Carbohydrates

Because carbohydrates cause your blood sugar to rise, people may assume they are “bad” or indulgent. However, carbohydrates (carbs) are an important part of a healthy diet. They are the body’s main energy source and must be included as part of your daily meal plan, together with proteins and fats. Carbs are the most important part of your diet to consider when your goal is tight blood sugar control.

• Keep track of your daily carb servings.

• Space out carb servings over the whole day.

• Chose complex carbs (brown rice) over simple carbs (white rice).

Slowly digested carbohydrates are preferable for your meal plan. Some carbohydrates, like rice cakes, bread, and potatoes, break down quickly during digestion, absorb easily into the blood stream, and cause blood sugar to rise rapidly. Other carbohydrates break down more slowly and increase blood sugar gradually. These are slowly digested carbohydrates.