Protein In A Diabetic Diet

A diabetic diet is a low-fat diet that helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Protein is one component of the diabetic diet, as is all the basic food groups. There is some controversy as to how much protein should be included in a diabetic diet. Most doctors recommend twelve to twenty percent of the daily calorie intake to be protein. Some doctors think that protein should be restricted to ten percent of the daily calorie intake of the diabetic patient. Some studies have been conducted to suggest that protein is a more important component in the diabetic diet as previously thought, though the results of such studies are controversial.

Protein consumption has been shown to speed the development of kidney disease which is associated with diabetes. Proteins can make the kidneys have to work harder to filter the blood. One study showed a decreased need for dialysis in patients who wee in danger of kidney failure and followed a low-protein diet. However, a diet that has too little protein can cause confusion and fatigue.

Protein is slower to metabolize than carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are starchy foods that can show up in elevated blood glucose within an hour. Proteins typically take three to four hours to be converted to blood glucose. Therefore, eating protein with starchy foods can help reduce the sudden spikes in blood glucose levels that starches alone can cause.

Selecting the right protein is beneficial. People with type 2 diabetes are often overweight. Losing weight can make blood glucose levels easier to manage and reduce the need for insulin as part of diabetes treatment. Lean meats are the best choices to fill the protein requirements of a diabetic diet. Fish is a suggested choice. Salmon, halibut, and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids which can encourage heart health.

No matter what meat is selected, the meat should be lean. Fatty meats can add to problems for which diabetic patients are already susceptible. High cholesterol and heart disease risks can increase with the consumption of fatty meats. Since diabetic patients already have an increased risk of heart disease, they should avoid fatty meats.