Carbohydrates have a greater impact on glucose and insulin levels than fat and protein. Diabetics following a low-carb diet may have better control over blood sugar levels, according to a 2008 article in "Diabetes Forecast," published by the American Diabetes Association. For Type 2 diabetics, a low-carb diet may even allow a reduction or elimination of diabetes medication, says the American Diabetes Association. Eating the right number of calories and regulating blood sugar will help you maintain a healthy weight and avoid serious health risks associated with diabetes.
Diabetes and Low-Carb Diets
A healthy diabetic low-carb diet should limit sugar and starch, but allow enough carb consumption to ensure adequate fiber intake and proper nutrition. MayoClinic.com notes that low-carb diets usually allow for between 50 and 150 g carbs daily; the University of Maryland Medical Center says that you need at least 100 g of carb intake daily to get essential vitamins and minerals. Work with your doctor or dietitian to design a low-carb plan that fits your needs.
Low-Carb Diets and Calorie Counting
Most low-carb diets don't require you to count calories. Instead, low-carb diets rely on you choosing the right foods and let you eat until you're satisfied. But low-carb diets aren't a magic bullet for weight loss. You'll still have to use all the calories you consume or extra calories will be stored as fat -- and you'll gain weight. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an 1,800-calorie diet is appropriate for a large man or woman wanting to lose weight or a smaller, active person. Paying attention to calories and portion size will help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
An 1,800-Calorie Diet
With diabetes, stabilizing glucose and insulin levels is an important part of disease management. Eating smaller, frequent meals throughout the day will keep blood sugar stable. Combining high-fiber, nutrient-dense carbs, lean proteins and heart-healthy unsaturated fat every time you eat will slow digestion and regulate glucose production. Add more plant-based protein to your diet to avoid increasing saturated fat intake. Divide your calories evenly during the day. Try eating three 450-calorie meals and two to three 150- to 200-calorie snacks. Limiting carbs often means increasing consumption of protein and fat. Although both protein and carbs have 4 calories per 1 g, fat has 9 calories per 1 g.
The Dangers of a Low-Carb Diabetic Diet
Limiting simple carbohydrates and choosing complex carbohydrates that are rich in nutrients and fiber will help control your diabetes. However, restricting carb consumption too much may lead to a higher protein intake; because of the strain protein digestion places on your kidneys, a high-protein diet may not be safe for a diabetic. According to the NIDDK, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. You can slow the progression of kidney disease by following a low-protein diet. Also, high protein consumption may increase saturated fat intake, which can elevate your cholesterol level and increase your risk of heart disease.
References
- "Diabetes Forecast"; Low-Carb Diet Improves Type 2 Diabetes Control; December 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Low-Carb Diet; May 2010
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; What I Need to Know About Eating and Diabetes; October 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Low-Carb Diets: The Right Way to Go?; April 2007
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Kidney Disease of Diabetes; September 2008
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