are high in these fats is essential to following the ADA cardiac diet. Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy products, and trim the fat off your meats and skin off your poultry. Do not consume fried foods, and avoid highly processed foods and foods prepared with shortening.
Healthy Fats
While the ADA cardiac emphasizes the importance of limiting your saturated and trans fat, it also encourages you to eat a wide variety foods high in unsaturated fats. Both poly- and monounsaturated fats have been linked to positive health outcomes, and you should include a small portion of these fat-containing foods at each meal. Walnuts, almonds, avocado and olive oil are excellent sources of unsaturated fat.
Sodium
Many individuals with diabetes and heart disease also have high blood pressure, and the ADA cardiac diet also emphasizes the importance of limiting your sodium intake. Because salt is a preservative that is commonly added during food processing, choose foods that are minimally processed. Canned foods such as soups and vegetables are also high in salt, so limit the amount you consume. Opt for fresh or frozen vegetables, and when you make soup, try using a low-sodium bouillon.
References
- American Heart Association, The Heart of Diabetes: Opt for a Healthy Lifestyle
- American Diabetes Association: Fats
- American Diabetes Association: Evidence-Based Nutrition Principles and Recommendations for the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes and Related Complications
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- Cleveland Clinic: Low Sodium Diet Guidelines
