Carbs

Hi,

Unfortunately, there is no right answer, because we all have different capacities to tolerate carbs.

The best thing to do is to buy a meter (most T2s don't get them provided by NHS and end up self funding). Then you can test your own personal reaction to the carbs in the foods and portion sizes you eat. Once you have an idea of what those foods are doing to you now, you can start to tailor your diet to suit your own needs.

Sorry it is such a vague thing, but each of us reacts so differently. Some people can eat porridge, for instance, and some can''t, because it sends their blood glucose too high. Some people would be fine with that cup shot you are having, while others wouldn't...

One important thing to note is that it is the number of carb grams that is important, rather than the number of sugar grams. All carbs turn to glucose by the time they hit the bloodstream, so bread and potato will raise the glucose just like sugar does - it just takes a few minutes longer.

You may find the book Carbs and Cals very useful. It was like a bible to me when I first started counting carbs. Each page has pictures of foods in different portion sizes, which allows you to guesstimate how many g carbs there are in it.

Hope that helps.

Hi. You should test 2 hours after typical meals and try to stay below 8.5 mmol. Ignore the advice from the nurse ref 1/3 plate of carbs as it's not based on any good science. We do all vary but going for 150gm/day or less of carbs is a good start then use the meter to guide you. Many on this forum have less than 50gm/day but that's not easy! Make up with proteins and fats. BTW beware dieticians whilst there are good ones many don't have a clue about diabetes.

Hi @rachxx, welcome. You'll notice some of the advice here goes against what your nurse says and maybe your dietician nurse too. This is quite normal. They have a general view and your condition is specific to yourself. But it means making decisions for yourself, using the support on this forum. Which is pretty awesome I may say.
I see you're posting regularly with good questions. Keep it up.