Diabetes is the number one cause of renal failure; you can be affected even when you have good blood sugar control. Diet plays an important role in managing both diabetes and renal disease, and combining the two diets can be confusing. When it comes to diabetes, you need to manage your carbohydrates, and for renal disease, you need to manage sodium, potassium, phosphorus and fluid. Knowing what foods to eat for both can make meal planning easier.
Low-Potassium Fruits
If you are a renal diabetic, you must control your fruit intake for potassium and carbohydrates. Your kidneys are responsible for excreting potassium, and when they begin to fail, their ability to excrete waste decreases. To prevent potassium buildup in the blood, choose more low-potassium fruits. Carbohydrates in fruits raise blood sugar; controlling the amount you eat at each meal can help you better manage blood sugar. Each serving of fruit contains 15 g of carbohydrates. Low-potassium fruits and serving sizes include a small apple, plum or tangerine, 1/2-cup serving of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes or watermelon, 1/2 cup of canned fruit packed in its own juice or half of a grapefruit.
Starches
Starches also contain carbohydrates, and you need to consider portion sizes when meal planning. Each serving contains 15 g of carbohydrates. Low-sodium, low-potassium and low-phosphorus choices include one slice of white bread, 1 oz. of a white bagel, half a hot dog or hamburger bun, six unsalted crackers, 3/4 cup of unsweetened ready-to-eat cereal, 1/2 cup of cooked grits, 1/2 cup of cooked cream of wheat, 1/3 cup of pasta or rice and half of a 6-inch flour tortilla.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods contain carbohydrate, potassium and phosphorus. High intakes of phosphorus lead to bone demineralization. You should limit your intake of dairy foods to two servings a day, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. Dairy foods allowed for renal diabetics include 1 cup of skim milk, 6 oz. of plain yogurt, 1/2 cup of sugar-free ice cream or 1/2 cup of sugar-free pudding. Each serving contains 15 g of carbohydrate.
Meats
Meats contain protein and phosphorus. If you are on dialysis, you do not need to limit your intake of these foods unless instructed to by your doctor. If you are not on dialysis, limiting your intake of foods high in protein can preserve kidney function, according to the authors of "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Meat choices include poultry, fish, shellfish, lean red meats, eggs and cottage cheese. Prepare meats fresh without added salt to limit your sodium intake.
Vegetables
Vegetables contain only small amounts of carbohydrates, and intake is not usually restricted. Vegetables do, however, provide potassium and phosphorus. Low-potassium and low-phosphorus vegetable choices include asparagus, carrots, cabbage, beets, cauliflower, eggplant, kale, celery, peppers, onions, iceberg lettuce, snow peas and turnips.
Beverages
The kidneys also help to excrete fluids. You may need to limit your fluid intake to prevent fluid buildup. Talk to your doctor about how much to drink each day. Safe beverage choices for the renal diabetic include Crystal Light, diet root beer, clear diet sodas, unsweetened tea and water.
References
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., Sylvia Escott-Stump. M.A. R.D.; 1996
- American Association of Kidney Patients: How Can I Follow My Diabetic and Renal Diet Restrictions?
- NIDDK: Kidney Disease of Diabetes
