Healthy Carbs for Diabetics

If you are diabetic, you need to watch what you eat. It's not just white sugar. Too many carbohydrates can cause your blood sugar levels to rise to unhealthy levels. That is why diabetics should count carbohydrates. There are some carbohydrates, which are healthier than others are. Once you know what healthy carbs are, you can choose better food for your diet.

Definition

• Carbohydrates are the starches that turn to glucose, a form of sugar. They include bread, pasta, cereal, starchy vegetables, legumes, fruit, and sugar-laden foods.

Fiber

• Carbohydrates that are high in fiber are better for you. Look for carbohydrates that have at least five grams of fiber per serving, for your best choices.

Breads

• Stick with whole wheat or multigrain breads. The higher fiber, the better it is for you.

Pasta and Rice

• Whole grain pasta and brown rice are higher in fiber than regular pasta and white rice, and therefore are better for you.

Vegetables

• Potatoes, winter squash, peas, and corn are starchy vegetables. Limit your intake of these vegetables. Eat plenty of non starchy vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, green beans, spinach, and other leafy vegetables.

Fruit

• Choose fresh fruit instead of fruit juice, which has less fiber and more sugar.