Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a lung disorder that causes breathing difficulties. COPD is caused by cigarette smoking and breathing in irritants such as dust, chemical fumes and polluted air. Diabetes is a chronic disorder that causes high blood sugar levels due to lack of insulin or the inability of the body to utilize available insulin. There is no cure for COPD and diabetes. Dietary modifications help manage both diseases.
Balanced Diet
Patients with COPD use more energy for breathing than the average person. COPD patients should eat a balanced diet that contains adequate amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fruits and vegetables, according to ClevelandClinic.org. Protein, carbohydrate and fats provide energy needed for breathing. Patients with COPD who do not eat enough food experience weight loss because the body burns proteins and fats stored in the body to provide energy. Fruits and vegetables provide the body with antioxidants needed to fight frequent respiratory infections.
Foods to Avoid
Patients with COPD should avoid excess intake of fatty foods because they cause weight gain that leads to breathing problems. Obesity causes the heart and lungs to work harder, making breathing more difficult. COPD patients should limit sodium intake because salt causes water retention in the body, which leads to breathing problems. Patients should also avoid caffeinated beverages because they cause dehydration, causing sticky mucus in the lungs. COPD patients should increase water intake to help thin out mucus in the lungs. Overconsumption of alcohol should be avoided because alcohol slows breathing, making it more difficult to cough out excess mucus.
Complex Carbohydrates and Proteins for Diabetics
Medline Plus advises diabetics to eat more complex carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates and proteins help stabilize blood glucose levels because they take a long-time to be digested. Glucose from proteins and complex carbohydrate is released slowly into the bloodstream throughout the day, which helps prevent episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Examples of complex carbohydrates suitable for diabetics include beans, whole grain breads and cereals. Low-fat proteins sources such as lean meat, skinned poultry and low-fat milk are good sources of proteins for diabetics.
Foods to Avoid in Diabetics
Diabetics should avoid over-eating simple carbohydrates such as hard candy, table sugar, honey and syrup, according to Medline Plus. Simple carbohydrates cause sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes should avoid foods in saturated fats such as steak, bacon and hot dogs. Eating saturated fats increases the risk for heart disorders such as coronary heart disease and heart attack. Diabetics should also limit alcohol intake.
