Diabetics & Low Carb Dieting
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.
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How Diet Affects Diabetics
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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
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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.
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What is a Low-Carb Diet?
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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
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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
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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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