Diabetes & High-Protein Diet

A high-protein diet is beneficial and relatively safe for diabetics. However, going overboard with such a diet can be disadvantageous for your body.

Benefits of High-Protein Diet for Diabetics

Unlike carbohydrates, protein does not affect blood sugar. In addition, a high-protein diet makes you feel full longer than a high-carb diet and therefore can facilitate weight loss.

Disadvantages of High-Protein Diet for Diabetics

Diabetics are more susceptible to kidney disease. High-protein foods tend to make the kidneys work harder in order to get rid of extra amino acids the body cannot store. Consuming too much protein may be disadvantageous for diabetics' kidneys.

Good Sources of Protein

Always buy the leanest meats you can find. Try to limit your intake of red meat, and opt for fish, chicken or turkey instead. Saturated fat in red meat tends to increase insulin resistance.

Healthy Sources of Protein for Diabetic Vegetarians

Diabetic vegetarians can get protein from beans and nuts. For example, soy beans and lentils are rich in protein. High-protein nuts include peanuts and almonds.

Bad Sources of Protein

Avoid fatty meat and processed meat. They contain saturated fat and trans fat, which can cause the body to develop several diseases associated with diabetes such as obesity and heart disease.

References

• Take Control Of Your Diabetes; Jeff Bredenberg, Marianne McGinnis and Marie Suszyski; 2009