Dietary Potassium Seems To Preserve Kidney, Heart Health In Type 2 Diabetics

People with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing kidney failure and heart disease. One of the key reasons, according to this Japanese study, may be low intake of potassium. The study was launched in 1996. A total of 623 patients with type 2 diabetes but normal kidney function were enrolled through 2003, and monitored until 2013. Researchers found that patients whose intake (and therefore excretion) of potassium was higher over those years showed slower kidney decline and fewer incidences of cardiac complications (e.g., heart attacks, angina pectoris, stroke, etc.). The findings point to a possible dietary intervention for type 2 diabetics. Foods rich in potassium include beans, dark leafy greens, fish, mushrooms, and bananas.