Living with renal diabetes can be tough. With the right treatment and appropriate home maintenance, however, renal diabetes can be controlled and using renal diabetes menus can make it easier.

Monitor Everything

What you eat and drink plays a huge part in controlling and maintaining renal diabetes. Every bite and every sip, however troublesome, should be careful monitored.

Seriously consider keeping a food diary. Every sip of water, tea, juice or any other beverage should be recorded, as well as anything you eat.

Keeping a food diary helps you in multiple ways. It can help you and your doctor make decisions on what changes may need to be made. It can also help keep you aware of the choices you make, therefore helping you to make better decisions.

Meal Planning Ideas

For each meal, you want to have the right balance to maintain proper nutrition and to control blood sugar and kidney function. Planning out each meal makes food decisions much easier. Follow these guidelines for meals and snacks:

Breakfast

The number one rule for any diet plan is to not skip breakfast. Start each day with a healthy balanced breakfast to level out your blood glucose and give yourself the energy to get going.

Example: One egg or low-cholesterol egg substitute, scrambled with chopped bell peppers and/or onion. Pair with half a plan bagel with two teaspoons of low fat cream cheese. Have a small (1/2 cup) glass of low calorie unsweetened cranberry juice to drink.

Lunch

Lunch can often be the hardest meal of the day to control, as you might be out and about or at work. Combat this issue by carrying your lunch with you. Not only will it be easier to maintain a healthy diet, but it will save you money.

Example: A turkey sandwich made with fresh sliced cooked turkey (deli meats often are pumped with extra sodium) on a Kaiser roll with lettuce and two teaspoons of light mayonnaise. For a side, a small apple and a serving of low sodium unsalted crackers are good. Have a small glass of sugar free lemonade to drink.

Dinner

For dinner, focus on lean protein and fiber to keep you full and blood sugar levels controlled through night.

Example: One four ounce grilled chicken breast or fish fillet with ½ cup white rice and one ear of corn on the cob. Pair with a small side salad made with ½ cup raw spinach leaves and a few sliced fresh strawberries. Top with two teaspoons of low sugar balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy a small glass of diet clear soda (such as sprite or ginger ale).

Snacks

Snacks are an important part of your meal plan that requires meticulous planning. Not carrying a snack with you can lead to poor decisions when you are out and about and find yourself hungry. Here are some snack ideas:

•    1 cup of air-popped popcorn, plain or seasoned with salt-free butter spray options.

•    A handful of baby carrots with a small amount of fat-free low sodium ranch dressing.

•    A small apple or serving of apricot halves.

Living with renal diabetes can be difficult, but finding a proper balance in your daily life can mean all the difference.

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