For people with diabetes, eating too much protein can be harmful. This is especially true in people with diabetes who have decreased kidney function. The medical community recommends that people with diabetes follow a moderate- to low-protein diet and work with a dietician to develop an eating plan that supports works with their disease and lifestyle needs.
Kidneys and Protein
When large amounts of proteins are consumed in the diet, extra work is placed on the kidneys to filter out and eliminate the waste products produced during protein breakdown. This can lead to the onset of kidney failure, because the kidneys are already being damaged by the diabetes. Eating a low-protein diet will reduce the workload on the kidneys.
Protein's Purpose
Protein is necessary in your diet because it is used to repair all parts of your body. Proteins are used in red blood cell and antibody production, they regulate fluid balance, and assist with blood clotting. Without protein in your diet, your body will begin to breakdown and digest its own muscle in order to obtain the protein it needs to function properly.
Daily Intake
The United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, recommends that a healthy adult consume between 40 and 60 grams of protein each day to maintain good health. For people with diabetes or kidney disease, the amount should be limited to 30 to 50 grams, depending upon the health of the individual.
Protein Sources
Animal products are the most common source of protein. Meat, fish, poultry and dairy products are considered high-protein foods. These types of protein foods may have to be limited in your diet because even a small serving of protein-rich foods may contain too many grams of protein for your body to safely utilize. Lower-protein foods from plant sources are recommended because a higher volume of food can be consumed to satisfy hunger and provide fulfillment. Care must be taken, however, because low protein plant sources also contain starches, which are broken down by the body into sugars, and this can exacerbate diabetes.
Stretching Protein
One way to make it seem as if you are getting more protein than you are is to use thin cuts of meat which gives the impression of a larger serving. Another way is to serve the meal in a way in which the vegetables become the main dish and the meat is a side dish. This can be done by serving larger portions of vegetables on the plate, and designing meals to complement the taste of the vegetables rather than the usual method of having the vegetables complement the meat. Salads can be served with chopped meats and nuts sprinkled on top, and soy-based dressings will add plant based proteins.
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