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

06.09.202304.07.2023 by alexxlab

How many carbs should you eat per day with type 2 diabetes. What are the best strategies for carb counting. Which foods should you eat and avoid for optimal blood sugar control. How can you effectively manage type 2 diabetes through 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, they break down into glucose, causing blood sugar levels to rise. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, this process can be problematic due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production.

What are the different types of carbohydrates? There are three main categories:

Sugars: Found naturally in fruits and milk, as well as added to processed foods
Starches: Present in vegetables like potatoes and corn, as well as grains
Fiber: A non-digestible carbohydrate with high nutritional value

How do simple and complex carbs differ? Simple carbs, such as table sugar and baked goods, are quickly broken down by the body, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes. Complex carbs, on the other hand, take longer to digest and help maintain satiety for extended periods.

The Importance of Carb Counting in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Why is carb counting essential for individuals with type 2 diabetes? By monitoring carbohydrate intake, you can:

Prevent blood sugar spikes
Reduce demand on insulin production
Maintain healthy blood glucose levels
Optimize the effectiveness of diabetes medications or insulin injections

How does carb counting help in managing type 2 diabetes? By tracking the number of carbohydrates consumed, individuals can better understand how their diet impacts blood sugar levels and make informed decisions about food choices and portion sizes.

Effective Strategies for Carb Counting

What are the best methods for counting carbs? Here are some practical strategies:

Read nutrition labels: Pay attention to total carbohydrate grams per serving
Use the USDA FoodData Central database for unlabeled foods
Keep a food diary: Track carb intake using a notebook or smartphone app
Be mindful of serving sizes: Adjust calculations based on actual portions consumed

How can you accurately measure carbohydrate intake? Invest in a food scale and measuring cups to ensure precise portion control. This will help you become more adept at estimating carbohydrate content in various foods.

Tools and Resources for Carb Counting

What tools can assist in carb counting? Consider using:

Smartphone apps designed for diabetes management
Online carb counting calculators
Carb counting books or pocket guides
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track blood sugar responses to different foods

Determining the Optimal Carbohydrate Intake for Type 2 Diabetes

What factors influence the ideal carbohydrate intake for individuals with type 2 diabetes? Several variables come into play:

Activity level
Body weight
Insulin sensitivity
Medication regimen
Personal health goals

Is there a one-size-fits-all approach to carbohydrate intake for type 2 diabetes? No, the optimal amount varies from person to person. It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to determine the right balance for your individual needs.

Recommended Carbohydrate Ranges

What are some general guidelines for carbohydrate intake in type 2 diabetes? While individual needs may vary, some experts suggest the following ranges:

45-60 grams of carbs per meal
15-30 grams of carbs per snack
130-230 grams of carbs per day, depending on calorie needs and blood sugar control

How can you determine your personal carbohydrate tolerance? Keep a detailed food and blood sugar log to identify patterns and adjust your intake accordingly. This process may take time and require patience, but it will help you find the right balance for your body.

Choosing the Right Carbohydrates for Blood Sugar Management

What types of carbohydrates are best for individuals with type 2 diabetes? Focus on consuming complex carbohydrates from whole, nutrient-dense sources:

Whole grains (e.g., quinoa, brown rice, oats)
Legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
Non-starchy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, bell peppers)
Fruits with lower glycemic index (e.g., berries, apples, pears)

Why are these carbohydrates beneficial? They provide essential nutrients, fiber, and have a slower impact on blood sugar levels compared to refined carbohydrates.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Which foods should individuals with type 2 diabetes consume in moderation or avoid? Be cautious with:

Sugary beverages and sodas
Processed snacks and baked goods
White bread and refined grains
High-sugar fruits (e.g., tropical fruits)
Starchy vegetables in large quantities (e.g., potatoes, corn)

How can you satisfy cravings for these foods while managing blood sugar? Opt for healthier alternatives or smaller portions, and pair them with protein and healthy fats to slow down glucose absorption.

The Role of Fiber in Type 2 Diabetes Management

Why is fiber crucial for individuals with type 2 diabetes? Fiber offers numerous benefits:

Slows down carbohydrate absorption, leading to more stable blood sugar levels
Promotes feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management
Supports digestive health and regular bowel movements
May help lower cholesterol levels, reducing cardiovascular risk

How much fiber should you aim to consume daily? The American Diabetes Association recommends 25-30 grams of fiber per day for adults. Gradually increase your fiber intake to avoid digestive discomfort, and ensure adequate hydration.

High-Fiber Foods for Type 2 Diabetes

What are some excellent sources of fiber for individuals with type 2 diabetes?

Leafy greens (e.g., kale, spinach, collard greens)
Berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
Nuts and seeds (e.g., chia seeds, flaxseeds, almonds)
Legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
Whole grains (e.g., oats, quinoa, barley)

Balancing Carbohydrates with Protein and Healthy Fats

Why is it important to balance carbohydrates with other macronutrients? Combining carbs with protein and healthy fats can:

Slow down carbohydrate absorption, leading to more stable blood sugar levels
Increase satiety and reduce overall calorie intake
Provide a more balanced and nutritious meal

How can you create balanced meals for type 2 diabetes management? Follow the plate method:

Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables
Add a quarter plate of lean protein (e.g., chicken, fish, tofu)
Include a quarter plate of complex carbohydrates
Incorporate a small amount of healthy fats (e.g., avocado, olive oil, nuts)

Snack Ideas for Balanced Blood Sugar

What are some balanced snack options for individuals with type 2 diabetes?

Apple slices with almond butter
Greek yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of nuts
Hummus with vegetable sticks
Hard-boiled egg with whole-grain crackers
Cottage cheese with sliced peaches

The Impact of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load on Blood Sugar

What is the glycemic index (GI)? The GI is a measure of how quickly a food can raise blood sugar levels. Foods are ranked on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a more rapid increase in blood glucose.

How does the glycemic load (GL) differ from the GI? The GL takes into account both the GI of a food and the portion size, providing a more accurate representation of how a specific serving will affect blood sugar levels.

Using GI and GL for Better Blood Sugar Control

How can individuals with type 2 diabetes use GI and GL information to manage their blood sugar? Consider these strategies:

Choose low to medium GI foods more often
Pair high GI foods with protein, fiber, or healthy fats to lower the overall GL of a meal
Be mindful of portion sizes, especially for higher GI foods
Use the GI and GL as tools in conjunction with carb counting for more precise blood sugar management

What are some examples of low GI foods beneficial for type 2 diabetes?

Non-starchy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, peppers)
Most fruits (e.g., apples, berries, citrus fruits)
Legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans)
Whole grains (e.g., steel-cut oats, quinoa, barley)
Nuts and seeds

The Role of Physical Activity in Carbohydrate Metabolism

How does exercise impact carbohydrate metabolism in individuals with type 2 diabetes? Regular physical activity offers several benefits:

Improves insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to use glucose more effectively
Helps lower blood sugar levels during and after exercise
Supports weight management, which can improve overall diabetes control
Reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications

What types of exercise are most beneficial for type 2 diabetes management? A combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training is ideal:

Aerobic exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming)
Resistance training: Include strength training exercises 2-3 times per week to build muscle mass and improve insulin sensitivity

Adjusting Carbohydrate Intake for Exercise

How should individuals with type 2 diabetes adjust their carbohydrate intake around exercise? Consider these guidelines:

Monitor blood sugar before, during, and after exercise to understand your body’s response
Consume a small snack containing 15-30 grams of carbs before exercise if blood sugar is below 100 mg/dL
Keep fast-acting carbohydrates on hand during exercise in case of low blood sugar
Adjust insulin or medication doses as recommended by your healthcare provider
Refuel with a balanced meal or snack after intense or prolonged exercise

Remember to consult with your healthcare team before making significant changes to your exercise routine or carbohydrate intake.

Monitoring Blood Sugar and Adjusting Carbohydrate Intake

Why is regular blood sugar monitoring crucial for effective carb counting? Frequent monitoring helps you:

Understand how different foods and portion sizes affect your blood glucose levels
Identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your carbohydrate intake
Prevent and manage high or low blood sugar episodes
Assess the effectiveness of your diabetes management plan

How often should you check your blood sugar? The frequency of monitoring depends on various factors, including your treatment plan and overall diabetes control. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the optimal testing schedule for your needs.

Using Blood Sugar Data to Refine Carb Counting

How can you use blood sugar readings to improve your carb counting accuracy? Follow these steps:

Keep a detailed food and blood sugar log
Test blood sugar before meals and 2 hours after
Note any patterns or unexpected spikes in blood glucose
Adjust portion sizes or food choices based on your observations
Work with your healthcare team to interpret the data and make informed decisions

What tools can help you track and analyze your blood sugar data? Consider using:

Smartphone apps designed for diabetes management
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for real-time blood sugar tracking
Digital logbooks or spreadsheets to record and analyze data

The Psychological Aspects of Carb Counting and Diabetes Management

How can carb counting and strict dietary management impact mental health? While these strategies are essential for diabetes control, they can sometimes lead to:

Feelings of restriction or deprivation
Anxiety around food choices and blood sugar levels
Burnout from constant monitoring and decision-making
Disordered eating patterns or an unhealthy relationship with food

What strategies can help maintain a positive mindset while managing type 2 diabetes? Consider the following approaches:

Focus on the foods you can enjoy rather than those you should limit
Practice mindful eating to better understand hunger cues and satiety
Seek support from friends, family, or a diabetes support group
Work with a mental health professional experienced in chronic disease management
Celebrate small victories and progress in your diabetes management journey

Developing a Sustainable Approach to Carb Counting

How can you make carb counting a manageable part of your daily routine? Try these tips:

Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase your efforts
Use technology and apps to simplify tracking and calculations
Prepare meals in advance to reduce decision fatigue
Allow for occasional treats or higher-carb meals within your overall plan
Focus on progress, not perfection, in your diabetes management

Remember that managing type 2 diabetes is a journey, and it’s normal to experience ups and downs. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the positive changes you make along the way.

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.

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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 levels, 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 for them diet therapy will become one of the main methods of treatment, and for the majority of relatively healthy overweight people – 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 disruptions.
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.