Diabetes and foot ulcers and nutrition

When you have a foot ulcer, it is important that you focus on your diet.

It is a good idea to eat more protein, vitamin C and zinc because it helps your ulcer heal.

Protein is the body’s building block.

You will find a high protein content in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese and milk products.

For example, you can eat more protein for your breakfast by selecting ymer (sour milk) or skyr (Icelandic yoghurt) and a soft boiled egg.

For lunch, you can add fried eggs or scrambled eggs.

You can also eat an extra piece of cheese or luncheon meat to the bread.

For your dinner, you can eat extra meat.

You can also eat more protein in your snacks.

For example, you can eat cheese snacks, a slice of bread with a slice of luncheon meat or have a yoghurt drink without added sugar or the like.

There is also protein in milk.

You can therefore drink a glass of milk with one of your main meals.

Milk causes your blood sugar to rise, but not to such an extent if you consume it with other foods.

You will also find protein in plants.

Beans, lentils, nuts and soya contain plant protein.

However, the protein content is less and does not boost the healing of your ulcer quite as well

as when you eat proteins from meat and milk products.

You will find vitamin C in citrus fruits, red bell pepper, potatoes and generally in fruit and vegetables.

You mainly find zinc in seafood like shrimp or crab.

You will also find zinc in meat products.

Most people have their vitamin C and zinc demands met by eating a varied diet,

but to be on the safe side, you can take a multi-vitamin pill daily.

If you have any questions, speak to your doctor or a clinical dietician.

For more information go to www.helbredsprofilen.dk