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Carbohydrate Distribution in a Diabetic Diet

Approximately 23.6 million adults and children, or 7.8 percent of the U.S. population, have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetics must monitor their carbohydrate intake to avoid unsafe blood sugar levels, according to KidsHealth.org. The two main types of carbohydrates are sugars (fructose, glucose and lactose) and starches. Our digestive system breaks these carbohydrates down into glucose and absorbs them into the bloodstream. The American Diabetes Association explains that diabetics can use the glycemic index to help control blood sugar levels.

  1. Understanding The Glycemic Index

    • The glycemic index is a scale from 0 to 100 that measures the effects of carbohydrate-containing foods on blood sugar levels. Foods closer to 100 on the glycemic index increase blood sugar levels more rapidly, while foods closer to 0 increase blood sugar levels more slowly. Diabetics should focus on consuming carbohydrate-containing foods with a low rating on the glycemic index because these provide long-lasting energy and will not result in rapid, unsafe blood sugar spikes.

    Vegetables

    • Vegetables are one of the best types of food for diabetics because they have a low rating on the glycemic index and are high in fiber. The Mayo Clinic explains that fiber is an important part of every diet because it helps control blood sugar levels. Foods high in fiber are also more filling, which will prevent diabetics from overeating. Vegetables with a low rating on the glycemic index include broccoli, asparagus, artichokes, bell peppers and snow peas, according to The South Beach Diet Plan. Diabetics might consider eating a salad with these vegetables for lunch or dinner.

    Fruit

    • Some fruits are good to include in a diabetic diet while others are dangerous. Fruits with a low rating on the glycemic index include grapefruit, cherries, dried apricots, plums, pears, apples, bananas and kiwi fruit. Fruit salads are excellent for diabetics as long as the salad contains fruit with a low glycemic index. An example of a fruit with a high rating on the glycemic index is a pineapple.

    Pasta

    • Like fruit, some types of pasta have a high rating on the glycemic index, while others have a low rating. Examples of pasta with a low rating on the glycemic index are protein-enriched spaghetti, fettuccine, vermicelli, meat-filled ravioli and macaroni.

    Carbohydrate Distribution

    • Diabetics should focus on consuming carbohydrates with a low rating on the glycemic index such as fruits, vegetables and protein-enriched pasta to maintain safe blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are not bad for diabetics, but it's important to distribute the carbohydrates over the course of a full day. Consuming too many carbohydrates at any given time may result in unsafe blood sugar levels. Eating five small meals instead of three large meals is another way diabetics can distribute their carbohydrates throughout the day and maintain safe blood sugar levels.

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