If you have diabetes, you may develop kidney failure, also called renal failure. If renal failure advances to stage 5 renal disease, also called end-stage kidney disease, you may need dialysis. Dialysis removes waste products from your blood that are normally removed by the kidneys. Since your kidneys aren't functioning well, toxic waste products can build up in your blood, making you ill. When you're on dialysis and have diabetes, you need to control several elements of your diet.
Low Potassium
Potassium regulates your heartbeat, among other things. However, too much potassium in your blood can cause your heart to stop beating, sometimes without any warning. Since the kidneys normally regulate potassium levels, dialysis takes over this function when you're in renal failure. Between dialysis treatments, potassium levels can rise. Foods high in potassium to avoid include avocados, bananas, kiwi and dried fruit, along with a number of other fruits and vegetables, the National Institute of Diabetic and Digestive and Kidney Disorders reports. Limit fruits and vegetables to 3 cups per day, Northwest Kidney Center advises. Avoid salt substitutes, which normally contain potassium chloride.
Low Phosphorus
Phosphorus, like potassium, can build up in the blood. High phosphorus levels can remove calcium from your bones, increasing the risk of fracture. Foods high in phosphorus include milk, cola products, dried beans and peanut butter. Cola products should be avoided if you also have diabetes because they supply high amounts of sugar with no nutrients. Your doctor may prescribe phosphorus binders to remove phosphorus from your blood.
Low Sugar
While high calorie intake is recommended for some people undergoing dialysis, if you're also diabetic, your doctor may suggest avoiding sweets that supply not only calories but high amounts of sugar. Candy, cookies, cakes and other sweets should be limited if you're diabetic, but always follow your center's specific guidelines on how many carbohydrates to eat each day and in what form. Since many fruits and vegetables also contain potassium, balancing your need for healthy carbohydrates with your other dietary needs will probably require input from a dietitian.
Low Sodium
To avoid fluid retention, you may need to follow a low-sodium diet. This puts less stress on the kidneys. In some cases, your fluid intake may also be restricted. Since elevated blood-sugar level causes excessive thirst, keeping your blood sugars low helps you feel less thirsty if your fluid is restricted, DaVita, a large kidney-care provider, states.
High Protein
Although you may have followed a low-protein diet before starting dialysis, large amounts of protein are usually required once dialysis begins, the NIDDK states. Your body needs protein to repair tissues and maintain muscle mass. Lean meats low in phosphorus help supply protein while keeping phosphorus levels down. Protein doesn't affect your blood sugar levels, so a high-rotein diet helps keep blood sugar under control.
