Best Protein Food For Diabetes Patients

Protein intake in diabetes is complicated and depends on various factors. These factors include whether a patient has type 1, type 2, or pre-diabetes. There are additional guidelines for patients who show signs of kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy).

In general, diabetes dietary guidelines recommend that proteins should provide 12 - 20% of total daily calories. This daily amount poses no risk to the kidney in people who do not have kidney disease. Protein is important for strong muscles and bone. Some doctors recommend a higher proportion of protein (20 - 30%) for patients with pre- or type 2 diabetes. They think that eating more protein helps people feel more full and thus reduces overall calories. In addition, protein consumption helps the body maintain lean body mass during weight loss.

Foods high in protein such as fish, chicken, meats, soy products, and cheese, are all called “protein foods.” You may also hear them referred to as ‘meats or meat substitutes.”

The biggest difference among foods in this group is how much fat they contain, and for the vegetarian proteins, whether they have carbohydrate.

Best Protein Choices
The best choices are:
•    Plant-based proteins
•    Fish and seafood
•    Chicken and other poultry
•    Cheese and eggs

Plant-Based Proteins
Plant-based protein foods provide quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They vary in how much fat and carbohdyrate they contain.
     •    Beans such as black, kidney, and pinto
     •    Bean products
     •    Hummus and falafel
     •    Lentils
     •    Peas such as black-eyed or split peas
     •    Edamame
     •    Soy nuts
     •    Nuts and spreads like almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter
     •    Tempeh, tofu

Fish
Fish is probably the best source of protein. Evidence suggests that eating moderate amounts of fish (twice a week) may improve triglycerides and help lower the risks for death from heart disease, dangerous heart rhythms, blood pressure, a tendency for blood clots, and the risk for stroke.

Poultry
Choose poultry without the skin for less saturated fat and cholesterol.
     •    Chicken, turkey, cornish hen

Cheese and Eggs
     •    Reduced-fat cheese
     •    Cottage cheese
     •    Egg whites and egg substitutes