What is the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar?
When looking at your diet because you have diabetes, you need to pay special attention to carbohydrates because they affect your blood sugar more rapidly than protein or fat do.
Carbohydrates are available from sweets, fruits, milk, yogurt, bread, cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes, and other vegetables.
Count the carbohydrate content of the foods you consume and divide your intake evenly between meals in proportions that match the amount of insulin your body or medication is getting. If insulin is not in sufficient supply, blood glucose levels will rise. If too few carbohydrates are consumed, blood glucose levels may be too low.
To count carbohydrates, pick almost any ready-made food from the shelf, read the label, and use the information on carbohydrate grams to incorporate the food into your meal plan.
Counting carbohydrates is most useful for patients who use insulin several times a day or wear an insulin pump, and is also extremely effective for patients who expect more flexibility and variety in their food choices. The dose and type of insulin prescribed may affect the flexibility of the meal plan.
A diabetic food conversion list can also be used instead of calculations. Seek advice from your doctor or dietitian.
What is the role of fiber in diabetes?
Fiber helps control blood sugar and can also help lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Most Americans need more fiber in their diets. The average American gets only half of the fiber they need each day.
When getting fiber from plant-based foods, plan to increase your intake of the following foods.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables;
- Cooked dry beans and peas;
- Whole-grain breads, cereals, and crackers;
- Brown rice;
- Bran products;
- Nuts and seeds.
While it’s best to get fiber from food sources, fiber supplements can also help get the daily fiber you need, such as psyllium fiber and methylcellulose.
A slow increase in fiber intake can help prevent bloating and cramping, and increased fluid intake is also critical.