People with diabetes are three times more likely to also develop cardiovascular disease, so heart disease prevention is also a key component of diabetes treatment strategies. The primary diabetic dietary strategies to address heart disease risk include limiting fat intake, increasing fiber and omega-3 fatty acid intake, and considering more of a vegetable-based diet.
Limiting Fat Intake
Saturated fats are found mainly in animal products such as red meat, whole milk dairy products, and eggs. Trans fats are manufactured by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid and less likely to spoil. They are often found in prepared food mixes, snack cookies, and crackers intended to have a long shelf life. Both saturated fats and trans fats have been linked to high cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
Saturated Fats and Unsaturated Fats
Increasing Fiber Intake
Fiber is another nutrient that has been shown to impact both blood sugar control and heart disease risk. Food fiber intakes of 25-35 grams a day have been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Increasing Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Numerous studies have shown that the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include reducing inflammation and providing a level of protection from chronic diseases such as heart disease. The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend eating fatty fish 2 to 3 times a week as a safe and effective way to obtain the heart health benefits of omega-3s (but caution the same fish intake in pregnant women).
Vegetable-Based Diets
Finally, there is also evidence that Mediterranean and vegetarian diets can help with both diabetes and heart disease prevention and control. These diets tend to be naturally rich in dietary fiber, low in saturated fats, and higher in omega-3 fatty acids.
Sources:
Franz MJ, Powers MA, Leontos C, Holzmeister LA, Kulkarni K, Monk A, Wedel N, Gradwell E. The Evidence for Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Adults. Journal of the American Dietetic Assocation. 2010;110(12):1852-1889.
