MENU
 
 

It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

 


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

What is the best diet for both diabetes and gout?

I have a friend who lives with both diabetes and gout. He doesn't handle either of these conditions particularly well. He and his wife recently went to a small seminar and asked the dietitian there for some tips on handling diet when one does have both diabetes and gout. She was really unable to answer him! She didn't even refer him to some literature or advise him where to find good information. So, I was just wondering if you could offer some advice regarding this. I appreciate any information you can provide.

Dr. Gourmet Says...

ingredients for a healthy fish soup, with tomatoes, vegetables, garlic and fish

The key to treating both conditions can be found in a healthier diet. For diabetics diet is the cornerstone of controlling blood sugar. The information about Mediterranean diet can help you to understand the foundations of the diet recommended by the American Diabetic Association. This is your friend's first step toward feeling better. You can find information on the Mediterranean diet here on this website.

The nutrition section on the American Diabetes Association website will help reinforce these principles.

Gout can be well controlled in many folks with change in diet and lifestyle. Excess animal proteins are what leads to issues with gout more than any single food. Here's our section on gout.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet