It is important to be knowledgeable of the various types of carbohydrates and their connection to diabetes before settling on a number or change your eating pattern. Medical experts recommend reducing the level of carbohydrate intake if it raises the level of blood sugar. Having sufficient insulin is one of the best ways you can control your blood sugar levels. It applies to the insulin you take as medication or one that is produced in your pancreas. The presence of insulin allows you to take control of after-meal blood glucose levels and make use of the glucose from the carbohydrate.
The Importance of Eating Foods Rich in Carbohydrates
Vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods are some of the vitamins and minerals that promote good health. They also provide essential calories which increase the amount of energy in the body. These foods are the primary sources of dietary fiber. Studies show that you are likely to go for more fats if you don’t eat enough carbs. As a result, you will be consuming unhealthy saturated fat. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the only three nutrients that source out calories.
The Connection Between Carbs and Diabetes
Research and well-conducted studies show that you will need to eat fewer total calories if you want to lose weight to slow the progression of your diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) are two large multi-year studies encouraged individuals to be knowledgeable about their fat consumption. Counting fat grams and calories proved to be a better way of making this possible as they used a lower-calorie eating plan. However, they never put much emphasis on carbs. Both studies encouraged physical activity on a regular basis. It shows that people who kept off completely or were trying to lose weight experienced numerous health benefits over the years.
Carb counting is a meal-planning method that is taught by diabetes medical experts. It helps you incorporate healthy sources of carbs and various foods that you enjoy. Sweets are also allowed in few circumstances but should be taken in moderation.
How Many Carbs Should I Eat?
The right quantities of carb grams that should be included in your eating plan will depend on your weight status, activity level, weight goals, and stature. These should only be considered as starting points. It is advisable to be referred from your endocrinologist to a dietitian. You can also determine the best goals for your health by attending a self-management education and support program (DSMES).
The Recommended Percentage of Calories from Carbs
The biggest problem when it comes to a number of calories extracted from carbs is that most individuals tend to consume different types of calories in large quantities. Research shows that Americans eat too much of the added sugar in their diets. It is important to focus on improving the quality of carb sources you take rather than focusing on quantity. It is also advisable to minimize the consumption of sweets or sugary foods.
Carbs and Blood Sugar
Watching what you eat and taking medicines like insulin when you need to helps to keep your blood sugar levels on track. Medical consultants have also mentioned that you should always consider a number of carbs you eat. Carbohydrates contain nutrients that provide the energy required in the body. The body usually converts most carbohydrates into the sugar glucose. With the help of insulin, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels into the body cells where it generates energy.
People who suffer from diabetes have complications with their levels of insulin that can cause an increase or decrease in blood sugar levels. Patients having type 1 diabetes are those whose pancreas loses the ability to make insulin. For the type 2 diabetes, the body has some difficulties responding normally to the insulin produced in the body. Although carbohydrates can increase the blood sugar level, it doesn’t mean that you should avoid it completely. It is recommended to eat them in moderate amounts.
SOURCE: http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/impact-of-carbohydrates-in-diabetes-patients/
