Sodium

A person with diabetes is at greater risk for high blood pressure. Your risk will be even higher if you include too much sodium in your diet. While the optimum minimal intake is not known, health officials are more concerned about limiting sodium intake than about ensuring that people take in enough. Both the 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Heart Association suggest limiting sodium to 2,300 milligrams (approximately 1 tsp. of salt) daily. People who have high blood pressure, kidney disease, and other heart conditions should check with their healthcare professional for a suggested maximum intake.