Cirrhosis is a disease of the liver characterized by severe scarring of the tissue. The scarring blocks the flow of blood and nutrients to the liver leading to further deterioration. Cirrhosis can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Many people with cirrhosis suffer from malnutrition and a healthy diet is recommended to help meet nutrient needs and manage blood sugar.
Starches
Starches make up an essential part of the diet for diabetics with cirrhosis. Starches supply vitamins, minerals and energy. However, starches also contain carbohydrates and intake needs to be controlled. Depending on your calorie needs, you may need 5 to 13 servings of starch a day. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your daily calorie needs. Starch choices and serving sizes for diabetics with cirrhosis include one slice of whole wheat bread, 3/4 cup of whole grain ready-to-eat cereal, 1/2 cup of hot cereal, 1/3 cup of pasta or rice, 3 oz. baked potato, 1/2 cup of corn or peas and six low-salt crackers. Too much sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and ascites -- fluid around the abdomen -- and you may need to limit your sodium intake to 2 g per day.
Fruits
Fruits provide vitamins and fiber. Because fruits contain carbohydrate, limit your intake to three servings a day to help with blood sugar management. Fruit choices and serving sizes for diabetics with cirrhosis include a small apple or orange, 4 oz. banana, 1 cup of diced cantaloupe, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit, two small plums, 3/4 cup of fresh pineapple, 17 grapes and a medium peach. If you have esophageal varices, bulging arteries along the esophagus, choose softer fruits to prevent bleeding.
Milk and Yogurt
Milk and yogurt supply protein, carbohydrates, calcium and vitamin D. Typically, you can have two servings of milk and yogurt a day. You may need to limit fluid intake if you have ascites and may need to limit your milk intake. Milk and yogurt choices and serving sizes include 1 cup of milk, 6 oz. of sugar free yogurt and 1 cup of soy milk.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
Cirrhosis is a highly catabolic disease and adequate intakes of quality protein can help preserve lean body mass. Depending on your calorie needs, you may need 6 to10 servings of meat and meat substitutes a day. Examples and serving sizes include 1 oz. of meat, 1 oz. of poultry, 1 oz. of fish, 1 egg, 1 oz. of low-sodium cheese, 1/2 cup of tofu. You may, however, need to limit protein intake if you have hepatic encephalopathy, which leads to a buildup of ammonia in the blood -- a by product of protein. Talk to your doctor about your individual protein needs.
Nonstarchy Vegetables
Nonstarchy vegetables supply vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and fiber. You may need two to four servings of nonstarchy vegetables a day. Typical serving sizes are equal to 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked. Nutrient-dense nonstarchy vegetables choices for the diabetic with cirrhosis includes broccoli, spinach, carrots, kale, peppers, green beans, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
Fat
You may not have much of an appetite and foods high in fat can act as a concentrated source of calories without having a major impact on blood sugar. Fat choices and serving sizes include 1 tsp. of butter, oil, margarine or mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tsp. of peanut butter, 1 tbsp. of salad dressing and six almonds.
