Diabetic Renal Diet Patient Information

As a diabetic patient with kidney damage, you need special attention to diet in order to remain as healthy as possible. Already familiar with a good diabetic diet, now you must make dietary changes to slow further kidney damage. No single diabetic renal diet will accomplish this. There are several diet components that must be worked out with your dietitian and physician in order to maintain proper weight, control blood sugar and optimize kidney function.

Protein

• According to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Renal Unit website, protein is an important component of the diabetic renal diet. Moderate protein intake is important for health. For some, this may mean a reduction, as a diabetic patient, without kidney damage, may consume excessive amounts of protein in order to control blood sugar. For some, this will mean an increase to obtain necessary nutrition. You must maintain strict control of the amount of protein consumed.

Salt or Sodium

• Salt or sodium is an important factor in the diabetic renal diet. Although some salt is needed in the diet, most consume much more than needed. The diabetic renal patient must control salt intake. You must not add salt to foods and should control foods containing hidden salt (ketchup, pickles, processed foods). Salt substitutes are not suitable, as most contain too much potassium. Experiment with different spices to add flavor without salt.

Fluids

• Measure and limit all fluids. Fluids do not just include water. Ice cream, gelatin, juices, coffee, soups and some fruits and vegetables also contribute to the fluid total. It is difficult to control fluids if you consume too much salt. Your doctor will determine your fluid requirement, depending on whether you are on dialysis.

Potassium

• Depending on your condition and your doctor's instructions, you may need to limit potassium. Fruits and vegetables are necessary for good health, but many are high in potassium. Again, you must maintain balance. Your doctor will run tests for potassium and will determine, from the results, how much restriction is needed. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) states that excess potassium in your system can cause dangerous heart damage.

Phosphate

• Control the phosphate in your food to avoid bone disease and artery damage. Excess phosphate may also cause severe itching. Most protein sources, especially dairy products, contain phosphate. Also convenience foods often have phosphate added.

Energy

• Energy is important. Diabetic renal patients are often malnourished due to decreased appetite or other illness. In this case high-energy foods will be necessary to build up strength. Alternatively, you may need weight reduction, again to be determined by your doctor.