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Did you know that one of the most commonly asked questions we get is how many carbs per day is best for a diabetic to eat?
And like many other people you may also be totally confused by that question?
It’s not surprising because the amount of carbs recommended does vary depending on where you read it or who tells you.
Why is this?
Well, believe it or not, no specific carbs per day recommendation has been set for people with type 2 diabetes – that’s why there are so many different numbers.
So what we are going to share today is:
- A range of information
- Some view points for you to consider carefully
- The latest scientific research on carbs
- The experience of other people with diabetes
Here at DMP we use a natural whole foods, lower carb approach and encourage our subscribers and members to aim for around 50-80 g carbs per day.
This is quite low compared to some recommendations, but not so low as others, for instance, a ketogenic diet of just 20 grams/day average.
However, if you find 50-80 grams per day is a little low for you, research shows that anything below 130 grams per day, which is still considered a low carb diet, can provide benefits for managing blood sugar and A1c. But 50-80 grams a day seems to achieve better results.
It’s also an attainable and sustainable goal for many, as a super low carb diet is often harder to stick with long term – and we do want you to adopt this new healthy eating plan as your way of life, not just as a “diet” you’re on for a short time.
Most importantly, research shows that a low carb diet provides great outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, helping to:
- lower insulin
- improve insulin sensitivity
- reduce blood glucose levels
- improve cholesterol levels (reducing triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol
- lower A1C levels
- reduce or eliminate medications
- lose weight
And you may be equally surprised to learn, lower carb diets always outperform the low fat, calorie restricted diet recommendations that people have been receiving for many years.
This is something that science has proved time and time again. Yet, this is not the type of information that is being made available publicly, at least not on a wider scale. We have certainly seen changes occur with diabetic dietary recommendations in the past few years, but we’ve still got a long way to go in terms of mass public education, which is why we strive to share the latest scientific information.
Here at DMP, we’ve been educating people with type 2 diabetes about eating a lower carb diet for years, and we’re proud to say our subscribers and members are getting great results!
TESTIMONIAL: “My A1C was 8.7 and my recent blood work showed it at 7.4. My endocrinologist was very impressed and thinks I will be at the target level by my next testing in 3 months. Just eating your meal plan for a month and seeing the results gives me motivation to continue. Thank you for your dedication to diabetes research and food plans.” ~Gloria G, VIP Member.
T2 Diabetic Carbs Per Day Recommendations
Just a few short years ago, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) was recommending 75 grams of carbs per meal. Later they switched to 45-60 grams of carbohydrate at a meal. Now they have no say on how many carbs to eat. With their 45-60 grams per meal, this would make your daily carb intake over 3 meals anywhere between 135-180 g per day, which doesn’t include snacks!
Just a few short years ago, Diabetes UK was recommending 230 grams of carbs per day for women and 300 grams for men. This has always been “the advice provided by Diabetes UK for the general population with diabetes.” Now Diabetes UK carbohydrate guides don’t provide an actual amount of carbohydrate. Instead Diabetes UK now acknowledge that a lower carb diet is an effective approach for many people with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Australia has always had no specific carbohydrate amount but recommends “the same dietary guidelines for the general population,” which is 6 serves of carbs a day for men and women. However, just a few short years ago, Diabetes Australia were completely against a lower carb diet for diabetes management, now they also acknowledge that it is an effective treatment method for people with type 2 diabetes.
Going off what these 3 large diabetes education sites were recommending, your carb intake could be:
- 230-300 g
- 6 serves
- 135-180 g+
So we’d be looking at a range between 135-300 g per day.
It’s no wonder everyone is confused!
If you’ve been eating that many carbs and wondering why you can’t get your blood sugar or A1C under control – the answer is, it’s just too many carbs – 45-75 grams of carbs per meal way too high to manage blood sugar and A1C effectively!
Why do you think large diabetes organizations have slowly shifted their tune the past few years?
Because growing amounts of research indicate a lower carb diet is the best way to lower blood sugar and A1c!
It is common knowledge that the AMOUNT of carbohydrates is the thing that influences blood sugar and A1C the most. Therefore, focusing on reducing carbs not only makes sense but a lower carb diet is scientifically proven to outperform a low fat, higher carb diet.
The old carbohydrate recommendations suited for the ‘general’ public are highly flawed and outdated recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes.
So How Many Carbs Should You Eat?
The amount of carbs to eat may vary from person to person but overall it seems to work best when people lower their carb intake to 130 grams or less, which is considered a low carb diet.
Dr. Sarah Hallberg, an obesity doctor, recommends that people with diabetes should always aim for a top level of 100 grams per day, but aiming for lower can provide additional benefits. The sweet spot seems to be around 50-80 grams a day – it’s not too strict but strict enough to get good results.
The point is, when following a low carb diet, there is some room to wiggle the amount of carbs you eat. And once you start reducing your carb intake, you will find a sweet spot that works well for you.
Right now, you might be thinking that sticking to 50-100 grams a day is going to be hard. But it’s actually not that difficult to do when you’re choosing non starchy vegetables as your predominant source of carbohydrates – yes, veggies are a carb – the best kind to eat!
And on a low carb diet, you can still enjoy ample amounts of healthy and delicious foods – that’s why our members love our weekly meal plan service!
TESTIMONIAL: “I love every recipe I have tried so far. Especially appreciate the 5 ingredient ones. I have found it sooo helpful to prep all my veggies on one day and either freeze them or just refrigerate them. Makes cooking much faster! I have been eating low carb for a month and exercising every day and I do feel better and am thrilled my numbers are better, too.” ~Gini D, VIP Member.
Please pin, tweet or share; then keep reading for a sample meal plan.
Where To Get Started With Carbs
Since most people usually have to lower carb intake quite a bit, 120 grams per day is often a comfortable place to start and then you can tweak and reduce your own individual intake from there.
A Word Of Caution!
If you are on insulin therapy or blood sugar-lowering medication, it is important to discuss your dietary changes with your healthcare team before making any changes. You may need to make adjustments to your medications and a fast rapid change in carbohydrate intake can result in hypoglycemia. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely when making dietary transitions and be aware of symptoms.
So let’s break 120 grams down per meal so you can see what that might look like.
Carbs per meal
- Breakfast: 30 g carbs
- Lunch: 30 g carbs
- Dinner: 30 g crabs
- 2 x snacks: 15 g carbs each or 3 x snacks 10 g carbs each
This tends to work fairly well for the majority of people when getting started. And if you find this is a comfortable place for you over the long term, it can still work okay too.
The idea is you want to be able to sustain a diet, not go on a diet for 6 months and then switch back to old habits. So keep that in mind as you make changes.
For Optimal Long-Term Results: Aim For 50-80 g Day – always keep under 100 g day
If you focus on eating the right types of carbohydrates, then you won’t really have to monitor your carb counting so closely (what a relief!).
Based on research, a great diet for lowering blood sugar and A1C is a high plant based (aka vegetables), whole foods low carb diet – a Mediterranean-style diet. That may sound complicated but it’s not.
It just means you’ll be choosing vegetables as your predominant carbohydrate source, and including a whole range of other delicious and super healthy food sources (refer to our food list).
Over a days worth of eating, your veggie/carb intake will add up to around 50-80 g per day. Or, as Dr. Sarah Hallberg, an obesity doctor, recommends: aim for a top level of 100 g day.
In Mark Sisson’s (diet/fitness expert) carbohydrate curve, the range of 50-100 g carbs per day is termed the ‘Sweet Spot for Weight Loss.’ And in the experience of many people with diabetes, it’s also the sweet spot for managing blood sugar and A1C.
Some people do follow a ‘very low carb diet ketogenic diet,’ such as an Atkin’s diet, which limits carbs below 20 g per day. But experts such as Dr Mark Hyman (diabetes physician) and Mark Sisson suggest that it’s not necessary to limit carbs this low because it cuts out many of the essential plant ingredients that we need – vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, polyphenols, and other compounds. For instance, ketogenic diets limit carrots but carrots provide incredible amounts of fiber and nutrients.
We tend to agree with this view because a high plant based diet is so essential to reducing the inflammation associated with type 2 diabetes and provides all those nutrients the body needs. So the sweet spot for carbs does seem to be around 50-80 g per day, or 10-20% of daily caloric intake.
But of course, you can stick to 120 g if that feels most comfortable for you (be sure to use your daily glucose readings to help you determine what level of carbs is working for you).
SAMPLE MEAL PLAN: 50-80 g Per Day
Breakfast: Veggie scramble – 15 g (aim for between 10-20g)
Lunch: Chicken pesto salad – 15 g (aim for between 10-20g)
Dinner: Sweet beef satay w/ rice substitute – 15 g (aim for between 10-20g)
Snacks: Coconut protein balls 5 g, peanut butter with carrot sticks 5 g, cottage cheese and berries 10 g before bed. Aim for 5-15 g per snack.
Based off the meals and snacks above the total daily carbs is around 62 grams for the day.
As you can see from this meal plan, you will not be starving!
But it is a different way to eat than you are probably used to.
That’s why we created our weekly meal planning service – to help you enjoy life more while regulating blood sugar and A1c at the same time.
Just Getting Started? SAMPLE MEAL PLAN: 120 g per day
Let’s take the above meal plan and turn it into a 120 g carb meal plan instead.
Breakfast: Veggie scramble with one slice of sourdough whole grain bread – approx. 30 g
Lunch: Chicken pesto salad with one small serve whole grain pasta – approx. 30 g
Dinner: Sweet beef satay w/ one small serve brown rice – approx. 30 g
Snacks: Greek yogurt with berries 15 g, peanut butter with one small apple 15 g.
Based off the meals and snacks above the total daily carbs is: 120 g
If you’re diet is currently poor, if you’ve been eating a high carb diet, or you’re just getting started, begin with around 120 g per day of carbs.
- Breakfast: 30 g carbs
- Lunch: 30 g carbs
- Dinner: 30 g crabs
- 2 x snacks: 15 g carbs each or 3 x snacks 10 g carbs each
If you want to work on losing weight and getting optimal results for blood sugar and a1c aim lower, for around 50-80 g carbs per day.
- Breakfast: 15-20 g carbs
- Lunch: 15-20 g carbs
- Dinner: 15-20 g carbs
- 2 x snacks: 5-10 g carbs each
- Before bed: 10 g carbs
To achieve these goals focus on eating the right types of carbohydrates, and other blood sugar friendly foods.
Conclusion
When it comes to carbohydrate intake for people with type 2 diabetes, there are mixed opinions about how many to eat but hopefully we’ve convinced you about the best route to take to get better results – cut down on foods high in carbohydrates!
Overall, the research shows that lowering carbohydrate is your best option for long term blood sugar and A1C control. And the experience of our subscribers and members, demonstrates this way of eating really works!
TESTIMONIAL: “Love your site and recommended it to friends. My blood sugar was a whopping 396. I have now lost 35 pounds and my blood sugar average 94 2-hours after evening meal and 103 in the morning. I have been following your suggested menus.” ~Alan S, VIP Member.
Please share, pin, or tweet this info to help others – thanks!
This really helped me. Have been on the Mediterranean diet 7 weeks, but by mistake I was served brioche bread for lunch by my caretaker after I ate and I realized this is different than when I have been eating when I looked it up. It said 39 g. I am concerned because now I don’t know what to eat for dinner. I have lost 13 pounds in about seven weeks to eight weeks. I did get a lot out of when I read. I just wished I wouldn’t have eaten that bread .
Hi Janet, well, the good thing is you know about the bread now and can avoid it!
Loved the simple common sense info on this site.
Thanks Bonnie!
I have started counting carbs. I have had a PCI recently. Carb Manager is the app I am using. I have confusion over carbs and net carbs and it seems that I am eating very little, and maintaining a good blood surgar level, but it seems that net carbs are much lower in the amount this app lets me have, and it measures net carbs rather that actual carbs. Not sure where to go from here – the ADA from what I am reading allows and/or recommends a whole lot carbs that i have been eating the last couple weeks. Anyway – i am trying to be healthy and it seems very difficult with all the conflicting published information on diabetes / medication/ carbs / net carbs, etc.!!!
Hi Thomas, yes, there is a lot of conflicting and inaccurate information on the wild west web! You can refer back to our scientifically-proven carb guidelines and you might also find this info on net carbs useful. I would also recommend listening to our recent podcast on Macronutrients for diabetes. Hope that helps!
For the best help and support, consider joining us as a member!
I was diagnosed with Gestational diabetes about 11 weeks ago, I started by reducing my carbs to 30 grams/meal. I’ve still have am/fasting reading over 120s but since starting insulin my morning have been lower in the 90s… im scared to lower my carbs lower than 30grams/meal as I now have lower readings during the day and after meals. I also don’t want to deprive my baby if nutrients … should I still lower my carbs/meal to 15 grams to keep my total carbs/day 50-80grams …this is so frustrating and scary, I want to do what is healthy for us both…lol
Melissa, please ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian who specializes in this! You are correct that it is a fine balance between nourishing baby and keeping mom healthy; the recommendation for 50-80grams of carbs per day is for someone living with Type 2 Diabetes – not necessarily Gestational Diabetes. Your doctor and a dietitian will have to work closely to adjust your insulin needs simultaneously with your diet.
50-80 carbs a day sounds doable. Good info. Thanks.
Especially when you start seeing HUGE improvements in sugar levels and other health markers, you’ll really see how easy this is! Keep us posted on your journey
I am type 2 and have don well on low carbs. This sounds like a wonderful help
Hi Linda, that is great you have done well on a low carb diet!
Hi well I have just found this site!! I was diagnosed with type 2 approximately 12 weeks ago four days before a knee replacement! Oh boy have I struggled I have lost some weight through fear of eating!!
Can you tell me what A1c is also CARBS what foods actually have carbs and how do I find out ? I do find the whole situation very confusing, eating every four hours will help I do get hungry
Thanking you in anticipation
Regards Sue WA
Welcome Sue – great to have you here! A1c is a blood test that measures the average glucose in the blood from the previous 3 month period. It gives you an indicator of how well your blood sugar levels are controlled, the same way daily blood drawings do, except A1c is more accurate in a way as it doesn’t fluctuate as much as daily readings can. You can read more about A1c here.
As for carbs, it can be a very confusing topic because many foods fall into the ‘carb’ category. It’s difficult to answer your question in a short sentence, but we do talk about carbs regularly here on the DMP blog. I’d highly recommend our 30 Day Turnaround Program, as it covers every aspect of nutrition so you can stop feeling confused and overwhelmed.
A lot of years ago, a diabetic educator put me on 35g carbs for my meals and 15g for my snacks. I lost 14kg in 3 months. I kept it off for 6months . For 12-18months after this, I fought tooth and nails to keep it off but it just came back on. I think I will try 120g a day now. I have been a diabetic since 1986 and I’ve let myself go. At this present time, I’m not the best and need to loose weight and get my HBA1c back to a better number. Thank you. Carol from down under.
Hello Carol from Downunder! Yes, lowering your carbs is the best thing you can do, both for A1c and weight. Look forward to hearing how you go.
I am a new diagnosed diabetic of about 5 weeks. Have learned a lot here. My blood glucose numbers were above 600 when I started and are now as of this morning 92 before breakfast and 105 2 hours after dinner last night. I owe a lot to this site.
I understand net carbs, which leads me to my question. If for example I was to eat something that had 25G carbs and if I were to drink something like Metamucil or psyllium seed husks which had say 17 G’s of fiber with the food I ate, would that reduce the item, or meal I ate down to 8 net carbs?
Just thought it might be a way to kind of cheat the system if you over did the carbs. Looking forward to a response on this one!
Hi Steve, congrats, you’ve done a lot very fast! The answer is yes and no. Adding fiber will definitely influence the net effect of the food you eat, likely having a lower or more gradual rise in blood glucose and even preventing a rise in some cases. But it’s probably not a good idea to rely on that as a strategy to overindulge in foods you probably shouldn’t.
Thanks for the response! I took it very serious. I have always been in good shape. Have been at the same weight for the last 35 years. My biggest issue right now is trying to gain back the weight I lost.
I lost about 20 pounds which I didn’t have to spare. I’ve took to adding a tablespoon of olive oil to whatever I drink each meal, and having at least 1 chocolate shake which consists of cocoa (unsweetened) stevia, and 1/2 frozen avocado with some ice per day . Sometimes I use protein powder instead of the cocoa.
I’m also a vegan/vegetarian (I eat eggs). Have been eating a lot of egg white scrambles lately. Any weight gain ideas appreciated.
We do have some info on that over here – hope it helps provide more ideas.
Thanks for the great info. I found out I had Type 2 after experiencing a rapid weight loss of 20 pounds. Most people would be happy, however I was at a very good weight and in good shape.
My reading was over 600. I’ve been able to get that number down to 118 as of this morning. It hasn’t been quite 3 weeks yet.
My issue is trying to gain back the weight I lost. What is the safe way to do it. I exercise intensely 3 times per week and and fairly moderate the other 4 days.
Would appreciate any guidance. By the way I’m a very active 63 year old. My intense exercise is punching a heavy bag 3 x per week for 10 three minute rounds with a 1 minute break between rounds.
The other 4 days consist of a brisk 20 minute walk after breakfast, and another after dinner.
You might find this info useful.
I have a question about the daily carb limits of 50- 80 grams. Is it like 50 grams for women and 80 for men. Is it based on how much weight you have to Lose. Or is it strictly based on how your body responds and your daily blood sugar readings.
You can probably tell that this is over 20 years of weight loss programs sparking these questions.
Thank you in advance.
Same for men and women. It just depends how your body responds and your own daily blood sugar readings. If you need to lower numbers, try cutting back more carbs. If you’re taking medications, make sure you advise your doctor first.
Thank you, Jedha
I am not taking any medication for my diabetes at this time. And I will be seeing my doctor in a few weeks. I had to be taken off of the metformin after being on it for a year and a half because of GI issues. Now my fasting blood sugars are over 200 so I know this next A1c will not be good. I am glad that I found this site.
So glad i found this site. I was diagnosed in October 2016, the information here is much more helpful than the flyers i got from my PCP. Looking forward to more information.
Welcome Elaine, glad you found us :)
I found this site last Thursday and feel it is an answer to prayer. I am 2 years into this journey now and have been going backwards for about 6 months. I knew when the educator said 40 to 80G per meal I was in the wrong place. I have read enough to decide that 50 to 100 per day was much more like it. I was testing twice a day and realized I had just lost sight of how to control it. Although I would have told you I was counting carbs I realize I was just ignoring too many of them, sort of like broken cookies don’t have calories.
After finding new motivation here I am very encouraged to see both blood glucose and weight already going in a positive direction. I do wish that Thanksgiving was not in 2 days but I have discussed it with the family (another big step for me) and have their backing to coach me if I stray. In any event, Friday will be a new day with a new chance if I can’t resist some choices.
I do understand simple and Complex Carbohydrates, I think, although I think they are named backwards. To me the simple ones are the fresh veggies that you can just look at and know what it is.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Awesome Jim, we’re so glad to have you here and look forward to hearing about your ongoing success!
I am enjoying this course and learning so much. Diagnosed a year ago. Got 30 min with dietician who got really upset when I didn’t get my 175 carbs per day. Always felt that was too much. Her CLAIM was that I would run out of energy if I didn’t eat the carbs. She said that is why people carb load before a race. Is that the case? Thank you!
Funny, we hear stuff like this a lot. You definitely won’t run out of energy because your body can use carbs, protein or fat for energy. We only store so much energy in our muscles and liver as glycogen to be used first before our body uses alternative sources of energy, so for racing, some atheletes carb load to maximize their glycogen storage. This dietitian obviously didn’t understand how carbohydrates work in the body.
I’ve been counting my carbs wrong. I know I’m not eating 200 gs per meal. How do I know how many I am actually eating?
You have to count the carbs in foods Shannon. It can be a big job at first until you know how many carbs the foods you eat have. But it’s the only way to know and gain better control. Start with the foods you eat most frequently. Educate yourself on the carb count in those, then keep learning.
Any advice to help the issue of always being hungry
Hi Belinda, this will help.
I like the information of how everything relate, I have been diagnosed almost a year but have only had my practioner say what ever you’re doing is working. Well that was really frustrating because I was so afraid to eat anything that I dread meal times and I love food! It felt like my world was ending lol. With that being said I had gotten to the point the last few months of not monitoring my intake as closely and am dreading my next blood work. My goal is to get off Metformin. I am really excited to be reading this course.
I hear this a lot Jennifer. It’s like people just fluff over things, they don’t really educate you. And lots of people tell me they just end up giving in. As a diabetic, this isn’t a good thing because your life really does depend on good control.
You CAN still eat loads of foods, AND thoroughly enjoy them too!
Just slowly get yourself back on track and your blood work will come back around and you will get off Metformin. This diabetic diet case study will inspire you.
I’m so glad you’re excited by this course. It excites me to know that it’s making a difference for lots of people and I know from the research that you CAN change things :)
Today was a good lesson — I learned a lot …..I don’t have to, or want to lose any weight, in fact I’m trying to gain weight so this is a challenge for me because veggies and fruit don’t add much weight. I try to eat a lot but not so many carbs… I am pre-diabetic.
Thank you for all your help
Glad you enjoyed it Marie. The key for you then will be to make sure you get the additional calories in healthy fats – avocado, nuts, olive oil, seeds, olives, etc. Hope you enjoy the rest of the carb course :)
Well, last Saturday I realized I was taking the Metformin wrong, I started taking it before meals as instructed and I’m back in the 5’s this am. I do look at the carbs and the fiber subtract scenario, and I find what I’m eating to be satisfying. LOL took back the size 34 jeans and traded them for 32’s over the long term I’m down from 38’s.I’m shooting for 30’s
That must have felt good Brewster – swaping your jeans! Keep up the great work, you’re obviously doing something right. Thanks for sharing :)
Wow, I am a heart/stroke patient three months into the T2 scenario. The Christmas/year end celebrations were tough on food intake, I resisted but gave in somewhat. On 500mg of Metformin I was at low 5’s, now at low 7;s and cholesterol is up. I believe I can bring it all back and will be watching the number’s like a hawk. Unsweetened Shredded Wheat, Buckwheat and Quaker Oats are my cereals. I use Stevia, thin sliced marble bread @ 15G of carbs per slice. Literally eliminated pasta and deserts, I have no desire to venture into the injections
You’ll get it down again Brewster, just keep at it. :)
Hi Jedha,
Relatively new member. I am really enjoying all the content so far and love concentrating on the carbs. I’ve even begun measuring my ketchup usage as I’m a ketchup-aholic.
I was wondering how long one has to be on the 100 carb-a-day plan before one starts seeing results.
Also, my levels for the day are the highest when I wake up. Do you talk about that here?
Thanks,
Tony – from the Chicago, IL USA area. :-)
Hi Tony, Welcome!
Good for you on toning back your ketchup addiction – these are the types of things that are easy to overdose on and quickly push the sugar/carb intake up.
As for how long, everyone is different but within a few weeks you should be seeing noticable changes and if you stick to it for 3 months, you should see changes in A1C and glucose overall, along with improvements in weight, cholesterol and any number of other things.
Here is some stuff on morning highs:
https://diabetesmealplans.com/326/why-is-blood-sugar-high-in-the-morning/
https://diabetesmealplans.com/5087/high-blood-sugar-in-the-morning/
Look forward to hearing how you go :)
If one followed 120g of carbs., would one still lose weight?…………or would one have to do 60-80g per day? And what about calories?
You can still lose weight on 120 g carbs per day Connie, it just depends on many different factors. Like, are your blood sugar levels in good control at that level? Are you doing exercise? Are you really eating good foods?
As, for calories, sure they matter to some extent – even too much of a good thing can be bad. BUT, the quality of the food you eat is far more important than calories when it comes to weight loss.
For example, you can cut your calories to 1200 a day, which is too low, and if you’re eating lots of packaged foods you still won’t lose weight. I’ve seen this happen many times. Whereas, if you eat lots of fresh, whole foods and eat more calories, you will lose weight – quality is the most important thing.
What about fasting, has it ever harmed a diabetic who wants to lower BG https://www.google.co.za/search?q=jason+fung+intermittent+fasting&oq=jasonfung&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0l5.6157j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8
I don’t know too much about fasting Sarie. It’s not something I recommend and believe you’d need to work closely with a practitioner.
From my understanding it first takes strict adherence to a very low carb diet before the inclusion of fasting is introduced. If a person were to just fast without changing their diet, most often they would find their BG rises, not falls.
i still find it quite daunting….i am prediabetic and insulin resistant…and trying very hard to avoid medication and type 2.
i try to limit carbs…but i still struggle with counting, and i am unclear on what veggies and fruits have as in grams of carbs per portion
but i will get there and this information does certainlyhelp
is there info on how many grams of carbs are in certain food items…apart from the ones mentioned here?
It is daunting Nicki, it’s a big load to get your head around but you will get there. :)
We’re going to delve into more of the carb counts soon, so stay tuned.
This was so informative. I have been aiming for 2 carbs a meal my problem was the snacks. During the day I don’t snack at all but the night has been hard. This really helped me.
Glad it’s helped Gloria :)
I hope this course is not all about losing weight. I do not have to lose weight, and I know what it takes to lose weight ( cut out carbs), so, please make your program based upon what it takes to control diabetes, and for those of us who don”t need to lose weight, tell us how to control diabetes. Thank you.
This IS about controlling and managing diabetes Bernie – that’s the whole point. If you read this information you will realize that, it’s certainly not just directed at losing weight.
Research shows the most effective way to control and manage type 2 diabetes is to lower your carb intake, regardless of your weight loss goals.
Hi, I was diagnosed with type 2 last year & have not had much help from my Diabetic nurse other than negativity, I have now swapped surgeries so getting more help. This information from here is great as I have found carb counting a bit daunting to be honest, I have to be careful on what foods I eat as I have heredetry high cholesterol. I have found the lower the fat the higher the sugar content, which is a bit annoying, especially when I am trying to get my sugars under control, the only bproblem I have is my morning levels are high (Generally between 9 & 10.5 I don’t know how to get them low.please any suggestions will be helpful.
Glad to hear you’re getting a bit more support Jenny.
Low fat doesn’t mean low cholesterol. In fact, it’s quite the opposite in many cases.
You’ll find these 2 posts interesting and helpful
https://diabetesmealplans.com/5087/high-blood-sugar-in-the-morning/
https://diabetesmealplans.com/6343/is-a-low-fat-or-low-carb-diabetic-diet-best/
This is Great!! My husband was diagnosed as T2 diabetic in March and of course put on medication. I am an RN but did not know too much about how and what to eat. His A1C was 7. He already has CAD with stent placement since 2008! I applied to everything I could including you to get information on diabetes. As of September, my husband is off his medication, his A1C is 5.1 and he lost 50 lbs to boot! I still need all of this info as I really did not know how many carbs he needed to keep his levels normal but still allow him a treat now and then! My biggest problem is that I am now trying to cook low fat and low carb…and that is Very Hard!! It will be low fat and high carb or low carb and high fat…its just so hard to find a happy medium! Thanks for all you do and keep me in mind for low fat and low carb foods!
FANTASTIC News Marie!!!
Fats aren’t bad Marie, even for heart problems. We do need fat in our diet for many important metabolic functions. The important thing is the type of fats you choose, so just keep that in mind too.
Thank you so much for this course! I can’t wait to see more menus. I am struggling with boredom. I lost almost 30 lbs when I was first diagnosed and now I’m stagnant and not paying enough attention. This is exactly what I need.
You’re welcome – so glad you’re finding it beneficial. I’m sure we’ll be able to inspire some more motivation Jane :)
Jane! I’m in the same exact place right now! I was diagnosed 7/31/15 and was so wicked great in the beginning, lost 20+ lbs and now, although the weight is still gone, I’m getting a whole lot less careful and paying a whole lot less attention to daily carb intake, etc. I do have a great Diabetic Educator and the last we met which was our 2nd mtg. I was already referring to my “honeymoon stage” of T2 being over!
I hope that the support of this group helps to get me back to my Honeymoon!
Well Adrienne, you’ve been ‘good’ before so you can do it again. Just start paying more attention to those carbs and choose more non-starchy veggies instead. You CAN do it!!