Cystic Fibrosis-related diabetes often occurs because of pancreatic dysfunction that accompanies cystic fibrosis, according to St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK. It is associated with insulin resistance and low blood-insulin levels. Early diagnosis and treatment with insulin therapy, plus individualized nutrition counseling helps to improve nutritional status and can help prevent the worsening of lung function that can occur with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
Healthy Diet
If you have cystic fibrosis and diabetes, you need to consume a diet that is high in calories, fat, protein and salt, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This is because impaired pancreatic function results in poor absorption of food, and you need extra nutrition to fight the frequently occurring lung infections that are part of cystic fibrosis. Because fat is a major source of calories, a high-fat diet is recommended. Carbohydrates turn into sugar and raise your blood sugar levels, but they are also an important source of calories and should not be restricted.
Carbohydrate Intake
Eat three meals and three snacks daily, getting carbohydrates from breads, potatoes, rice, pasta, peas, corn, cereals, fruits, snack chips, cake, pie, pudding, yogurt, milk and ice cream. Your insulin dosages can be adjusted to help control your blood sugar, based on your carbohydrate intake.
Fat Intake
If you have cystic fibrosis and diabetes, you need a diet high in fat to maintain a healthy weight. High-fat foods include fatty fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, margarine, butter, cream, oil, mayonnaise, peanut butter, bacon, coconut, olives, avocados, nuts, seeds and fried foods.
Proteins, Fruits and Vegetables
Proteins that are high in fat, such as whole milk, creamed soups, prime cuts of meat, ribs, sausage, cold cuts and fried chicken are recommended. These foods will help you maintain a healthy weight. Two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables are recommended daily for a balanced diet.
Salt Intake
With cystic fibrosis, the cells in your sweat glands don't function properly. This can lead to an imbalance of salt and water in your body. You can lose up to five times more salt in your sweat than someone who doesn't have cystic fibrosis. Because of this, a high-salt diet is recommended.
