How Many Carbs a Day Can a Diabetic Have?

Height, weight, activity level and gender determine the number of carbohydrates a diabetic consumes per day. A general rule is that 50 percent of all calories should come from carbohydrates.

Theory

• Diabetics should eat roughly the same number of carbohydrates at every meal to avoid spikes in blood-glucose levels. If on a 180g carbohydrate diet, eat 60g carbohydrates per meal.

Features

• For diabetics, an average-size woman needs 135g to 180g carbohydrates per day. Average-size men and pregnant women should consume between 180g and 225g carbohydrates per day.

Snacks

• If you snack, include carbohydrate totals from snacks to your daily total. Slightly reduce the amount of carbohydrates at meals if you must snack.

Vegetables

• Many vegetables are high in carbohydrates, but long-chain carbohydrates found in asparagus, squash, carrots, and leafy green vegetables raise blood sugar slowly and can be part of a regular diet as part of your total carb amounts.

Exercise

• If working out or working in the yard, an extra 15g carbohydrates will usually be enough to prevent hypoglycemia. As you build muscle mass, you will be able to cut back on the carbohydrates and introduce more protein to your diet.