We all know that foods like bananas, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes are very good for the body. But did you know that the nutrient called 'Potassium' found in these foods has a special relationship with diabetes? Sometimes we don't think much about the relationship between these two. But this is something that we all need to be aware of. So today, let's talk about the relationship between potassium and diabetes.
How does potassium affect your insulin?
Okay, let's first understand this simply. The main cause of Type 2 Diabetes is weight gain. The hormone insulin in our body works like a key opening a door. That is, it takes the sugar (glucose) in the blood and sends it into the cells of our body to be used for energy.
Imagine that your body has accumulated unnecessary fat. Then the 'key' called insulin cannot work properly. That means it cannot open the doors of the cells properly. Then the sugar in the blood does not enter the cells and accumulates in the blood, causing the blood sugar level to rise .
This is where potassium comes in. If your potassium levels are low, your body can also produce less insulin. What happens then? Your blood sugar levels rise. Studies have shown that people with low potassium levels are at a higher risk of developing diabetes than those with normal potassium levels.
This doesn't mean that low potassium levels cause diabetes. However, if you are at risk for developing diabetes (for example, if someone in your family has it, if you are overweight), it's a good idea to talk to your doctor and have your potassium levels checked.
Why might your potassium level be low?
You can easily check your potassium levels with a blood test or urine test. This is usually included in our medical test packages.
On average, a woman needs about 2,600 milligrams of potassium per day and a man needs about 3,400 milligrams. But many of us don't get this amount from the foods we eat each day.
Also, some medications can cause low potassium levels. Some diuretics, especially those used to treat high blood pressure, cause the kidneys to excrete more potassium along with sodium. If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to talk to your doctor about this.
Is low potassium dangerous for someone with diabetes?
If you already have diabetes, low potassium can be a sign of a potentially dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) .
Simply put, when the body lacks the necessary amount of insulin, it cannot use sugar for energy. The body then burns fat for energy. When fat is burned in this way, chemicals called ketones are added to the blood. When these ketones build up, they can be toxic to the body.
What are the symptoms of DKA?
- Excessive dryness of the mouth and thirst
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme fatigue and weakness in the body
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience these symptoms, it is an emergency. You should go to the emergency room (ETU) of a hospital immediately. The insulin and fluids given to control this condition in the hospital can cause potassium levels to drop suddenly. Therefore, this is treated by hospitalization and under constant monitoring.
How do you get more potassium?
Potassium is actually essential for many things in our body. A deficiency in potassium can lead to high blood pressure, constipation, fatigue, and muscle cramps. So, the best way to get potassium is to add foods rich in this nutrient to our diet.
| Some foods rich in potassium | |
|---|---|
| Types of fruits | Bananas, apricots (especially dried), raisins, oranges, avocados |
| Vegetables | Pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato, potato, broccoli, tomato |
| Grains and nuts | Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, peas, and beans |
| Other foods | Salmon, chicken, beef, yogurt, milk |
If you don't get enough potassium from these foods, your doctor may recommend a potassium supplement . But never take these supplements on your own without medical advice.
What happens if potassium levels increase?
Too little potassium is just as problematic as too much. This is called hyperkalemia . This condition can occur especially in people with poorly controlled diabetes.
Imagine that your blood sugar levels are constantly high. Then our kidneys start to get damaged. Normally, the main thing that the kidneys do is to excrete excess potassium in the body through urine. When the kidneys are damaged, this job doesn't work properly. Then the potassium builds up in the body and becomes dangerously high.
People with high potassium levels are at a much higher risk of heart disease and other complications.
If your potassium levels are high, your doctor may advise you to:
- Follow a diet low in potassium (e.g. apples, rice, bread, etc.).
- Administer medications such as diuretics or potassium binders to remove excess potassium from the body.
- Avoid using salt substitutes, as they contain high levels of potassium.
- Do not use any herbal remedies or traditional medicine without first consulting your doctor. Some of them can affect potassium levels.
The most important thing is to follow your doctor's diabetes treatment plan exactly. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control will also help keep your potassium levels healthy.
Take-Home Message
- Potassium is an essential nutrient for the hormone insulin to function properly.
- Both low and high potassium levels in the body are a problem. Be especially careful if you have diabetes.
- It is very important to eat a balanced diet rich in potassium.
- If you have diabetes or risk factors for it, always talk to your doctor and get the necessary tests.
- Never take potassium supplements without a doctor's recommendation.
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