The American Diabetes Association recommends that people diagnosed with diabetes control the amount of carbohydrate-rich foods they consume. Some have decided to limit the consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods in their diet even more than what the ADA recommends.
How Diet Affects Diabetics
Carbohydrates in food cause a change in a person's blood glucose levels as the body processes the food. People with diabetes can experience severe highs or "spikes" in their blood glucose or "sugar" levels when they eat carbohydrate-laden foods because they do not produce enough insulin to process this type of food properly.
Theory
Some research has shown that limiting carbohydrate intake leads to less fluctuation in blood sugar. There are many reports of people on low-carb diets who say that they no longer need medication for their diabetes, as they have been able to maintain accepted blood glucose levels with diet alone.
What is a Low-Carb Diet?
To be considered low-carb, less than 20% of your daily caloric intake should come from carbohydrate, whether simple or complex. There is an emphasis on carbohydrate foods with a low glycemic index, such as vegetables and a few fruits. The rest of your daily calories will come from proteins and fats.
Additional Benefits
Many people who practice a low-carb diet to control their diabetes also lose weight. If a person with diabetes is also overweight, a reduction in weight generally is recommended as a part of treatment.
Warnings
The ADA warns that some low-carb diets include an increased intake of fat, which can cause cardiovascular heath issues, especially for those with Type 2 diabetes who already have circulatory issues.
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