Diabetic Kidney Disease Diet

Get ready to switch to a diabetic kidney disease diet that brings out quick results safely. This meal plan is a creation for people who aim to manage diabetes and kidney diseases at the same time. As hard as it sounds, this meal plan is the ultimate solution.

As the name suggests, diabetic kidney disease diet is a dietary solution for those with damaged kidneys due to sugar. In other words, people with diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetes and renal diseases

Diabetes and renal disease are closely linked. About 40% of people with diabetes develop kidney diseases!

High blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. It can lead to a condition which is known as diabetic nephropathy. As a result of which, the ability of the kidney to filter waste is damaged, leading to severe kidney diseases.

Over the course of time, this can result in kidney failure. Without a proper diabetic kidney disease diet, it can lead to dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Can nutrition manage both diabetes and kidney diseases?

Nutrition is key in managing both diabetes and kidney diseases simultaneously. The goal is to control blood sugar while protecting kidney function. This involves a carefully planned diabetic kidney disease diet.

For diabetes, your dietician can help you focus on portion control. This might include monitoring your carb intake. They can select low-sodium foods, and limit high-phosphorus foods for you. With regular monitoring and adjustments, they can ensure both conditions are well-managed.

Best foods that you can eat in a diabetic kidney disease diet

Your diet must have some foods that can be useful for both diabetes and kidney diseases. Such foods are:

1.  Cauliflower:

Being low in potassium and phosphorus, cauliflower can be used in many ways.

2.  Cabbage:

This is another good option that is low in potassium. You can use it in many recipes for a diabetic kidney disease diet.

3.  Blueberries:

These little berries are rich in antioxidants and can be a sweet treat for you.

4.  Egg whites:

You can recover by eating egg whites. They can provide you with protein without the phosphorus, which is found in the yolks.

5.  Olive oil:

You can use it as a healthy fat source in cooking and dressings.

6.  Fish:

You can choose fish like cod or tuna in moderation.

Foods that you must avoid eating

Along with what to eat, you must know about what not to eat. Here are some foods that you must avoid in your diet for kidney disease and diabetes

1.  Processed meats:

Not only can they harm your kidneys but also your blood sugar. They have huge quantities of sodium and phosphorus.

2.  Canned foods:

Canned foods contain high levels of sodium which are a red flag for patients with kidney disease.

3.  Dairy products:

Along with their perks, they have a demerit for diabetic kidney disease diet. These food items are too high in phosphorus.

4.  Bananas:

These fruits are too high in potassium which can mess up with your kidney health.

5.  Oranges and orange juice:

Orange and  orange juice, both are high in potassium which can worsen your renal symptoms.

Last stage CKD with diabetes

In the last stage of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with diabetes, nutrition is crucial. The focus is on slowing the disease and managing both conditions.

With a diabetic kidney disease diet, you can get help!

Your dietitian will control your protein intake. It can help reduce kidney workload, often with a target of 0.6-0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. Sodium, phosphorus, and potassium are strictly limited so as to prevent complications in your healing journey.

For diabetes, your carb intake is monitored with complex carbs. Healthy fats are encouraged in your diet.

A sample diabetic kidney disease diet

You can get your personalised meal plan for the same with the help of a dietician. This is a sample of the plan that would help you control your blood sugar while maintaining kidney function:

Breakfast:

• 2-3 Idlis (made without salt)
• A small bowl of sambar (avoiding lentils)
• Coconut chutney.

Mid-morning snack:

A bowl of seasonal fruits

Lunch:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• A cup of low-potassium bottle gourd curry
• Cucumber salad.

Evening Snack:

A few roasted puffed rice

Dinner:

• 2-3 Rotis
• Half cup of cooked eggplant curry
• Two boiled egg whites.

Important Considerations:

Along with this diabetic kidney disease diet plan, you must keep these considerations in mind:

• Avoid adding salt to any food.
• Choose low-potassium and low-phosphorus vegetables.
• Limit dairy and processed foods.
• Control portion sizes in your diet for kidney disease and diabetes to manage blood sugar and kidney health.
• Drink fluids as advised by your dietician.

Frequently asked questions: