The American Diabetes Association (ADA), an organization that aims to "prevent, cure and manage diabetes," offers a variety of suggestions on how to keep your blood sugar under control by limiting foods that can increase your sugar levels. Carb counting can be a part of this strategy, although other lifestyle choices also are important to manage your diabetes. Nonetheless, choosing proper levels and types of carbohydrates is an important component of a proper diet, according to the ADA.
Carbohydrates and Diabetes
Carbohydrates are foods that can increase blood sugar significantly, according to the ADA. There are three types of carbohydrates: starches, sugar and fiber. While starches and sugars offer some benefits, you'll gain the most health benefits by choosing carbohydrates that are higher in fiber. Whichever carbohydrates you choose, limiting the number of carbs you eat each day can help you control your diabetes.
Carbohydrate Intake
Limiting the amount of carbohydrates you eat each day can help you manage your blood sugar and may help you lose weight in the process. The ADA recommends starting by aiming for no more than 45 to 60 grams of carbs at each meal. You may need to add or subtract from this number depending on how you manage your diabetes. Your doctor will be able to give you more precise guidelines.
Counting Carbs
Counting carbs need not be difficult. Once you know the typical number of carbohydrate grams in most types of foods, you can get by with a close estimation. For instance, if you know that a small apple or a slice of bread contains about 15 carbs, you can figure that if you have a sandwich and a piece of fruit, you're getting a minimum of 45 grams of carbs in the bread and fruit alone. Add a half-cup of ice cream and your total is now at 60 grams of carbs.
Other Recommendations
The diet principles recommended by the ADA includes other recommendations, such as limits on the the amount of alcohol and protein you should ingest. Choosing carbs wisely, however, is the foundation of a proper diabetes diet. Similar to weight-loss diets that limit carbs, the ADA recommendations suggest limiting carbs from simple sugar, like table sugar and soft drinks, and increasing carbs that come from whole grains and legumes.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Carbohydrate Counting
- American Diabetes Association: Carbohydrates
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Myths
- Diabetes Spectrum: Carbohydrate Counting in Institutions
- Clinical Diabetes; Carbohydrate Counting: A Practical Meal-Planning Option for People With Diabetes
- American Diabetes Association: Making Healthy Food Choices
- American Diabetes Association: What Can I Eat
