For a person with Diabetic Renal Disease, a proper meal plan is an essential
part of treatment. It is necessary to adjust the daily diet to accommodate the
renal disease and to guarantee appropriate management of Diabetes. The basic
principles are: having foods with sodium, potassium, phosphorus in moderation
and limiting carbohydrates in order to have a good control of blood sugar
levels.
Low-Sodium Foods
A person with Diabetic Renal Disease need to limit the intake of sodium
intake, since sodium can cause the body to hold on to extra waster, leading to
hypertension. Using spices or lemon for flavor in the cooking instead of salt.
Fruits and vegetables are low in sodium content, and other low sodium choices
are fresh meats without salt or high-salt marinades, white bread, unsalted
crackers and rice. Limit or avoid canned, cured, processed foods.
Low-Potassium Foods
As the kidney function declines, excessive potassium will collect in the
blood. High potassium can affect heart rhythm. Restrict or avoid high-potassium
foods, such as bananas, oranges, kiwi, apricots, prunes, avocado, green, cooked
broccoli, cantaloupe, potatoes, spinach, vegetable juice and tomato products.
Choose low-potassium foods like apples, canned apricots, berries, grape,
mangoes, papayas, pears, peaches, plums, watermelon, pineapple, fresh broccoli,
cabbage, carrots, celery, onions, corn, lettuce, etc.
Low-Phosphorus Foods
For a person with kidney disease, the phosphorus levels may increase, causing
a decrease of calcium and subsequent weakening of the bones. Proper
low-phosphorus foods include broccoli, corn or mushrooms, zucchini, apples,
strawberries, grapes, unsweetened dry cereal, Cream of Wheat, and fat-free
milk.
Selected Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates has the greatest effect on blood sugar levels, so it is
important to monitor the intake of this nutrient. Foods with 15g of carbohydrate
count as one serving, 30g as two servings and 45g as three servings. Eating the
same number of servings at each meal helps keep blood sugar levels steady.
Specific amount varies with personalized illness condition, and patients can
consult our online doctor or a dietitian.