Carbohydrate-containing foods turn into glucose during digestion as a source of energy for the body. As a diabetic, you may have a difficult time managing glucose from food because you either do not make enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin you do make. Low carbohydrate diets have been shown to be an effective form of treatment in the short term for blood sugar management in people with diabetes, according to 2005 review study published in "Nutrition and Metabolism."
Atkins Diet
Although the Atkins Diet is a commercial low-carbohydrate diet meant for weight loss, it may be a diet you can follow for diabetes management. The Atkins Diet, which was developed by cardiologist Dr. Robert Atkins, is divided into four phases. Phase one is known as the induction phase and lasts for about two weeks. During the induction phase, you limit your total carbohydrate intake to 20g per day by eating mostly meats and green vegetables. During phase two, you start to increase the amount of carbohydrates by adding more vegetables, cheese, nuts and berries to your meat and greens diet. During phase three, you continue to add grams of carbohydrates to your daily intake to slow down your rate of weight loss. Phase four is the maintenance phase of the program and total carbohydrate intake is generally limited to about 100g per day.
South Beach Diet
The South Beach Diet is another example of a commercial low-carbohydrate diet you can use for diabetes management. Your carbohydrate intake is not as restrictive on the South Beach Diet as the Atkins Diet and it is sometimes referred to as a modified-low carbohydrate diet, according to MayoClinic.com. The South Beach Diet includes three phases. During phase one, the goal is to limit cravings. This phase limits your carbohydrate intake to 10 percent of total calories and your meals consist of mostly lean sources of protein and vegetables. During phase two, you begin to add low-glycemic index carbohydrates to your diet until your consuming 27 percent of your calories from carbohydrates. Eating more low-glycemic index carbohydrates promotes a more consistent blood sugar. Phase three of the South Beach Diet is the maintenance phase of the program and your carbohydrate intake increases to 28 percent of total calories.
Anne Collins Low-Carb Diet
The Anne Collins Low-Carb Diet is an online low-carbohydrate diet. It is a 28-day diet designed to promote quick weight loss. The online program includes meal plans, recipes and shopping lists. To help control hunger, the Anne Collins Low-Carb Diet consists of three meals and three snacks each day. During the first 14 days of the program your carbohydrate intake is restricted to 30g per day. During the second 14 days of the program your carbohydrate intake increases to 55g per day. As a short-term diet, the Anne Collins Low-Carb Diet can help you lose weight for better blood sugar control.
