How many carbs per day for diabetics type 2. Carb Counting for Type 2 Diabetes: Optimal Daily Intake and Management Strategies

15.07.202317.06.2023 by alexxlab

How many carbs should a person with type 2 diabetes consume daily. What are the best practices for carb counting in diabetes management. How do different types of carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels. Which foods are recommended for a diabetes-friendly diet.

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Understanding Carbohydrates and Their Impact on Blood Sugar

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes. When consumed, carbs break down into glucose, entering the bloodstream and raising blood sugar levels. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, this process can be problematic due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production.

There are three main types of carbohydrates:

Sugars (simple carbs)
Starches
Fiber

Each type affects blood sugar differently, making it essential to understand their unique properties for effective diabetes management.

Simple Carbohydrates: Sugars

Simple carbs, or sugars, are quickly broken down by the body, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes. These include:

Natural sugars found in fruits and milk
Added sugars in processed foods and baked goods

While natural sugars can be part of a balanced diet, added sugars should be consumed in strict moderation to avoid sudden blood glucose increases.

Complex Carbohydrates: Starches

Starches are complex carbohydrates that take longer for the body to break down. They are found in:

Vegetables like potatoes, corn, and peas
Grains such as wheat

Starches can be further classified into two types based on their structure: amylose and amylopectin. While both are important parts of a balanced diet, foods high in starches, especially amylopectin, can cause blood sugar spikes and should be consumed in moderation.

Fiber: The Beneficial Carbohydrate

Fiber is a unique type of carbohydrate that the body doesn’t digest but still offers significant nutritional benefits. It helps promote feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in healthier food choices and reduced snacking. Fiber-rich foods include:

Beans
Broccoli
Avocados
Apples

Fiber can be classified into two types: soluble and insoluble, both offering different health benefits.

The Importance of Carb Counting in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Carb counting is a valuable tool for individuals with type 2 diabetes to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. By tracking carbohydrate intake, people can:

Prevent or delay the development of diabetes-related complications
Avoid blood sugar spikes
Better control blood glucose levels
Monitor the impact of diet on oral diabetes medications or insulin injections

Effective carb counting allows for more precise management of type 2 diabetes and can contribute to overall health improvement.

How to Count Carbs: Practical Strategies for Diabetes Management

Carb counting involves tracking the number of grams of carbohydrates consumed in each meal or snack. Here are some practical strategies to implement carb counting:

Read nutrition labels: Most packaged foods provide information on total carbohydrate grams per serving.
Pay attention to serving sizes: Adjust carb counts if your portion differs from the listed serving size.
Use reliable resources: For foods without labels, consult the USDA’s FoodData Central database for nutritional information.
Keep a food diary: Track your carb intake using a notebook or smartphone app.

Consistently tracking carbohydrate intake can help individuals with type 2 diabetes make informed dietary choices and better manage their blood sugar levels.

Determining the Optimal Daily Carb Intake for Type 2 Diabetes

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to determining the ideal daily carbohydrate intake for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The optimal amount varies based on several factors, including:

Activity level
Weight
Individual insulin response

Finding the right balance is crucial, as consuming too many carbs can lead to blood sugar spikes, while too few may result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

To determine your optimal carb intake, consider the following guidelines:

Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian
Start with a baseline of 45-60 grams of carbs per meal
Monitor blood sugar levels before and after meals
Adjust carb intake based on blood sugar responses
Consider individual factors such as medication, exercise, and stress levels

Remember that carb needs may change over time, so regular reassessment and adjustments are essential for effective diabetes management.

Recommended Foods for a Diabetes-Friendly Diet

A well-balanced, diabetes-friendly diet should focus on nutrient-dense foods that have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Here are some recommended food choices:

Non-Starchy Vegetables

Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce)
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Bell peppers
Tomatoes

Lean Proteins

Chicken breast
Turkey
Fish (salmon, tuna, cod)
Tofu
Eggs

Healthy Fats

Avocado
Nuts and seeds
Olive oil
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)

Complex Carbohydrates (in moderation)

Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats)
Sweet potatoes
Beans and lentils
Berries

Incorporating these foods into your diet can help manage blood sugar levels while providing essential nutrients for overall health.

Foods to Limit or Avoid with Type 2 Diabetes

While no foods are strictly off-limits for individuals with type 2 diabetes, certain items should be limited or avoided due to their potential to cause rapid blood sugar spikes:

Refined grains (white bread, pasta, rice)
Sugary beverages (soda, fruit juices)
Processed snacks and baked goods
Candies and sweets
Fried foods
Alcohol (in excess)

When consuming these foods, it’s important to do so in small portions and as part of a balanced meal to minimize their impact on blood sugar levels.

The Role of Glycemic Index in Diabetes Management

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a valuable tool for individuals with type 2 diabetes to make informed food choices. It measures how quickly a food can raise blood sugar levels compared to pure glucose.

Foods are categorized into three GI ranges:

Low GI (55 or less)
Medium GI (56-69)
High GI (70 or above)

Choosing foods with a lower GI can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as portion size and overall nutrient content when making dietary decisions.

Low GI Foods to Include in Your Diet

Non-starchy vegetables
Most fruits
Legumes
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds

Incorporating these low GI foods into your meals can help manage blood sugar levels more effectively.

Meal Planning Strategies for Type 2 Diabetes

Effective meal planning is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. Here are some strategies to help create balanced, blood sugar-friendly meals:

Use the plate method: Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with complex carbohydrates.
Practice portion control: Use measuring tools or visual cues to ensure appropriate serving sizes.
Spread carbs throughout the day: Distribute your carbohydrate intake evenly across meals to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Include protein and fiber with carbs: This combination can help slow digestion and minimize blood sugar fluctuations.
Plan ahead: Prepare meals in advance to avoid impulsive food choices.

Consistently following these strategies can lead to better blood sugar control and improved overall health for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

The Impact of Exercise on Carbohydrate Metabolism

Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes and can significantly impact carbohydrate metabolism. Exercise can:

Increase insulin sensitivity
Lower blood glucose levels
Improve cardiovascular health
Aid in weight management

For individuals with type 2 diabetes, it’s important to consider how exercise affects blood sugar levels and adjust carbohydrate intake accordingly.

Exercise and Carb Intake: Finding the Right Balance

The relationship between exercise and carbohydrate intake is complex and varies from person to person. Consider the following guidelines:

Monitor blood sugar before, during, and after exercise
Adjust carb intake based on exercise intensity and duration
Consume a small carb-rich snack before prolonged or intense workouts
Be prepared to treat low blood sugar during or after exercise

Working with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian can help develop an individualized plan for balancing exercise and carbohydrate intake.

Technology and Tools for Carb Counting and Diabetes Management

Advancements in technology have made carb counting and diabetes management more accessible and accurate. Here are some tools that can assist in tracking carbohydrate intake and monitoring blood sugar levels:

Smartphone apps for food tracking and carb counting
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
Smart insulin pens
Digital food scales
Online nutrition databases

These tools can provide valuable insights into how different foods and activities affect blood sugar levels, enabling more precise diabetes management.

Choosing the Right Technology for Your Needs

When selecting technology to aid in diabetes management, consider the following factors:

Ease of use
Compatibility with other devices or apps
Cost and insurance coverage
Accuracy and reliability
Data sharing capabilities with healthcare providers

Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine which tools are most appropriate for individual needs and preferences.

The Psychological Aspects of Carb Counting and Diabetes Management

Managing type 2 diabetes through carb counting and dietary changes can be challenging and may impact mental health. It’s important to address the psychological aspects of diabetes management, including:

Stress related to constant monitoring and decision-making
Feelings of deprivation or guilt associated with food choices
Anxiety about potential complications
Burnout from the demands of diabetes management

Recognizing and addressing these psychological challenges is crucial for long-term success in managing type 2 diabetes.

Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Mindset

To promote a positive approach to diabetes management, consider the following strategies:

Practice self-compassion and avoid negative self-talk
Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
Work with a mental health professional specializing in chronic illness management
Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories
Focus on overall health rather than perfect blood sugar control

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of diabetes management, individuals can develop a more balanced and sustainable approach to their health.

The Future of Diabetes Management: Emerging Trends and Research

The field of diabetes management is constantly evolving, with new research and technologies emerging to improve the lives of those with type 2 diabetes. Some promising areas of development include:

Artificial intelligence-powered insulin dosing algorithms
Advanced continuous glucose monitoring systems
Novel medications targeting different aspects of glucose metabolism
Personalized nutrition plans based on genetic and microbiome analysis
Stem cell therapies for beta cell regeneration

These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize diabetes management, making it more precise, less burdensome, and more effective in preventing complications.

Participating in Diabetes Research

Individuals with type 2 diabetes can contribute to the advancement of diabetes management by participating in clinical trials. Benefits of participation may include:

Access to cutting-edge treatments
Close monitoring by healthcare professionals
Contributing to the development of new therapies
Potential for improved diabetes management

Those interested in participating in clinical trials should discuss options with their healthcare provider and consider resources like ClinicalTrials.gov to find suitable studies.

As research continues to advance our understanding of type 2 diabetes and its management, individuals can look forward to more personalized, effective, and less burdensome treatment options in the future. By staying informed about emerging trends and actively participating in their care, people with type 2 diabetes can play a crucial role in shaping the future of diabetes management.

Carb Counting With Type 2 Diabetes

Content

Overview
Understanding how carbs affect type 2 diabetes
How do I count carbs for type 2 diabetes?
How many carbs should I eat in a day if I have type 2 diabetes?
Foods to eat and avoid
The lowdown

More than 9%¹ of people in the US have type 2 diabetes. The condition is characterized by high blood sugar caused when your body doesn’t produce or use insulin correctly.

If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems like kidney and heart disease, vision loss, and an increased risk of stroke. Most people can manage the harmful effects of type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise. In some cases, they may also need medication to help keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

If you have type 2 diabetes, carb counting can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Doing so can help prevent or delay the development of complications. Learn more about how carbs affect your blood sugar levels, how to count them, and the best foods to add to a diabetes-friendly diet.

Have you considered clinical trials for Type 2 diabetes?

We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Type 2 diabetes, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available – and be a part of finding a cure.

Check your eligibility

The carbs you eat significantly impact your blood sugar levels. When you ingest carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose (sugar). Glucose then enters your bloodstream, which raises your blood glucose levels.

In a non-diabetic person, insulin helps move glucose out of the bloodstream into the cells, where it’s used for energy.

When you have type 2 diabetes, you may be insulin resistant or unable to produce it sufficiently to remove glucose from your bloodstream. This keeps your blood sugar levels elevated, which can lead to serious health complications.

Limiting your carb intake can be helpful. By monitoring how many carbs you consume, you can avoid blood sugar spikes which put extra demand on your insulin supply. You may also be able to control your blood sugar levels and keep them in a healthy range more effectively.

Tracking carbs can also help you monitor how your diet impacts the effect of oral diabetes medications or insulin injections.

Carbohydrates can be simple or complex. Your body breaks down simple carbs like table sugar and baked goods quickly, which leads to blood sugar spikes.

Complex carbs take longer for your body to break down and help you feel fuller for longer. You should stick to complex carbs as much as possible.

There are three types of carbohydrates:

Sugar

These include natural sugars found in foods like milk and fruit, and added sugars found in processed foods and baked goods. Sugars can quickly raise blood glucose levels, and processed sugar should be consumed in strict moderation.

Starches

There are two types of starch carbohydrates based on their structure: amylose and amylopectin.

You’ll find starches in certain vegetables, such as potatoes, corn, and peas. You’ll also find starches in grains like wheat.

While you should eat plenty of vegetables and whole grains as part of a well-balanced diet, foods high in starches can also cause spikes in blood sugar, especially amylopectin. You should only eat these foods in moderation.

Fiber

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate your body doesn’t digest, but it still has high nutritional value. Fiber helps you feel full for longer, which may help you make healthier food choices and avoid too much snacking.

Foods high in fiber include beans, broccoli, avocados, and apples. Like starch, it can also be classified into two types: soluble and insoluble.

To count carbs, you should track how many grams of carbohydrates are in the foods you eat. You can do this for most foods by reading the product’s nutrition facts label. The label will list the total number of carbohydrate grams per serving, including all three carb types.

You should pay attention to your serving size when calculating how many grams of carbs you consume. For example, you will need to make an adjustment if the serving size for your favorite cereal is one cup on the nutrition label, but you eat a cup and a half.

If you are eating something that doesn’t have a nutrition label, such as an apple or whole grains, you can use the USDA’s FoodData Central database to look up the nutritional information.

The easiest way to track your carbs is to keep a food diary. You can do this in a notebook or by using an app on your smartphone.

There is no fixed formula to determine how many carbs you should eat each day with type 2 diabetes. The amount differs from person to person and depends on several factors, including your activity level, your weight, and how your body responds to insulin.

Finding the right balance is important. Eating too many carbs can cause a blood sugar spike, while eating too few could cause your blood sugar to drop — a condition called hypoglycemia.

Tracking your blood sugar levels before and after meals can help your doctor determine the amount of carbs you should eat.

Some common recommendations include:

Moderate carb diets, where 26–44% of your daily calorie intake comes from carbs
Low-carb diets, where less than 26% of your daily calorie intake come from carbs
Very low-carb or ketogenic diet, where less than 10% of your daily calorie intake comes from carbs

Health professionals usually recommend a low-carb diet to help manage type 2 diabetes. Low-carb diets have been shown to improve blood sugar control and decrease the need for medication. Some people who stick to a low-carb diet experience diabetes remission.

Depending on your doctor’s advice, you can determine the amount of carbs to eat each day based on how many calories you typically consume.

For example, if you usually eat around 2,000 calories a day and your doctor recommends sticking to a low-carb diet, fewer than 520 calories a day should come from carbs. One gram of carbs contains four calories, so you can consume 130 grams of carbs per day.

You should consume a healthy, well-balanced diet focused on whole foods.

Your diet should include:

Lean meats (including fish, chicken, turkey, and some pork cuts)
Complex carbohydrates (vegetables and beans)
Whole grains (found in brown rice, oatmeal, and popcorn)

Try to avoid processed foods like baked goods, crackers, pasta, chips, soda, and alcoholic beverages, as these often contain added sugar. Use the nutrition label to find out if there is added sugar.

If you are struggling to control your blood sugar levels by making changes to your diet, or if you feel you need additional support in managing your type 2 diabetes, ask your doctor to refer you to a dietician.

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. It can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

One of the best ways to manage type 2 diabetes is by making dietary changes, including limiting the amount of carbohydrates you consume each day. Your body breaks down carbs and turns them into glucose which raises your blood sugar levels.

Following a low-carb diet is usually recommended to people with type 2 diabetes, where carb consumption is limited to 26% of your daily calorie intake. This means consuming less than 130 grams of carbs per day if you typically eat 2,000 calories.

Try to eat complex carbs which take longer to break down, versus simple carbs like those found in table sugar and baked goods. Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet rich in lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is a good place to start.

If you are struggling to manage your blood sugar through dietary changes or want additional support, working with a registered dietician may help.

How Many Carbs Should a Person with Diabetes Have?

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Very low carb ketogenic diets

Very low carb diets typically induce mild to moderate ketosis, a state in which your body uses ketones and fat, rather than sugar, as its main energy sources.

Ketosis usually occurs at a daily intake of fewer than 50 grams of total carbs (9).

Very low carb ketogenic diets were prescribed for people with diabetes even before insulin was discovered in 1921 (8).

Several studies indicate that restricting carb intake to 20–50 grams per day can significantly reduce blood sugar levels, promote weight loss, and improve cardiovascular health for people with diabetes (9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16).

In addition, these improvements often occur very quickly.

For instance, in a small 3-month study, people consumed either a low carb diet containing up to 50 grams of carbs per day or a calorie-restricted low fat diet.

The low carb group averaged a 0.6% decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and lost more than twice as much weight as the low fat group. What’s more, 44% of them discontinued at least one diabetes medication compared with 11% of the low fat group (16).

In fact, in several studies, participants have reduced or discontinued use of insulin and other diabetes medications due to improvements in blood sugar control (9, 10, 11, 14, 15).

Diets containing 20–50 grams of carbs per day have also been shown to lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of disease in people with prediabetes (17).

Although concerns have been raised that higher protein intake on low carb diets may lead to kidney problems, a 12-month study found that a very low carb intake didn’t increase the risk of kidney disease (18).

Another study found that the diet might actually improve kidney function in people with type 2 diabetes and normal renal function or mild kidney disease (19).

Low carb diets

Many low carb diets restrict carbs to 50–100 grams, or about 10–20% of calories, per day.

Although there are very few studies on carb restriction in people with type 1 diabetes, those that exist have reported impressive results (20, 21, 22, 23).

One of the biggest concerns for people with type 1 diabetes is hypoglycemia, or blood sugar that drops to dangerously low levels.

In a small 12-month study from 2005, adults with type 1 diabetes who restricted their daily carb intake to fewer than 90 grams had 82% fewer episodes of low blood sugar than before they started the diet (20).

In a 2012 study in people with type 1 diabetes who restricted carbs to 70 grams per day, participants saw their HbA1c drop from 7.7% to 6.4%, on average. What’s more, their HbA1c levels remained the same 4 years later (21).

A 1.3% reduction in HbA1c is a significant change to maintain over several years, particularly in those with type 1 diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes may also benefit from limiting their daily carb intake.

According to a research review, people who consumed no more than 26% of calories from carbs were 32% more likely to experience diabetes remission than people who mostly followed a low fat diet. A person was considered in remission if their HbA1c was under 6.5% (12).

Moderate carb diets

A more moderate carb diet may provide 130–220 grams of carbs per day, or 26–44% of calories in a 2,000-calorie diet (24).

A few studies examining such diets have reported good results in people with diabetes (25, 26).

In a 2010 study of 259 people with type 2 diabetes, those who followed a Mediterranean diet providing 35% or fewer calories from carbs experienced a significant reduction in HbA1c. Over the course of 12 months, HbA1c dropped 2.0% on average (27).

SUMMARY
Studies demonstrate that restricting carbs may benefit people with diabetes. The lower your carb intake, the greater the effect on your blood sugar levels and other health markers.

Many tasty, nutritious, low carb foods raise blood sugar levels only minimally. You can enjoy these foods in moderate to liberal amounts on low carb diets.

However, you should avoid or limit the following high carb items:

breads, muffins, rolls, and bagels
pasta, rice, corn, and other grains
potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, and taro
milk and sweetened yogurt
most fruit, except berries
cakes, cookies, pies, ice cream, and other sweets
snack foods like pretzels, chips, and popcorn
juice, soda, sweetened iced tea, and other sugar-sweetened drinks
beer, wine, and spirits

Keep in mind that not all of these foods are unhealthy. For example, fruits are highly nutritious, but eating large amounts isn’t optimal for anyone trying to manage their blood sugar levels by eating fewer carbs.

SUMMARY
On a low carb diet, you should avoid or limit foods and beverages like beer, bread, potatoes, fruit, and sweets.

Low carb diets have consistently been shown to lower blood sugar and improve other health markers in people with diabetes.

At the same time, certain higher carb diets have been credited with similar effects.

For example, some studies suggest that low fat vegan or vegetarian diets may lead to better blood sugar control and overall health (28, 29, 30, 31).

In a 12-week Korean study, a brown-rice-based vegan diet containing 268.4 grams of carbs per day (about 72% of calories) lowered participants’ HbA1c levels more than a standard diabetes diet with 249.1 grams of total daily carbs (about 67% of calories) (30).

An analysis of four studies found that people with type 2 diabetes who followed a low fat macrobiotic diet consisting of 70% carbs achieved significant reductions in blood sugar and other health markers (32).

The Mediterranean diet likewise improves blood sugar control and provides other health benefits in individuals with diabetes (33).

However, it’s important to note that most of these diets weren’t directly compared with low carb diets, but rather with standard low fat diets often used for diabetes management. More research on these diets is needed.

SUMMARY
Studies suggest that certain higher carb diets may aid diabetes management. Still, additional research is needed.

If you have diabetes, reducing your carb intake may be beneficial.

Multiple studies have shown that a daily carb intake of up to 44% of calories not only leads to better blood sugar control but also may promote weight loss and other health improvements.

Here’s a sample menu, which would provide about 113 grams of total carbs for the day (34):

Breakfast: 1 slice of whole wheat toast (about 14 grams of carbs) plus an omelet made with 2 large eggs (about 1 gram) and 1 cup of nonstarchy vegetables like broccoli and greens (about 10 grams)
Lunch: 12 ounces of lentil soup (about 33 grams) and 1 apple (about 15 grams)
Dinner: 4 ounces of grilled chicken breast (0 grams), 1. 5 cups of nonstarchy vegetables like zucchini and okra (about 15 grams), and 4 ounces of brown rice (about 25 grams)

However, some individuals can tolerate more carbs than others.

Testing your blood sugar and paying attention to how you feel at different carb intakes can help you find your ideal range for optimal diabetes management, energy levels, and quality of life.

It might also be helpful to reach out to others for support. Our free app, T2D Healthline, connects you with real people living with type 2 diabetes. Ask diet-related questions and seek advice from others who get it. Download the app for iPhone or Android.

About the connection between carbohydrates and diabetes

Carbohydrates have a difficult reputation. They are called the culprits of extra pounds, the enemies of a healthy diet, and even advised to cross them out of the diet once and for all. But is everything clear? And how do carbohydrates affect blood sugar? Today we dot all the “i”.

How carbohydrates are related to sugars

When you eat carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into glucose units, which are absorbed into the blood. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin. It helps glucose get into your body cells.

In people without diabetes, sugar levels remain within the normal range throughout the day. It is much more difficult for people with diabetes to keep it normal. And this is necessary to do, because too high or low levels of glucose can greatly harm the body. ¹

Of all macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, the latter have the greatest impact on sugar levels. This is why people with diabetes may need large doses of insulin or medication if they eat a lot of carbohydrates. ¹

Will my sugars be normal if I eat less carbohydrates?

Scientists say yes. Research shows that a low-carb diet reduces or even eliminates the need for medication and significantly lowers sugar levels. In addition, the researchers insist that, unlike drugs, such a diet does not have side effects. ²

^{A carbohydrate-restricted diet works well in the long run. In one study, people with type 2 diabetes followed a low-carbohydrate diet for six months. During this period, they both lost weight and reached stable sugar levels. ³ Moreover, two subjects who followed this diet for three and two years, respectively, lost 20 kg and got rid of all signs of diabetes. ³}

People with type 1 diabetes also benefit from reducing carbohydrate intake. For one study, people with type 1 diabetes followed a low-carbohydrate diet for four years. During this time, every second participant achieved a significant long-term decrease in HbA1c levels. ³

Prior to the invention of insulin in 1921, a very low carbohydrate diet was the primary treatment for diabetes. ⁴

Part of the carbohydrates was removed.

How are the rest?

If you have type 1 diabetes, it depends on how you use your insulin.

If you are using a fixed amount twice a day, it is best to eat the same portion of each carbohydrate at the same time. It is important to determine the right amount of carbohydrates for you and follow these norms. Too many carbohydrates can cause high blood sugar, and not enough can cause hypoglycemia.

If you are on basal bolus therapy, your carbohydrate regimen will be a little more flexible. Most people on this therapy count the amount of carbohydrates they will eat or drink and then calculate how much insulin they need to inject. Also, when calculating, other factors should be taken into account: physical activity, previous episodes of hypoglycemia, any infections. ⁵

How to determine the correct dose of insulin in correlation with your diet – in the article “Bread units”

For people with diabetes, restricting carbohydrates will reduce calorie intake. And calorie restriction will help you lose weight.

Remember that a low-carbohydrate diet stabilizes HbA1c, cholesterol, and blood pressure and reduces your need for medication. ⁵

How do I know how much carbohydrate I can eat?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says there is no one diet that works for everyone. The ADA recommends that you consult with your nutritionist and develop a personalized menu.

To determine the ideal amount of carbohydrates for your body, you can measure your blood sugar levels before meals and 1-2 hours after. As long as your glucose stays below 140 mg/dL (or 8 mmol/L), you can eat 6, 10, or 25 grams of carbs at a time. ¹

Foods to Avoid

Be careful with foods that increase blood sugar levels.

Read more about “dangerous foods” in the resource Type 1 Diabetes Diet

What foods can you eat

Those who are low in carbohydrates. Eat, but consider calories and fat:

meat, poultry, seafood;
eggs;
cheese;
most vegetables;
avocado;
olives;
olive, linseed and coconut oil;
butter, cream, sour cream, cream cheese ¹

Which foods should be limited

(Of course, we are not talking about fast food, cakes and croissants here!)

Berries – no more than one cup.
Greek yogurt – one cup or less.
Sour milk cheese – half a cup or less.
Nuts and peanuts – 30-60 grams.
Flax or chia seeds – 2 teaspoons.
Dark chocolate – no more than 30 grams.
Liquor – 50 grams.
Dry red or white wine – 120 g. Too many carbs is bad, too little is also bad. Therefore, it is worth finding “your” carbohydrates in “your” quantity – so they definitely “will not let you down”.
Features of nutrition in diabetes mellitus – Weight loss with the calculation
It can be congenital or develop gradually. In the early stages, the symptoms are not so pronounced, which makes it difficult to diagnose the disease. Very overweight people are at risk for developing type II diabetes, so diet therapy will become one of the main methods of treatment for them, and for the majority of relatively healthy overweight people it will be a key method of prevention.
Dietary Principles for Diabetes Patients
The American Diabetes Association has compiled a set of nutritional principles aimed at improving metabolic disorders in patients, which in turn will improve well-being and slow down the progression of the disease. Treatment of diabetes requires monitoring the level of sugar in the blood throughout the day – it must correspond to the norm (calorificator). This can be done by normalizing nutrition, but if a person has hyperglycemia, then insulin therapy is indicated for him. All issues of therapy should be resolved exclusively with the attending physician and remember that drug treatment does not reduce the importance of a healthy diet.
Calorie intake should be calculated based on physiological needs (weight, height, age) and lifestyle. Here, as with healthy people, the more active you are, the more calories you need. Particular attention should be paid to the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
The number of meals, including snacks, should be 5-6 times. Nutritionists recommend eating smaller meals to avoid glycemic load and blood sugar spikes.
Carbohydrates
The proportion of carbohydrates in the diet of diabetic patients should be in the range of 40-60%. Since these people have impaired carbohydrate metabolism, it is necessary to build a menu based on carbohydrates. It is believed that diabetics should avoid sugary foods and foods with a high GI, but scientists have found that even a large portion of the most correct carbohydrates leads to a spike in sugar levels, so their consumption must be controlled.
Also, nutritionists recommend that patients with diabetes of any type focus on the glycemic index when choosing products. It is imperative that the total amount of carbohydrates per day is always constant without any food disruption.
To do this, nutritionists began to use the concept of “bread unit” (XE) – a measure equal to 12-15 grams of digestible carbohydrates. That is, not 12-15 g of the product, but carbohydrates in it. It can be 25 g of bread, 5-6 biscuits, 18 g of oatmeal, 65 g of potatoes or 1 medium apple. It has been established that 12-15 g of carbohydrates increase the sugar level by 2.8 mmol / l, which requires 2 units. insulin. The number of “bread units” in one meal should be in the range of 3 to 5. XE tables will help diversify the diet and not go beyond the required amount of carbohydrates.
Fat
The total daily amount of fat should be within 50 g. In diabetes, it is necessary to limit saturated fats from meat (lamb, pork, duck). To prevent atherosclerosis, you should also limit foods high in cholesterol (liver, brain, heart). In total, the share of fat in the diet of patients with diabetes should account for no more than 30% of all calories. Of these, 10% should be saturated fats from animal products, 10% polyunsaturated and 10% monounsaturated fats.
Proteins
The total daily amount of proteins in the diet of diabetics is 15-20% of calories. In kidney disease, the amount of protein should be limited. Some categories of people need more protein foods. These are children and adolescents with diabetes, pregnant and lactating women, people with complications and physically exhausted. For them, the needs are calculated based on 1.5-2 g per kilogram of body weight.
Other power supplies
Needs for other nutritional components are as follows:
- Fiber regulates blood sugar, improves digestion, reduces cholesterol absorption. The needs of people with diabetes in dietary fiber are higher and amount to about 40 g / day;
- Sweeteners are an excellent substitute for sugar and will help prevent spikes in blood glucose. Modern research has proven that most low-calorie sweeteners are harmless if used within the dosage set by the manufacturer;
- Salt should be between 10-12 g/day;
- Water requirement is 1.