Cardiac Diabetic Diet

Patients with diabetes often have other conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol that put them at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Being diabetic makes eating a healthy diet for your heart and for effective blood glucose control an important part of your overall treatment. Maintain a healthy weight, eat less saturated fat and keep your blood sugar under control for cardiac health.

Fats

If you are a diabetic cardiac patient, eat a diet low in saturated fats such as butter and lard. Eat lean meats such as chicken, turkey, trimmed pork and sirloin. Eat smaller portions of meat and load your plate with vegetables and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice. Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy products like skim milk and low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese.

Check labels when you buy food for nutrition information. Trans fats raise blood cholesterol levels, putting you at higher risk for blocked arteries, heart attack and stroke. Avoid foods that have trans fats or hydrogenated oils listed. Skip the french fries and other fried foods. Look for margarine and spreads that do not contain trans fats.

Sodium

Limit sodium to decrease hypertension (high blood pressure). Season your food with herbs and spices in the kitchen instead of salt. Do not salt your food at the table. Cook fresh and frozen vegetables instead of canned, and avoid canned soups and processed entrees. Instead, cook your own soups using fresh vegetables and lean meat. Refrigerate leftovers and heat them up in the microwave for a quick and easy lunch. Check labels to avoid hidden sodium.

Carbohydrates

Diabetics should limit carbohydrates to avoid spikes in blood glucose levels, but fiber and nutrition from whole-grain carbohydrates and fruits and vegetables comprise a necessary part of a heart-healthy diet. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, green beans, asparagus and cabbage for most of your meals. Instead of white rice and pasta, eat the whole-grain varieties that are much higher in fiber. Avoid sugary foods and sweets and get your allowed carbohydrates instead from fruit, vegetable, and whole-grain carbohydrate sources.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet help lower cholesterol. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fresh fish prepared on a grill, steamed, or broiled. Soy products and walnuts offer plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Try sprinkling foods such as pasta dishes or hot cereal with flax seed or incorporate flaxseed oil into your cooking.