[foodnfoto]

Does anyone know of websites that offer delicious recipes for the diabetic?

I have a particularly tricky project coming up that involve developing recipes for people who suffer from kidney disease that results in the arrival of diabetes as well.

I'm trying to find some resources with nutritional guidelines for these two problems. Unfortunately, nutritionists aren't necessarily versed in good cooking, so if I ask about a particular food or ingredient, say flax seeds, maple syrup or radicchio, it's unusual to get a straight answer.

BTW the biscotti recipe on the other thread looks pretty good. The other advice offered by our community is really helpful too.

[Mezzaluna]

FnF, I'd be eager to find some good recipes too. I don't have diabetes but would like to eat as if I did (low sugar, careful carb intake, etc.)

I'll nose around and see what I can find.

Mezz

[eds77k5]

go to diabeticgourmet.com, there are a lot out there besides that one, hope that helps. i had type 2 diabetes and cured it through a change in diet, cut out a lot of sugar, lost about 30 pounds, doctor said i did good, except for my good cholesterol, which was low.

[Vera Bradley]

I have a particularly tricky project coming up that involve developing recipes for people who suffer from kidney disease that results in the arrival of diabetes as well.

I'm trying to find some resources with nutritional guidelines for these two problems.

Foodnfoto, a renal diet combined with diabetes limitations may be the most challenging diet of all. I wish you success in your project.

The forbidden foods list on the renal diet alone astounded me, especially the severe limits on potassium, which in a normal diet is considered a good thing. Add to that the dietary restrictions for diabetes and it's a daunting task to plan a menu with much variety. But it can be done.

DaVita is a dialysis provider and the website offers renal-safe recipes, most of which are also suitable for people with diabetes. Recipes on the DaVita site do include the detailed nutritional information you seek: Click Here.

There is also an abundance of help online through the National Kidney Foundation (many patients with kidney failure also have diabetes, so they address nutrition issues for both illnesses).

List of Cookbooks for Kidney Patients

I hope this helps.

[foodnfoto]

Thank you Vera

I've been working with the kidney disease people for a while now on several cookbook projects. But the newest one involves the combination of the two problems. Whew! It is a challenge!
For example-people with diabetes should eat complex carbs with lower glycemic index, hence, whole wheat, brown rice, etc. Unforturnately, grain with fiber and low glycemic index also contain high levels of phosphorus and potassium, which are bad for people with renal problems. Nuts are also a problem ingredient as well as many others. Sugar substitutes are also a no-go due to the minerals contained in them.
I'm starting to feel a little bi-polar when researching all of this.
Thanks for all your help. I'll keep you updated with the progress.

[Vera Bradley]

Unfortunately, nutritionists aren't necessarily versed in good cooking, so if I ask about a particular food or ingredient, say flax seeds, maple syrup or radicchio, it's unusual to get a straight answer.

Please consider a phone or email consultation with a renal dietician rather than a nutritionist or even a regular dietician. Explain what you are doing and that you are unfamiliar with the renal diet. Believe me, these specialists will want to help you protect the patient. Check with a large hospital. Your best bet will be a teaching hospital with a kidney transplant program.

Or least read some of the literature that renal dieticians provide to their patients. The people who selected you for this project can get it for you, and will probably be happy that you are so conscientious.

I know it's frustrating for the cook, but the issue goes beyond good cooking or good taste. The renal dietician's first consideration will always be which ingredients may help or harm the renal patient's health - and that can vary by individual. Even daily fluid amounts are restricted, and that includes the water used in soups or gelatin salads or desserts. That is an example of why this diet is so challenging.

But there are some foods and ingredients that should usually be avoided by all renal patients. I've copied a list for you:

Diabetic Diet for the Predialysis Renal Patient

Beverages or liquids not allowed:
• Milk
• V-8 juice
• Tomato juice
• Colas
• Milkshakes

Spices not permitted:
• Onion salt
• Garlic salt
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Fish sauce
• Anchovies
• Capers
• Bouillon
• Anything with MSG
• Ketchup
• Steak sauce
• Regular salad dressing

You may not eat:
• Sugar
• Honey
• Jelly
• Jam
• Mints
• Hard candy
• Chewing gum
• Syrup
• Ice cream or sherbet
• Oatmeal
• Milk
• Ham
• Sausage
• Corned beef
• Potato chips
• Cheese
• Beans or legumes
• Canned soups
• Desserts made with milk
• Yogurt
• Pizza
• Liver
• Nuts
• Chocolate
• Sardines
• Chinese food


What is the difference between a hemodialysis and predialysis diet?

Hemodialysis
• Protein intake of 1.2 g/kg per day
• Sodium intake of 2 grams per day
• Potassium intake of 2 grams per day
• Phosphorus intake of 1 gram per day
• Fluid intake (depending on urine output) of around 5 cups per day

Predialysis
• Protein intake of 0.6 g/kg per day
• Sodium intake of 2 to 3 grams per day
• If protein intake is low, phosphorus intake will be low.
• High calorie intake from carbohydrates and polyunsaturated fats
• No potassium or fluid restriction

[Vera Bradley]

Sorry, we were posting at around the same time and I didn't see your answer until my second post was already up.

I have a keen interest in this topic, and experience as well. My older brother has diabetes and developed end-stage renal failure. He endured thrice-weekly diaysis treatments for about a year and a half while trying to keep his job. Now he still has diabetes, but the dialysis (and the restrictive renal diet) is over! He had a transplant last summer. It was a success, thank God.

The only reason I mention this to encourage others with friends or family on dialysis who think they might want to explore getting a kidney transplant or the process of becoming a living donor. It's a very personal decision and not right for everyone, but I'm happy to help take some of the fear out of the decision-making process if I can.

[Vera Bradley]

Foodnfoto:

How far along is your renal diabetic recipe project?