Chronic kidney disease is common in patients with diabetes. These patients have to adjust their diets to accommodate the kidney disease and to ensure appropriate management of the diabetes. Foods with sodium, phosphorus and potassium need to be eaten in moderation and carbohydrate intake needs to be monitored in order to keep blood sugar levels under control, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. A dietitian can help patients with diabetes and renal disease eat the appropriate foods.
Low Sodium Foods
Patients with both diabetes and renal disease need to monitor the amount of sodium in the foods that they consume. Sodium causes the body to hold on to excess fluids, which can lead to high blood pressure, according to the DaVita.com website. Fresh fruits and vegetables are low in sodium; other low sodium choices are fresh meats without high sodium marinades, white bread, unsalted crackers and rice, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. The appropriate serving size of each food should be discussed with a dietitian, and the carbohydrate content of each food needs to be monitored to keep the blood glucose levels normalized.
Low Phosphorus Foods
Phosphorus is a mineral that is present in a variety of foods like fruits, vegetables and starches. In patients with renal disease, the kidneys are not able to remove all of the phosphorus in the blood. The excess phosphorus can cause weakening of the bones, according to DaVita.com. These patients have to limit the consumption of high phosphorus foods while taking into consideration the carbohydrate content of these foods. Some good choices that are low in this mineral include apples, strawberries, grapes, unsweetened dry cereal, Cream of Wheat, and fat-free milk, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients.
Low Potassium Foods
People with chronic kidney disease have to decrease the number of high-potassium foods that they eat, according to Drugs.com. High levels of potassium in the body can lead to muscle problems or heart rhythm irregularities. Some foods that are lower in potassium are bagels, flour tortillas, noodles, fruit cocktail, graham crackers, green beans, lettuce, carrots and blueberries, according to Drugs.com. A dietitian can tell the patient how much of each food adds up to a 15 gram carbohydrate serving, according to American Association of Kidney Patients.
Selected Carbohydrates
Foods with carbohydrates like dairy products and starchy foods can increase the blood sugar levels of a patient with diabetes. The amount of carbohydrates that these patients can eat may also be limited by the amount of sodium, potassium or phosphorus that these foods contain, according to Davita.com. Patients must take both diseases into account when planning meals. Four ounces of fat-free or low fat milk, plain yogurt or sugar-free ice cream or pudding are potential amounts of dairy products that may be appropriate for these patients. Grits, pasta, mandarin oranges, watermelon, corn, peas, and eggplant are other options for foods that contain carbohydrates.
