By Elizabeth Valdes
Living with diabetes and chronic kidney disease is challenging, but also extremely common. Every 1 in 3 Americans with type 2 diabetes suffers from CKD, and this largely impacts the 38 million Americans who experience diabetes as a whole. Although there are many treatments for these diseases, a critically balanced diet can decrease their progression and eliminate the risk of complications.
Limitations in the diet:
High sodium levels are the biggest concern when becoming cautious about what to consume. Kidneys, over some time, are no longer able to control the balance of sodium- water; therefore, a decrease in this factor would encourage lower blood pressure and limit fluid buildup. This symptom is seen commonly in CKD. Industrialized foods with high sodium include sausages, ready-to-eat sauces, canned goods, bacon, and frozen market meals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s best to search for low sodium, 5% or less on food packages.
Many nutrients, such as potassium and phosphorus, are vital in one’s diet to maintain nerve, muscle, and bone mobility, but exceeding the upper limit can be harmful for those with CKD and diabetes. Excess potassium accumulation in the blood can lead to major cardiac issues. “Kidney damage from CKD can affect how well your kidneys remove extra potassium,” explained M.D. Kevin Harris for the HealthLine blog. “High levels of potassium in the blood can be dangerous.”
As for phosphorus, there are similar reasons behind its suggested limitation. Kidneys cannot extract additional phosphorus from blood and an excess amount of this mineral can damage its vessels and weaken bones. Beans, nuts, and whole-grain bread are a few examples of foods high in phosphorus. A limit on these food items is recommended.
Balanced Meal
So what does a nutritionally balanced meal that focuses on aiding in CDK and diabetes look like? Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), Emily Weeks, highlights the importance of dedicating half of a balanced meal plate to non-starchy vegetables. Examples such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and bell peppers contain “essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers while promoting overall health,” claims Weeks. In contrast, ¼ of starchy vegetables and grains should be added to this “plate” as well. Although it’s essential to regulate these foods to manage CDK, it’s equally vital to provide the necessary energy and nutrients. Foods that highlight this claim include sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa.
Lastly, a special emphasis is placed on lean, plant-based, and animal-based sources of proteins. Consuming moderate amounts of protein helps manage diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) by balancing out meals and easing the kidney’s burden. Surprisingly, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), plant proteins have specifically been shown to “slow disease progression complications” in support of kidney health. Some examples include lentils, beans, and tofu.
Embracing a diabetic- and kidney-friendly diet involves more than just limiting certain foods; it’s about making thoughtful choices that nourish your body and provide essential nutrients while keeping blood sugar levels and kidney function in check. A revolutionary step toward better diabetes control and kidney health is adopting a diabetic- and kidney-friendly diet, which can significantly improve your overall quality of life. By following the recommended meal planning guidelines and incorporating the suggested food examples into your daily routine, you can not only manage your diabetes and support kidney function but also promote better overall health and well-being.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 30). Diabetes and kidney disease: What to eat?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/what-to-eat.html#Diabetes%20&%20CKD%20Foods
Higuera, V. (2020a, April 27). The link between chronic kidney disease and high potassium. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/high-potassium/chronic-kidney-disease-and-high-potassium#takeaway
Intechnic, http://www. intechnic. com, & Diabetes Food Hub, A. D. A. (2023, August 1). Embracing a diabetes and kidney-friendly meal plan. Diabetes Food Hub. https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/articles/embracing-a-diabetes-and-kidney-friendly-meal-plan.html#:~:text=Eating%20a%20variety%20of%20nutrient-dense%20foods%20that%20are,manage%20diabetes%2C%20and%20lead%20to%20better%20overall%20outcomes.
Astra Stem 
Leave a comment