The carbohydrates in food provide the body with energy. According to the American Diabetes Association, carbohydrates, or carbs, can raise blood glucose levels. A diabetic, whose body's ability to produce or use insulin is impaired, must keep a close count of all the carbs she consumes during the day. A sliding scale for carb counting is used when doctors and dietitians recommend a daily carb intake, because the ideal daily carb intake is dependent upon a number of factors.
Initial Recommendations
The American Diabetes Association states that the initial recommendation for carb intake per meal is between 45 to 60 g, for a daily carb total between 135 to 180 g. A doctor or dietitian may adjust these amounts depending on whether oral medication or insulin is used. They may also adjust these carb amounts after the first few months on a restricted-carb diet, depending upon resultant blood glucose levels.
Insulin Resistance
People with Type 2 diabetes have a condition known as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is characterized by the body's inability to properly use the insulin it produces. These people may experience more insulin resistance in the early morning, leading to higher blood glucose levels in the a.m. People who experience early morning insulin resistance may opt to eat fewer carbs for breakfast to balance blood glucose levels. For example, a person on a daily 150-carb diet may decide to have 30 g of carbs for breakfast and 60 g of carbs for lunch and dinner.
Physical Activity
Physical activity and oral medication or insulin keep blood glucose levels in control. More carbs are needed when a diabetic person is highly active. Therefore, self-monitoring of blood glucose levels is important to prevent episodes of hypoglycemia, and intake of carbs should be increased on a sliding scale to match the level of physical activity. It may take several days of increased activity and increased self-monitoring before a person finds his correct carb intake.
Aging
The body's metabolism slows down as it ages. Muscle mass and fat distribution may also change with age. Muscle insulin resistance may increase in a Type 2 diabetic as well, necessitating changes in carb intake on a sliding scale. Daily carb intakes may be decreased by a doctor or dietitian, along with recommendations for increased physical activity levels to keep blood glucose levels in check. More physical activity may mean a smaller reduction in the daily carb allowance.
