For diabetics, controlling diet is an important part of the treatment plan. The food you eat affects glucose levels; foods high in sugar and starch can cause glucose levels to rise. Chronic high blood sugar levels increase the risk of serious complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage and blindness. Foods that slow digestion, such as protein and fat, can help stabilize glucose levels.
Low-Carb Diets and Weight Loss
Low-carb diets can be an effective weight-loss tool. As many as 80 percent of people with diabetes are overweight or obese, according to a Temple University School of Medicine study, published in April 2005 in "Diabetes Care," which observed how a low-carb diet affects obese diabetics. Participants in the study lost weight and stabilized glucose levels. Patients were allowed to eat unlimited amounts of protein and fat, but carb intake was limited. The research concluded that by taking away carbohydrates, the patients spontaneously reduced their daily energy consumptions by 1,000 calories a day. Although they could have, they did not compensate by eating more proteins and fats. The carbohydrates were clearly stimulating their excessive appetites.
Limiting Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates aren't inherently bad. Sugar, starch and fiber are different types of carbs. While sugar and starch can quickly raise glucose levels, fiber slows digestion and the conversion of food into glucose. A low-carb diet works if you choose nutrient-dense, high-fiber carbs that provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. Many diabetes diets suggest using the glycemic index (GI) as a guide for choosing the right carbs. The GI measures the potential of any food to raise blood sugar. The lower a food scores on the GI, the less impact it has on blood sugar. Your carbs should come from vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains and dairy -- which contain natural sugars and are low GI foods. Avoid highly refined foods that may be low in fiber and contain added sugars.
High-Protein Diets and Diabetes
High-protein diets aren't often recommended for diabetics. Metabolizing protein can strain your kidneys -- not a problem if you have healthy, functioning kidneys. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About 45 percent of people with kidney disease have diabetes. If you already have impaired kidney function, a high-protein diet can speed progression of kidney disease. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DIseases recommends that people with kidney disease limit protein consumption to 10 percent of their caloric intake. Most low-carb/high-protein diets suggest 30 percent protein consumption -- far above the NIDDK recommendation.
Animal vs. Plant Protein
High-protein diets are often high in animal protein found in meat, seafood and dairy products. This type of protein typically contains saturated fat, which can increase your LDL cholesterol -- the "bad" type of cholesterol associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, protein from plant sources, such as legumes, nuts and soy, don't have the high-saturated fat content of animal proteins. Plant proteins are also high in fiber which helps increase satiety and may aid in weight loss by helping you eat less food or eat less often -- resulting in less total calorie consumption. Although plant protein can be high in carbohydrates, if these carbs come from fiber, rather than starch or sugar, they will have a minimal impact on blood sugar.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DIseases; Kidney Disease of Diabetes; Sept. 2008
- American Heart Association: High-Protein Diets
- Science Daily; Study Of Obese Diabetics Explains Why Low-Carb Diets Produce Fast Results; April 8, 2005
- University of Maryland: Your Diabetes Diet -- General Dietary Guidelines
- "Harvard University Gazette"; Too Much Protein May Cause Reduced Kidney Function; March 13, 2003
- "Diabetes Care"; Lipids and Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes: What About the β-Cell and the Mitochondria?; Guenther Boden; April 2005
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