If you have diabetes, one of the potential side effects that you may have to worry about is kidney disease. Elevated sugar levels associated with diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys. Since the kidneys remove waste products from the body, changing your diet can help prolong your kidney function and lower the amount of waste requiring removal. If you have kidney disease, you have to limit the levels of sodium, phosphorus, and protein you eat. Your kidney doctor and your dietitian will give you specific guidance when creating a diet for you if you have diabetes and kidney disease.
Carbohydrate Monitoring
Carbohydrates turn into sugars when digested and can influence your blood sugar levels; increased blood sugar levels can damage your kidneys. Carbohydrate counting -- where you monitor the amount of foods that contain carbohydrates each day -- can help you maintain stable blood sugar levels, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. If you have chronic kidney disease, you also have to monitor the types of carbohydrates that you eat. Different types of carbohydrate foods may contain sodium or phosphorus which are substances that you need to limit with kidney disease. Your dietitian can supply lists of foods that explain how much sodium or phosphorus a food contains and what appropriately sized servings consist of. Your physician will work with you and your dietitian to prescribe the right amount of insulin or other anti-diabetic medications to maintain a normal sugar levels based on your diet.
Limit Intake of Sodium
The mineral sodium plays an important role in cell functions but in people with kidney disease, too much sodium can cause high blood pressure -- which can damage the kidneys -- and cause fluid retention or swelling as well. You have to limit foods that contain high amounts of sodium like bacon, deli meats, hot dogs, potato chips, marinades, and sausage, as noted on DaVita.com. Eating fresh meats like lean poultry or fish allows you to season foods with spices and herbs instead of salt or salt seasonings. You also have to be sure that you monitor the carbohydrate content of these sodium-containing foods so that you can control your blood sugar levels while watching sodium amounts.
Monitor Intake of Phosphorus
Phosphorus is another mineral that is eliminated from the body by the kidneys; since in chronic kidney disease the kidneys are not working very well, excess phosphorus can accumulate in the body and can lead to bone disease, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Foods that contain high levels of phosphorus include dark carbonated cola beverages, milk and other dairy products, chocolate, and beer. Some fruits also contain phosphorus; strawberries, watermelon, pineapples and applesauce contain lower levels of the mineral. When eaten in appropriate portions, dairy products and fruits can be incorporated into your diet and can be a healthy addition.
Potassium Restriction
The kidneys -- when working properly -- eliminate potassium; chronic kidney disease may cause an increase in potassium levels. If you have high blood pressure, you may also be placed on medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers which may also increase your potassium levels, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association. High levels of potassium in the body can cause heart problems. To avoid this complication, you have to select foods that are low in potassium as well as low in sodium and phosphorus. Many carbohydrate foods contain significant levels of potassium so you have eat more foods like white bread and bagels, unsalted crackers, rice, noodles and pasta, as noted by the American Association of Kidney Patients. Vegetables like carrots, kale, cucumbers and iceberg lettuce are also lower in potassium and/or phosphorus. Your dietitian will assist you with additional menu options.
Protein Management
Some physicians recommend low protein diets for people who have chronic kidney disease because protein can increase the work that your kidneys have to do. Limiting protein is controversial because protein is important for your body and protein restriction is difficult to accomplish without causing malnutrition, as noted by the Canadian Diabetes Association. Your physician will recommend protein sources that are appropriate for a person with diabetes and kidney disease to eat. Meats and cheeses contain high levels of phosphorus while beans may contain high amounts of potassium or phosphorus. Good sources of protein include fresh chicken, eggs, fish and other types of seafood, as noted by the American Association of Kidney Patients. These foods are low in potassium and phosphorus.
