This must have been asked before but I can't find anything easily. How many carbs, roughly, should one aim to eat in a day? That may be like asking how long is a piece of string, but is there a rough guide? Also, I received the Collins Gem Carb Counter today, and I see they list "net carbs" ... is that the number we should be looking at? Thanks all.
Daily carb limit
- Thread starter nannoo
- Start Date
'Net carbs' is the total with fibre.In the US they calculate carbs without the fibre.(think that is right anyone want to correct that?)
The answer to that depends on your diet.In general 100-150 gm carb is probably the upper limit for a diabetic.Low carbers tend to try for 50gm per day or below and there are numerous variations in between.If some of the low GI dieters on here could chip in with their intake it would be helpful.
Some suggest going low to start with,getting your blood sugars under control ,then slowly adding more carbs till you reach a compromise and your carb intake and blood sugar levels are stable and below 7.
The answer to that depends on your diet.In general 100-150 gm carb is probably the upper limit for a diabetic.Low carbers tend to try for 50gm per day or below and there are numerous variations in between.If some of the low GI dieters on here could chip in with their intake it would be helpful.
Some suggest going low to start with,getting your blood sugars under control ,then slowly adding more carbs till you reach a compromise and your carb intake and blood sugar levels are stable and below 7.
Hi nannoo,
There's no minimum level of carb consumption. People have lived very successfully on little to no carbohydrates in the past. I don't think any forum members do that though.
The question then becomes what is the maximum safe level? That's harder to answer because it will be different for each of us. For me it's 20-30g carbs per day and I'm very happy with that.
If you asked Dr Richard Bernstein, the answer would be 30g. Dr. Charles Clark will tell you 60g. Dr Wolfgang Lutz will say 74g. The American Diabetes Association until recently said 300g! :shock:
Where on that scale your own optimum level lies is something you'll figure out in time.
All the best,
fergus
There's no minimum level of carb consumption. People have lived very successfully on little to no carbohydrates in the past. I don't think any forum members do that though.
The question then becomes what is the maximum safe level? That's harder to answer because it will be different for each of us. For me it's 20-30g carbs per day and I'm very happy with that.
If you asked Dr Richard Bernstein, the answer would be 30g. Dr. Charles Clark will tell you 60g. Dr Wolfgang Lutz will say 74g. The American Diabetes Association until recently said 300g! :shock:
Where on that scale your own optimum level lies is something you'll figure out in time.
All the best,
fergus
Thanks Fergus ... as someone else said recently, I have learnt more from these forums in the past couple of weeks than I have over the years I have had diabetes.
Hi nannoo,
It's difficult to be exact because we all metabolise carbs differently, we all produce differing amounts of insulin in response to the carbs in our diets and we all expend energy differently. It is reckoned that we each need a minimum of 50 grams of carb per day in order to meet an average day's energy requirements. Some people find that they cannot process even that amount of carbs and opt for one of the low-carb diets, like Atkins, Bernstein, South Beach, typically around 30g carb per day. (The shortfall in carbs is made up by the body by burning off fat in order to keep energy levels up.) Others find that they can eat a higher amount of carbs and still maintain good control (I have on average 100-120g per day and my BS readings are consistently 6 to 6.5 on the mornings and 4.5 to 5.5 in the evening). Some people are happy on 80g, some on 180g.
Some rely on a low GI diet. This is effectively a form of carb reduction because practically everything at the low end of the GI tables contains far less carbs that foods at the upper end of the GI table. We all differ and what works for one will not necessarily be the best thing for another. You need to experiment to find what works for you and what to avoid. And if, like me, you enjoy your food, it can be good fun experimenting!
One of the hardest things that us regulars on here have to do is try to convince someone that they must ignore the dietary advice given by their doctors, because what is a "healthy" diet for a non-diabetic is usually an extremely unhealthy diet for a diabetic. We have all been there, followed the doc's advice as laid out in that nice NHS healthy eating brochure (see note below), got the t-shirt and in some cases got the diabetic complications. We have found the hard way that the official guidance is wrong.
* Note: the NHS leaflet is very generously printed on behalf of the NHS . . . . by the world's largest manufacturer of insulin! So guess who'se interests are served by getting people to eat as many carbs as possible!!
It's difficult to be exact because we all metabolise carbs differently, we all produce differing amounts of insulin in response to the carbs in our diets and we all expend energy differently. It is reckoned that we each need a minimum of 50 grams of carb per day in order to meet an average day's energy requirements. Some people find that they cannot process even that amount of carbs and opt for one of the low-carb diets, like Atkins, Bernstein, South Beach, typically around 30g carb per day. (The shortfall in carbs is made up by the body by burning off fat in order to keep energy levels up.) Others find that they can eat a higher amount of carbs and still maintain good control (I have on average 100-120g per day and my BS readings are consistently 6 to 6.5 on the mornings and 4.5 to 5.5 in the evening). Some people are happy on 80g, some on 180g.
Some rely on a low GI diet. This is effectively a form of carb reduction because practically everything at the low end of the GI tables contains far less carbs that foods at the upper end of the GI table. We all differ and what works for one will not necessarily be the best thing for another. You need to experiment to find what works for you and what to avoid. And if, like me, you enjoy your food, it can be good fun experimenting!
One of the hardest things that us regulars on here have to do is try to convince someone that they must ignore the dietary advice given by their doctors, because what is a "healthy" diet for a non-diabetic is usually an extremely unhealthy diet for a diabetic. We have all been there, followed the doc's advice as laid out in that nice NHS healthy eating brochure (see note below), got the t-shirt and in some cases got the diabetic complications. We have found the hard way that the official guidance is wrong.
* Note: the NHS leaflet is very generously printed on behalf of the NHS . . . . by the world's largest manufacturer of insulin! So guess who'se interests are served by getting people to eat as many carbs as possible!!
Thanks Dennis. I do love my food, and love carbs, but I am learning. It seems very daunting to look ahead at what's involved in working out what will eventually work for me, and any tips would help.
BTW, my jaw dropped open at your revelation about the NHS leaflet!!!
BTW, my jaw dropped open at your revelation about the NHS leaflet!!!
i was a total carb junkie before myself. Pasta, rice, bread and potatoes were my absolute staples. more processed, white and starchy the better... Then around new year (couple of weeks before dx) I decided to go on a health kick after having had a coldfor weeks, wretched heartburn and constant fatigue. Had no processed foods what so ever, no sweets,cakes or white carbs and within 2 days all the symptoms started to lessen.
Then I got my diagnosis after having my urine stixed and it all just clicked. After my research online and in the library it came down to just 2 things; my health to deteriorate uncontrollably or to fight. I'm only 34 so it was a no brainer really...
I have chosen the low carb way and find that it isn't a struggle really, there are loads of substitutes around and treats too, recipes and all sorts. I know the specialist foods are more expensive but I'm lucky to be in a situation where I can enjoy them. And tobe honest, I don't spend any more money since I don't buy chocs,crisps, drinks and food out on a daily basis so I feel my food budget is actually smaller...
I'm quite happy to replace my potatoes with cream and cheese... But still I do sometimes enjoy a treat in a shape of some chips, roast pots or crisps and find they don't really affect my sugars then. But the carbs do make me feel lethargic and flushed so my body isn't too keen on them. I do enjoy feeling more energized and healthy so I'm convinced carbs are going to lose this battle, it's mind over matter!
Then I got my diagnosis after having my urine stixed and it all just clicked. After my research online and in the library it came down to just 2 things; my health to deteriorate uncontrollably or to fight. I'm only 34 so it was a no brainer really...
I have chosen the low carb way and find that it isn't a struggle really, there are loads of substitutes around and treats too, recipes and all sorts. I know the specialist foods are more expensive but I'm lucky to be in a situation where I can enjoy them. And tobe honest, I don't spend any more money since I don't buy chocs,crisps, drinks and food out on a daily basis so I feel my food budget is actually smaller...
I'm quite happy to replace my potatoes with cream and cheese... But still I do sometimes enjoy a treat in a shape of some chips, roast pots or crisps and find they don't really affect my sugars then. But the carbs do make me feel lethargic and flushed so my body isn't too keen on them. I do enjoy feeling more energized and healthy so I'm convinced carbs are going to lose this battle, it's mind over matter!
cally
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 232
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Pump
"Cally - why do you say you can't go any lower with your carbs?"
Well I have a very strenuous job...I am a nurse and am on my feet most of the time. I find that often carbs are needed for energy. I used to follow the doctrine and eat hardly any fat but have given that up and dont eat low fat versions any more, but sometimes I still need a carb boost for energy.
I have cut down drastically from more than 200 grams a day to less than 100 grams ..I have about 15 grams at breakfast, 25 grams at lunch and 30 to 40 grams dinner. Then the odd 15 gram snack here and there.
I do feel much better ..I have not been pumping for long and am still getting used to it. But with lower carb intake my blood glucose levels are much more stable. And the amount of insulin I am taking has drastically reduced from 35 units a day to around 20.
Well I have a very strenuous job...I am a nurse and am on my feet most of the time. I find that often carbs are needed for energy. I used to follow the doctrine and eat hardly any fat but have given that up and dont eat low fat versions any more, but sometimes I still need a carb boost for energy.
I have cut down drastically from more than 200 grams a day to less than 100 grams ..I have about 15 grams at breakfast, 25 grams at lunch and 30 to 40 grams dinner. Then the odd 15 gram snack here and there.
I do feel much better ..I have not been pumping for long and am still getting used to it. But with lower carb intake my blood glucose levels are much more stable. And the amount of insulin I am taking has drastically reduced from 35 units a day to around 20.
Cally, you really sound as if you have things under control. How do you know exactly how many carbs you have at each meal - is that just working things out over a long period of trial and error? And did you work out how much insulin you needed yourself, and if so, what criteria did you use to work out how much to take?
Get some of those fancy scales that work out carbs by weight and code. they are very useful to begin with.
cally
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 232
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Pump
I did used to measure everything and a lot of food has the carb content on the back of the packet 
I don't always get it right, its just that my motivation to do so has just increased big time due to problems with my eyes
Seriously though the best thing I ever did was a DAFNE course which made me completely rethink my diabetes. The carb ratios and correction factors were all worked out for me by the nurses who were fantastic. For me its 1 unit to 15 grams but I don't think its the same for everyone.
There is a great book called 'Using Insulin' by John Walsh who also wrote the 'Pumping Insulin' book. It gives you information how to get insulin doses right..You can get it on Amazon.
I don't always get it right, its just that my motivation to do so has just increased big time due to problems with my eyes
Seriously though the best thing I ever did was a DAFNE course which made me completely rethink my diabetes. The carb ratios and correction factors were all worked out for me by the nurses who were fantastic. For me its 1 unit to 15 grams but I don't think its the same for everyone.
There is a great book called 'Using Insulin' by John Walsh who also wrote the 'Pumping Insulin' book. It gives you information how to get insulin doses right..You can get it on Amazon.
This guy has an excellent take on much to do with diet
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-prim ... continuum/
Not a few others would agree with him, other doctors and researchers not concerned with diabetes
His take on diabetes is pretty good too
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/
except for the confusion between Type 1 & 2 and the old IDDM and NIDDM categories
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-prim ... continuum/
Not a few others would agree with him, other doctors and researchers not concerned with diabetes
His take on diabetes is pretty good too
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/
except for the confusion between Type 1 & 2 and the old IDDM and NIDDM categories
