How to Lower Carbs to Lower Blood Sugar in Type 2 Diabetes

Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, especially those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Use a few simple guidelines to lower your carb intake and it could help lower blood sugar levels and lead to better control over your illness. Diabetics don't need to give up carbs; instead, moderation is key and utilizing carbohydrate-counting is a great way to lower carb intake and reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn what to eat to help lower your blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association offers these suggestions to help manage the "ABCs" (A1c or average blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol) of diabetes: 25 to 35 percent of calories every day should be from fat; under 7 percent of calories each day should come from saturated fat; and no calories should come from trans fat. Total cholesterol intake should be under 200 mg each day. Fifteen to 20 percent of daily calories should be from protein, except in people who have certain kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease.

• 2

  Calculate how many calories you need on a daily basis. The number of calories needed to maintain weight depends upon several factors such as age, sex, height, weight, and activity level. Men and active women require 15 calories per lb.; most women, sedentary men and adults over 55 years require 13 calories per lb.; and sedentary women and obese adults require 10 calories per lb.

• 3

  Choose the right carbs to help lower blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates are divided into two categories: simple and complex (see Reference 1).

• 4

  Count carbs to lower blood sugar levels. "Carbohydrate-counting appears to be the best tool for managing glucose levels," said Sue McLaughlin, president of health care and education at the American Diabetes Association. There are two popular types of carb-counting: counting carbs using grams and "advanced" carb-counting (see Reference 2).