A diabetic renal diet will help control blood sugar levels as well as slow the progression of kidney disease. Your diet is an important part of the treatment of these diseases - limiting simple sugars, protein, certain minerals and perhaps fluid intake will stabilize glucose without placing unnecessary strain on your kidneys. Always work with your doctor and dietitian to design a diet that meets your specific nutritional needs. These needs change as renal failure progresses.
Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Diabetic nephropathy is the leading type of kidney failure. Up to 40 percent of Type 2 diabetics may have impaired kidney function. Chronic high glucose levels damage the smaller blood vessels that feed your kidneys as well as burden your kidneys by forcing them to work harder to filter excess glucose. Tight control of blood sugar levels can help prevent diabetic kidney disease.
Diet Basics
Your diet should be tailored to your specific needs. Those in the early stages of kidney disease may not need to limit protein intake and can follow American Diabetic Association Guidelines of 12 to 20 percent protein intake. As kidney disease progresses, protein intake may need to be as low as 10 percent of total caloric consumption. Potassium, phosphorous and sodium must be limited -- as your kidneys would be strained to filter and remove excess minerals from your bloodstream. The American Association of Kidney Patients suggests that diabetics with renal problems should consume between 60 and 70 percent of their calories in the form of complex carbs low in potassium and phosphorous.
Breakfast Carbs
Choose carbs that are low in added sugars, contain some fiber and low in potassium and phosphorous. Diabetics with normal kidney function are encouraged to eat whole gain high-fiber carbs; these tend to be too high in minerals for those with kidney disease. Instead choose breads made from refined white flours such as English muffins or bagels; dry breakfast cereals, cream of wheat and grits are also good choices. Milk is often limited to 4-oz servings because of the mineral and protein content. Berries, apples, pears, pineapple, tangerines and watermelon are good choices, but dried fruits such as raisins and prunes, bananas, avocados and oranges.
Breakfast Proteins and Fats
Because your protein intake may be limited, choosing HBV, or "high biological-value" protein is important. Assimilating HBV protein is easier -- getting amino acids to your tissues easier. Eggs, chicken beef and fish are HBV proteins, says Columbia University Health Systems. Eggs are a great breakfast choice, as is cottage cheese. Avoid bacon, sausage and hard cheeses. The AAKP recommends limiting fat intake to keep calorie count low; excess weight contributes to insulin resistance. Avoid saturated fats such as butter or lard and trans fats found in commercially baked snack foods and sweets.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Kidney Disease of Diabetes; September 2008
- American Diabetes Association: Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)
- American Association of Kidney Patients; I Have Diabetes: Do I Need A Special Diet?; Rita Dimmitt, RD
- Davita: Diet Tips for Diabetics with Kidney Disease
- Columbia University Health Systems; Low-Protein DIabetic Renal Diet; May 1997
