Diabetes and liver disease have a reciprocal relationship. If you have diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing liver disease and if you have liver disease, you have a greater chance of developing diabetes. If you have nonalcoholic liver disease and diabetes, medical nutrition therapy goals are similar for both conditions.
Nutrition Importance
In a review of the literature published in “Diabetes Care” in 2007, researchers reported that more than 50 percent of people with liver disease and diabetes are malnourished. Not achieving optimal nutrition may worsen your condition and lessen the effect of your treatment. You may feel less hungry, nauseous or have altered taste, which makes it difficult to eat foods. Liquid nutrition is a feasible and noninvasive way of achieving your nutrition goals when they seem unattainable.
Shakes
Nutrition shakes provide a high concentration of vitamins and minerals in a typical 8-oz. serving. Glucerna makes a nutrition shake formulated to keep your blood sugar from spiking too high after ingestion. Drink a shake between meals as snacks or add to smoothies to make an easy-to-drink liquid meal. Make sure your daily calorie intake is appropriate to avoid weight gain; if you are overweight, weight loss may improve your condition.
Liquid Concerns
Alcohol may worsen your condition by causing the liver to work too hard. When you have diabetes, it may also severely lower your blood sugar. It is probably best to avoid alcohol altogether when you have both diabetes and liver disease. Sugary beverages may also add extra calories with little to no nutritional value and complicate blood glucose control. Beverages should be limited to water and nutrient-dense products, such as low-fat milk.
Additional Considerations
Nutrition goals may vary by the severity of your liver disease or diabetes. In more severe cases, fat malabsorption may occur and require supplementation with medium chain triglyceride oil. Additionally, branched chain amino acid supplements may be required to provide adequate protein in the diet without taxing the liver. If you experience excessive bloating or swelling in the abdominal region, fluid restriction may be required. Nutrition goals specific to your needs should be discussed with your physician and registered dietitian.
References
- “Diabetes Care”; Spectrum of Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Management in Patients with Diabetes and Liver Disease; K Tolman et al.; March 2007
- Glucerna: Glucerna Shakes Designed for People with Diabetes
