If you have diabetes and kidney disease, you have to adjust your diet to manage both conditions. People with diabetes have to monitor carbohydrate intake because carbohydrates become sugars in the body; to protect their kidneys, these people also have to make sure that the foods they eat are low in phosphorus, potassium and sodium, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. Keeping these multiple considerations in mind can take some practice, but a dietitian can assist you in learning the best foods to eat for your condition.
Carbohydrate Management
Managing the amount and types of carbohydrates you eat is an important consideration if you have diabetes and renal disease. Learning the correct portion sizes of various carbohydrates can allow you to keep your blood sugars within optimal levels. Carbohydrates that are low in sodium, potassium and phosphorus include one slide of white bread, one-half cup of grits, one-third cup of pasta or rice or one-half of a hamburger bun, as reported on the American Association of Kidney Patients. Your dietitian can clarify portion sizes and how many carbohydrates you can have each day.
Low-Potassium Foods
The kidneys eliminate potassium; if you have renal disease, your kidneys are not able to remove the necessary potassium each day. An excess of potassium in the body can cause heart rhythm irregularities and may be life-threatening. You need to eat foods that are low in potassium while keeping carbohydrate amounts in mind as necessary. Low potassium foods include raw cabbage, green beans, lettuce, applesauce, blueberries and cranberries, as noted on Drugs.com. Your dietitian can help identify additional foods that are low in potassium for you to incorporate in your diet.
Low-Phosphorus Foods
Phosphorus is important in the health of the bones in your body; excess phosphorus removes the calcium from the bones and can lead to renal bone disease, as noted by the Canadian Diabetes Association. In renal failure, your kidneys are not able to get rid of phosphorus normally, so you need to eat lower foods with low phosphorus levels to combat that fact. Blackberries, watermelon and pineapples are lower in phosphorus, as noted by the American Association of Kidney Patients. Foods that are high in phosphorus include cola drinks, beer, chocolate, beans and dairy products, according to Drugs.com. Limiting dairy intake and following strict portion control may allow you to eat some of these foods; your dietitian can be of assistance in meal planning.
Protein Modification
When protein is broken down in the body, it creates waste products that are eliminated through the kidneys. In chronic kidney disease, your kidneys can not clear these wastes away; to protect your kidneys, you need to lower the amount of protein that you eat. Chicken, turkey and fish that is not fried or cooked in high-sodium marinades are good choices to eat, as noted by the American Association of Kidney Patients. Managing protein intake can also limit phosphorus and potassium amounts in the body as some protein sources like beans and cheeses may be high in both minerals, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Low-Sodium Foods
Sodium can increase the amount of fluid in the body and can lead to fluid accumulation in the ankles and lungs if you have chronic kidney disease. Too much sodium can also lead to high blood pressure, which can further damage your kidneys. As a diabetic with renal disease, you should limit your sodium intake each day. Avoiding canned and processed foods can lower your sodium intake; cooking with herbs and spices instead of salt can also lower the amount of sodium in your body, as noted on Drugs.com. Your dietitian can help you recognize hidden salt in foods and to make better food choices -- both at home and when eating out.
