Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess levels of cortisol, a hormone your body releases in response to stress. These elevated levels can cause a number of problems, including weight gain, an excess accumulation of fat around the abdomen---which can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease and compromised immune function among others. Diabetes interferes with normal insulin function---the hormone that converts carbohydrates into the energy source glucose. Poorly controlled glucose levels can also lead to a host of serious problems including heart disease and stroke. You can use diet to help both of these conditions and in many instances, nutritional recommendations for each of these conditions overlap. You should discuss your diet with your doctor before making any drastic changes to your eating habits.
Counting Calories
Dr. Mary Lee Vance, writing for the Cushing's Support and Research Foundation, recommends restricting your caloric intake to prevent the weight gain associated with Cushing's disease. She recommends eating no more than 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day. This represents a lower caloric intake than normally recommended for a typical person not dieting. Consider working with your doctor or a nutritionist to help design an eating plan that will help you stay in this range while ensuring you get all the necessary nutrients.
Adequate Protein Intake
Dr. Vance also notes that excess cortisol levels interfere with protein breakdown in the body. She recommends consuming adequate amounts of protein to counteract this effect. Good sources include lean meats, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds and low-fat dairy.
Managing Blood Sugar
If you have both conditions, you must exercise diligence in keeping blood sugar under control, since each contributes to excess levels. Monitoring your carbohydrate intake forms a cornerstone for managing blood sugar levels. Limit your intake of carbohydrates that get digested very quickly and lead to large spikes in your blood sugar---this includes food made from white, refined flour and sugary foods and drinks. Eat complex carbohydrates that take longer for the body to break down and supply a steadier release of glucose. Good choices include whole-grain breads and pastas, oatmeal and brown rice. Eating carbohydrates along with fats and proteins rather than by themselves can also keep blood sugar stable. A nutritionist can offer guidance on daily carbohydrate intake appropriate for you.
Limiting Fat and Cholesterol
The National Institutes of Health recommends Cushing's patients keep their daily intake of cholesterol to below 300 mg and saturated fat to less than 10 percent of their total caloric intake. This can help manage the weight gain that contributes to more serious problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Diabetes also increases your risk for these serious conditions as well, and these guidelines will also benefit this condition. You can accomplish these goals by limiting your intake of foods high in saturated fats---the biggest culprits being full-fat dairy products, egg yolks and meat. Cutting back on these foods and replacing them with foods low in cholesterol and fat will help you achieve this end. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, non-animal proteins and whole grains---all of which have little or no cholesterol and low fat content.
Increasing Calcium Intake
Cushing's syndrome can cause thinning of the bones. Eating calcium-rich foods can help to counteract this effect. Low-fat dairy provides the richest source of calcium. Other goods choices include calcium-fortified foods and drinks, soy foods, leafy greens and beans.
