High Protein Diets and Diabetes

There are many diets available that offer quick weight loss. Some of these diets encourage eating more protein and less carbohydrates as the secret to weight loss success. This eating approach may seem like a good plan if you have diabetes, however, these diets do not come without risks.

The American Diabetes Association does not recommend high protein diets because the long term effects and complications are unknown.

Chronic kidney disease is a long term complication of diabetes. The kidneys get rid of urea, the by-product of protein digestion. If your kidneys are not working properly, it is harder for them to clean the urea out of the blood. If your doctor has told you that you have lost kidney function, you may need to eat less protein. Click here for more detailed information from the National Kidney Foundation

There are certain foods that are considered protein foods. Protein is found in large amounts in animal foods such as:

Following a diet that encourages large amounts of these foods could be harmful if you have diabetes and kidney disease. If you have been told you need to follow a diabetic-renal diet, visit a Registered Dietitian that can develop a plan based on your specific needs.