Diabetes and cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure are prevalent in the HIV/AIDS community due to the effects of the disease and the medications. Diet plays an important role in managing all three diseases. A diet plan for an individual with AIDS, diabetes and high blood pressure should focus on making healthful food choices, controlling carbohydrate intake and limiting sodium.
Calories
Weight loss is a common symptom in people with AIDS. Eating enough calories is essential to help maintain weight. Your daily calorie needs vary depending on your current weight, amount of weight loss and disease state. Your doctor can help you determine your specific calorie needs. In general, calorie needs are estimated by first determining your basal energy expenditure based on the Harris Benedict equation, and then multiplied by a stress factor of 1.5 for weight gain.
The Harris Benedict equation uses your gender, age, weight and height to determine your baseline calorie needs. For men, the equation is 66.5 plus 13.75 times your weight in kilograms plus 5 times your height in centimeters minus 6.78 times your age. For women, the equation is 655 plus 9.56 times your weight in kilograms plus 1.85 times your height in centimeters minus 4.68 times your age. For example, the estimated energy needs for a 50-year-old man who is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds is 2,330 calories.
Protein
Adequate intakes of protein are necessary for preservation of lean body mass for strength and immune health. Your daily protein needs also vary depending on your medical status. For maintenance, you need 1 to 1.4 g of protein per kilogram of body weight, and for repletion 1.5 to 2 g of protein per kilogram of body weight. For example, a 150-lb. person needs 68 to 95 g of protein for maintenance, and 102 to 136 g for repletion. High-quality sources of protein, such as meat, poultry and fish, do not affect your blood sugar.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates in food affect blood sugar. Controlling the amount you eat at each meal can help you control your blood sugars. Keeping blood sugars in control can help prevent infections. Your daily carbohydrate needs depend on your calorie needs. In general, the American Diabetes Association recommends 45 to 60 g of carbohydrate per meal when starting. But you may require more carbohydrates because of your higher calorie needs. Carbohydrate-rich foods include breads, grains, cereals, sweets, fruits, beans, potatoes, milk and yogurt. Reading food labels can help you track and balance your intake.
Sodium
To manage your high blood pressure, you need to limit the amount of sodium in your diet to less than 1,500 mg a day. High intakes of sodium causes your body to retain fluid, which increases blood volume and blood pressure. You can start by not adding salt to your food during cooking or at the table. You should also avoid most processed foods, such as fast food, luncheon meats and soups. Instead, include fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and grains. Reading food labels can also help you limit your intake. Select foods that contain 140 mg of sodium or less per serving.
References
- "Circulation"; Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Risk, and HIV Disease; Steven Grinspoon; 2009
- FAO: Living Well with HIV/AIDS
- Cornell University: Basal Energy Expenditure: Harris-Benedict Equation
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan and Sylvia Escott-Stump; 1996
- American Diabetes Association: Carbohydrate Counting
- Colorado State University Extension; Sodium in Your Diet, J. Anderson, et al.; July 1996
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010; Foods and Food Components to Reduce
