Diabetes is when your body can no longer produce or utilize the sugar-processing hormone insulin. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be managed through medications, injections, diet and exercise. A varied diet that consists of carbohydrates, fat, protein and fluids will provide the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. But healthy eating also means watching your portion sizes, so measuring foods and using smaller plates can help achieve this goal.
Protein
Protein is essential for cell and tissue growth. Protein takes four to five hours to metabolize and does not raise your blood sugar levels. Proteins are in cheeses, milks, animal meats, soy products, fish, nuts, beans and powders. One ounce, or 1/4 of a cup, is 7 grams of protein, and 1 to 2 oz. is recommended at breakfast, 1 oz. for snacks and 3 to 4 oz. at lunch and dinner. These portions depend on body size and activity level, but most Americans exceed the proper amount of protein.
Protein and Kidneys
Over-consumption of protein can cause extreme stress on your kidneys because they filter out waste products in the blood. Protein byproducts include urea, which can be toxic at high levels. Even though diabetes does not have a direct effect on the kidneys, diabetes and heart disease are the highest risk factors for getting kidney disease because diabetes and heart disease damage artery walls throughout the body and organs.
Protein and Diabetes
Because protein does not increase blood sugar levels, it does not have to be counted with your carbs when adjusting insulin dosage. But protein does contain calories, so it must be counted for your overall caloric intake. A study found that in diabetic patients, substituting lean proteins for saturated-fat meats lowered blood sugar levels, decreased body weight and decreased cholesterol levels. This study also found that increasing the amount of lean protein instead of a high-carbohydrate food will also lower blood sugar levels. Overall, the evidence shows that lean proteins are essential in a balanced diet.
Lean Proteins
The most important thing to remember with proteins is to prepare them properly. Do not fry or cook the proteins with gravy, fat back, hamhocks, butter or heavy-cream-based sauces. Bake, broil, saute or grill your meats. Use healthy oils, such as olive or canola, and light margarines that do not contain trans fat or hydrogenated oils. Use lean cuts of beef, turkey breast, chicken, roast beef, fish, veggie burgers, soy proteins, fresh pork, beans, egg whites or egg beaters, or protein powders. But be aware that beans and soy proteins contain servings of both protein and carbohydrates. Again, consume protein with every meal throughout the day to help control your blood sugar levels.
