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How Much Carbohydrates Can Be Taken When Suffering From Diabetes?

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Posted on Sat, 3 May 2014
Question: My husband has diabetes, he has to take a shot a day. He was told by his doctor that he is to have NO carbohydrates. This doesn't seem right, he may have misunderstood. His blood sugar is over 300 most of the time. Is there a limit to carbohydrates? We are trying to plan his meals. Thanks.
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Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Carbohydrate counting is essential... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through the medical history of your husband and understood your worries. The reason why diabetics are advised not to consume carbohydrates is because they might cause spikes in blood sugar levels. As a diabetic, your husband's body cannot metabolize carbohydrates well (as insulin is not working or being produced properly). Therefore, if he takes carbohydrates in excessiveness, his blood sugar will spike and go out of control leading to undesirable complications. I usually do not recommend my diabetic patients to eliminate carbohydrates, but to limit their intake. Carbohydrate counting is a good tool to measure the amount of carbs you take at each meal. Thus, spikes/elevation in blood sugar levels is prevented. You can have additional reading regarding carb count while planning your husband's meal : http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/carbohydrate-counting.html Carbohydrate is essential in giving energy to your body. In diabetics, it is important to get it properly used by the body's tissues. Apart diet, physical activity can also help in improving insulin resistance and lowering blood sugar levels. Hope it answered to your queries! Let me know if I can assist you further! Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

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How Much Carbohydrates Can Be Taken When Suffering From Diabetes?

Brief Answer: Carbohydrate counting is essential... Detailed Answer: Hi, I have gone through the medical history of your husband and understood your worries. The reason why diabetics are advised not to consume carbohydrates is because they might cause spikes in blood sugar levels. As a diabetic, your husband's body cannot metabolize carbohydrates well (as insulin is not working or being produced properly). Therefore, if he takes carbohydrates in excessiveness, his blood sugar will spike and go out of control leading to undesirable complications. I usually do not recommend my diabetic patients to eliminate carbohydrates, but to limit their intake. Carbohydrate counting is a good tool to measure the amount of carbs you take at each meal. Thus, spikes/elevation in blood sugar levels is prevented. You can have additional reading regarding carb count while planning your husband's meal : http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/understanding-carbohydrates/carbohydrate-counting.html Carbohydrate is essential in giving energy to your body. In diabetics, it is important to get it properly used by the body's tissues. Apart diet, physical activity can also help in improving insulin resistance and lowering blood sugar levels. Hope it answered to your queries! Let me know if I can assist you further! Dr.Albana