Protein is an essential component of your diet as a person with
diabetes. The primary role of protein is building and
repairing your body tissues. Protein also regulates the pH level of your blood
(which promotes optimal environmental conditions in your blood), ensures proper
fluid balance, and promotes wound healing. It also helps fight infections and
deliver oxygen throughout your body.
Protein can also be broken down and used for energy, if
necessary.
Most animal proteins contribute saturated fat and cholesterol to the
diet, and they may also be high in calories. Because you have diabetes, you
need to monitor your intake of these foods to decrease your risk for
complications, such as
high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
If your kidney function is impaired, you may have trouble
eliminating the waste products of protein digestion. These waste products can
build up in your bloodstream and be released in your urine. You may need to
limit the amount of protein in your diet. A registered dietitian can help you
set up a low-protein meal plan.
Foods that contain protein
Primary sources of protein in the diet include:
-
Meat.
- Eggs.
- Fish.
- Poultry.
- Milk
and milk products.
- Legumes.
- Nuts.
Animal sources of protein differ from plant sources in the quality
of the protein present. Animal sources of protein are said to be complete or
high-quality protein because they contain all of the essential amino acids (the
final breakdown product of protein digestion) that your body needs. Plant
proteins are said to be incomplete, because they do not contain all of the
essential amino acids.
