From the Guidelines
Kidney beans are generally safe and beneficial for individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) due to their low glycemic index and high fiber content, as supported by the most recent guidelines from the Diabetes Care journal 1. The guidelines recommend individualized meal plans that emphasize key nutrition principles, including the inclusion of nonstarchy vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts/seeds, and low-fat dairy products, while minimizing consumption of meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, refined grains, and ultraprocessed foods. Some key points to consider when consuming kidney beans as part of a diabetic diet include:
- Kidney beans have a low glycemic index, which can help regulate blood sugar levels
- They are high in fiber, which can slow down digestion and sugar absorption
- Kidney beans are a good source of protein, which can help with satiety and blood sugar control
- They contain important minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can be beneficial for overall health in diabetics It's also important to note that kidney beans should be prepared properly by soaking and cooking them thoroughly to avoid digestive issues, and consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet tailored to individual needs and in consultation with a healthcare provider or dietitian. Additionally, the guidelines from the Annals of Internal Medicine 1 support the consumption of a balanced, healthy diet that is high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber, legumes, plant-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and nuts, and lower in processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages, which is consistent with the recommendation to include kidney beans in a diabetic diet.
From the Research
Safety of Kidney Beans for Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- Kidney beans are a part of plant-based diets, which have been shown to be beneficial for individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) 2, 3, 4.
- Studies suggest that plant-based diets can help delay the progression of CKD and manage complications and co-morbid conditions such as hypertension, acidosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease 3, 4.
- Kidney beans contain α-amylase inhibitors, which can help regulate blood glucose levels 5.
- The metallothionein-kidney bean polyphenol complex has been shown to have antidiabetic activity in type 2 diabetic rats by improving insulin resistance and regulating gut microbiota 6.
Nutritional Management of CKD/DM
- A patient-centered plant-focused low-protein diet (PLAFOND) can be implemented by renal dietitians under Medical Nutrition Therapy for the nutritional management of CKD/DM 2.
- The ideal quantity of dietary protein for individuals with CKD/DM is still a topic of debate, with some guidelines recommending 0.8 g/kg/day and others recommending 0.6 to <0.8 g/kg/day 2, 3.
- Plant-based protein sources, such as kidney beans, may be beneficial for individuals with CKD/DM due to their high dietary fiber and low glycemic index 2, 3.
Gut Microbiota and Kidney Beans
- The α-amylase inhibitor in white kidney beans has been shown to regulate gut microbiota and improve blood glucose levels in mice 5.
- The metallothionein-kidney bean polyphenol complex has been shown to increase the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestinal contents of rats and reverse intestinal microflora dysbiosis 6.