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Gallbladder Diet for Diabetes

If you are diabetic, eating the right diet to control gallbladder problems does not have to be difficult---especially if you are already eating healthy. As you continue to control intake of sugar and carbohydrates, you'll need to turn your attention to the kinds of fats you are eating.

  1. Gallbladder Issues

    • The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped pouch located under your liver that stores bile and releases it into your intestine to promote digestion. Bile consists of cholesterol, lecithin, bile salts and pigments, all of which are produced by the liver. Risk factors for developing gallstones include genetics and gender, as women are twice as likely as men to suffer from them, as well as being overweight. Gallstones can trigger symptoms such as abdominal pain, gas, nausea, bloating and vomiting. If symptoms persist, gallbladder removal may be recommended. However, many people develop gallstones without having any symptoms. While 20 percent of people over the age of 65 develop gallstones, only about 4 percent suffer any symptoms. To avoid gallstones, doctors recommend a diet low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, with a moderate intake of calories.

    Diabetes and Gallbladder Diet

    • To control diabetes, most doctors recommend consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, reduced fat and sugar consumption, and eating smaller portions. The same applies to a gallbladder diet, with more focus on reduced consumption of fats. For instance, you'll need to switch to low-fat butter or margarine, low-fat salad dressings and low-fat cheeses. As for diabetics, recommended foods for gallbladder problems include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as oats, bran cereal and brown rice, and low-fat dairy products. Poultry, fish and lean meat are also recommended.

    Preventative Eating

    • To prevent gallstones, avoid fried foods and unhealthy trans, saturated, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats. Read labels carefully. Drink at least six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water throughout the day. In addition, drop some pounds if you are overweight and reduce cholesterol consumption.

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