Dietary potassium may help prevent kidney and heart problems in diabetics

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/ason-dpm110615.php

Public Release: 12-Nov-2015
Dietary potassium may help prevent kidney and heart problems in diabetics

American Society of Nephrology

•••••

Diets rich in potassium may help protect the heart and kidney health of patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN).

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing kidney failure and heart disease.

•••••

Higher levels of urinary potassium excretion, which closely correlate with intake amounts, were linked with a slower decline of kidney function and a lower incidence of cardiovascular complications. Sodium levels were not associated with kidney or heart health during follow-up.

"For many individuals with diabetes, the most challenging part of a treatment plan is to determine what to eat. The results in our study highlight the importance of a diet high in in diabetes nutrition therapy," said Dr. Araki.