More than 75 percent of all adults with diabetes also have high blood pressure, the American Diabetes Association reports. Having both high blood pressure and diabetes significantly increases the risk of end stage kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Following a low-sodium diet can help control your blood pressure. Certain foods included on a low-sodium diet are ideal for Type 2 diabetics.
Broccoli
Broccoli and other fresh vegetables are naturally low on sodium. Also, non-starchy vegetables are low in the glycemic index. Consuming low glycemic index foods regularly can make blood sugar management more effective. A research study published in the May 2011 "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" discovered that compounds in broccoli help reduce oxidation --a common issue in Type 2 diabetics that can cause damage to your cardiovascular system. Avoid adding table salt or soy sauce to broccoli to ensure that it remains a low-sodium choice.
Fruits
Fresh fruits such as apples and bananas are abundant in the mineral calcium. Importantly, they are also naturally low in sodium. Restricting sodium and eating more potassium is more effective than cutting back on sodium alone, Colorado State University Extension reports. Fruits are high in carbohydrates and sugar, however, and should be accounted for in your carbohydrate counting or exchange list diabetes diet.
Nuts
Nuts are a healthy low-carbohydrate and low-sodium choice. A review paper published in the June 2011 edition of "Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases" notes that regular consumption of nuts can help reduce blood pressure in certain individuals. Opt for raw nuts without added salt as salted nuts can contain significant amounts of sodium. Healthy nuts include Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds and peanuts.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are low in sodium and abundant in healthy omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats are important for cardiovascular function, immunity and cognition. According to the American Diabetes Association, consuming fish twice per week can reduce kidney damage in those with Type 2 diabetes --a common consequence of high blood pressure. Types of fish particularly high in omega-3 fats include orange roughy, salmon and flounder.
References
- American Diabetes Association: High Blood Pressure
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition";Broccoli sprouts reduce oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes: a randomized double-blind clinical trial; Z Bahadoran et al.; May 2011
- Colorado State University: Potassium and Health
- American Diabetes Association: Fish May Help Prevent Diabetic Kidney Trouble
