Diet for Diabetics with Other Complications

For diabetics with other complications, in addition to sugar intake, other types of diets have to be followed. They are fat restricted diet, salt free diet, low salt diet and a diet which allows moderate salt intake, low protein diet, high protein diet.

For diabetics with hypertension, a salt free or low salt diet and a fat restricted diet is recommended.

In a salt-free diet or low salt diet, sodium intake is restricted. Avoid highly salted foods such as cheese, butter, ketchups, sauces, canned foods, margarine, pickles, papads, chutneys, items that contain preservatives and baking powder, salad dressing containing mayonnaise, Chinese food with its ajinomoto content, organ meats (brain, liver) cured and processed meats (salami, sausages, smoked fish, ham, bacon) etc.

In a salt restricted or a low salt diet, spices and herbs may be used, to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Moderate salt intake diet should be given for diabetics with hypotension. For diabetics with jaundice, fat and high protein diet should be totally avoided. Dal can be given only in much diluted form. Very low protein vegetables are tomatoes, brinjal, pumpkins, carrots, onions, French beans, beet roots, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, celery, radish, turnips, lettuce and cucumber. Very low protein fruits are pears, apples, pineapples, grapefruit and mandarin.

For a diabetic nephropathy patient, a high protein diet is recommended. Nuts, pulses, eggs and milk contain high protein content.

Sugar, salt and fat restricted diet is recommended for patients with diabetic foot (gangrene), diabetic retinopathy (complications of the eye) diabetic neuropathy (nerves).
(Salt free and protein free breads, biscuits and rusks baked from wheat flour are available in some shops).