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What Is a Diabetic Renal Diet?

C. Webb
C. Webb

A diabetic renal diet is a nutritional plan to be followed by diabetics who also have kidney disease. Over 50 percent of those with chronic kidney disease are also diabetic, underscoring the importance of diabetic patients following a diabetic renal diet. In some cases, the diet is designed for patients already in various stages of renal failure. In other cases, the diet is designed for a diabetic to follow to try and prevent renal problems from occurring. Diabetics often have difficulty eating properly for their diabetes and their kidney issues.

The primary goal of the diabetic diet is to maintain consistent, acceptable blood sugar levels. This is most easily achieved by eating at the same time each day, not skipping meals, and choosing low glycemic carbohydrate foods. Including the same amount of carbohydrates in each meal will help the body maintain blood sugar levels without the peaks and valleys seen with uncontrolled diabetes. Examples of low glycemic carbohydrates include brown rice and sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes and whole grain breads, however, are high in potassium and should be avoided as part of a diabetic renal diet plan.

Cauliflower is a good part of a diabetic renal diet.
Cauliflower is a good part of a diabetic renal diet.

A renal diet focuses on reducing the amount of sodium, potassium, and phosphorous in the daily diet. The diabetic can eat a blood sugar reduction diet, while at the same time maintaining a renal diet plan. Sodium is in many foods; therefore, patients should learn to read labels and search for foods with low sodium content. In addition, renal diet experts often discourage patients from drinking coffee and dark-colored diet sodas. The sodium content of such products are too high for a diabetic, renal patient to safely consume on a regular basis.

Squash, zucchini, and broccoli may be consumed on a renal diet.
Squash, zucchini, and broccoli may be consumed on a renal diet.

Clear diet sodas, water, and unsweetened teas are typically allowed on diabetic renal diet plan. Vegetables such as cabbage, eggplant, beets, cauliflower, and broccoli are generally recommended for diabetic diets and renal diets because of their high vitamin content and low potassium and carbohydrate content. High-sodium meats including bacon, sausage, and organ meats should also be avoided.

Drinking water is recommended for those on a diabetic renal diet.
Drinking water is recommended for those on a diabetic renal diet.

Raw vegetables are preferable to canned vegetables for many reasons, including vitamin potency; however, with a diabetic renal diet, it becomes especially important, as canned vegetables are typically very high in sodium content. Several sessions with a certified nutritionist can provide the diabetic renal patient with an overview of foods he or she should enjoy as well as those that should be avoided. Portion control is also important when it comes to blood sugar control, and a nutritionist will help the patient learn about portion sizes.

Discussion Comments

julies

There are many dieticians who can help someone work through the diabetic and renal diet restrictions. If you work with a trained professional it will help you stay motivated and also help you still get the nutrients that your body needs.

It is never easy to make these type of changes, but if you see results, then it is easier to stay motivated. I know that some dieticians even specialize in certain areas - especially in the case of diabetes.

myharley

Trying to follow a diet for both diabetic and kidney issues can be a real challenge. I think one of the hardest things for diabetics to conquer is their diet. I have seen my niece struggle with this for a long time.

There is no way you can separate the connection between diet and diabetes, and in many cases you can avoid diabetes by following certain diet programs.

Her diabetes must have eventually affected her kidneys, because now she also has kidney problems and wonders what can she eat.

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    • Cauliflower is a good part of a diabetic renal diet.
      By: ExQuisine
      Cauliflower is a good part of a diabetic renal diet.
    • Squash, zucchini, and broccoli may be consumed on a renal diet.
      By: Dani Vincek
      Squash, zucchini, and broccoli may be consumed on a renal diet.
    • Drinking water is recommended for those on a diabetic renal diet.
      By: anyaivanova
      Drinking water is recommended for those on a diabetic renal diet.
    • Some processed animal products should be avoided by those on a diabetic renal diet.
      By: Elena Schweitzer
      Some processed animal products should be avoided by those on a diabetic renal diet.
    • Reading labels and choosing foods with a low sodium content are important for those on a renal diet.
      By: Kadmy
      Reading labels and choosing foods with a low sodium content are important for those on a renal diet.