Low Potassium Diabetic Diet

Individuals who are suffering from diabetes may also be susceptible to kidney problems. Both these disorders can affect the proper functioning of the body. This happens because there is an increase in the blood glucose, and alter the potassium levels in the body, which can affect the function of the kidneys. A failure to perform well may lead to organ damage, which can be life-threatening and fatal in some cases. To avoid this, you need to follow a low potassium diabetic diet, specially designed for this condition. The foods in this special diet should be low in potassium and sodium, such that the blood sugar is kept under control and the body is kept in good health.

Low Potassium Diet for Diabetics

According to a research, there is a relationship between potassium levels and diabetes. Both hyperkalemia (high potassium) and diabetes can cause some unwanted complications in the body. One must follow a low potassium diet for kidney disease as well as for diabetes. Make sure that these low potassium foods for diabetes and kidney disorders are rich in proteins to supplement energy. Choose fruits, vegetables and other foods that provide the necessary nutrients to the body, without increasing glucose levels in the blood. Include health portions of natural, cooked foods rather than gorging on processed foods. Here is a list of foods that can be included in the daily low potassium die for diabetes and kidney disorders. The recommended portion for each of the food item is approximately 100 g per day. The protein intake should also be about 65 to 75 g each day.

• Alfalfa sprouts (1 cup)
• Apple (1 medium)
• Asparagus (100 g)
• Apricots (2 small or 1 medium)
• Blackberries (6 to 7)
• Beans, cooked (1 cup)
• Blueberries (8 to 10)
• Bread, brown, (2 to 3 slices)
• Cabbage, steamed, (75 g)
• Carrots, cooked (1 cup)
• Cauliflower (50 g)
• Celery (1 stalk)
• Corn, fresh (½ ear)
• Cucumber (whole)
• Cherries (1 small bowl)
• Cranberries (Half cup)
• Fruit Cocktail (1 glass)
• Grapes, either black or green (1 cup)
• Grape juice (Half glass)
• Grapefruit (Half or whole)
• Eggplant, baked (60 g)
• Kale (1 cup)
• Lettuce (2 stalks)
• Mushrooms (80 g)
• Noodles (1 cup)
• Okra, cooked (1 cup)
• Green onions (50 g)
• Parsley (50 g)
• Pasta (1 cup)
• Peas, green, boiled (100 g)
• Rice (2 cups)
• Mandarin Oranges (1 fruit)
• Peaches, fresh (1 small)
• Pears, fresh (1 small)
• Pineapple (2 slices)
• Pineapple Juice (1 glass)
• Plums (1 whole)
• Raspberries or strawberries (1 cup)
• Tangerine (1 whole)
• Watermelon (limit to 1 cup)
• Water cress (50 g)
• Yellow Squash (½ cup)
• Zucchini Squash (½ cup)

Foods to Avoid with Diabetes and Kidney Problems

Certain food restrictions need to be followed in case you are suffering from both diabetes and kidney problems. Avoiding the intake of certain foods in the diet, while suffering from diabetes, will help reduce the intensity of this disorder. Here are certain foods that must be completely avoided. From your daily diet, if you want to prevent the disorders from becoming severe.

• Acorn squash
• Bananas
• Canned and processed foods
• Canned vegetables
• Dried fruits
• Potatoes
• Seasoned salt
• Sweetened canned fruits
• Carbonated beverages
• Caffeinated drinks

It is essential to manage both blood glucose and potassium levels in the body to ensure good health. Consulting a health care provider or a dietitian regarding the consumption of food in case one is suffering from diabetes and kidney problems is always advisable. Stay healthy!