The Role of Carbohydrates in the Body

• The average diabetic should consume between 45 and 65 percent of her calorie intake from carbohydrates, and space them out over a minimum of three separate meals per day. Carbohydrates are a fast-burning, primary fuel source for the body that converts quickly into glucose. Since this is the main calorie source of energy for the body and one that is easily accessible, the body is dependent upon it. However, carbohydrates can cause drastic and dangerous swings in your insulin levels when not taken in healthy proportions to other calorie-rich proteins and fats.
  
  

Simple Carbohydrates

• Simple carbohydrates are sugars (fruits, cake, candy and other sugar-sweetened items) that fuel the body quickly and convert into glucose in the bloodstream promptly after consumption. These types of carbohydrates should be sought if your blood sugar is low, to be followed by a more complex carbohydrate afterwards to help regulate your glucose levels. Otherwise, it is much healthier to stick with the complex carbohydrates, which the body uses slowly and are less likely to cause sudden spikes in your glucose levels.
  
  

Complex Carbohydrates

• Complex carbohydrates (breads, cereals, starchy vegetables and pasta) take much longer for the body to burn--up to 2 hours--and are a healthier choice for maintaining balanced glucose levels. The more fiber the carbohydrate contains, the better the effect on the blood sugar.
  
  

The Calorie/Carb Connection

• Calories are made up of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Although carbohydrates are necessary for any healthy diet, foods with over 20 carbohydrate-rich calories per serving have the potential of affecting your blood sugar, while those below do not. Balancing your calories between proteins, carbohydrates and fats is recommended. Need some assistance? Check out the "References" and "Resources" sections for a number of handy websites that will help you get the skinny on some of your favorite foods.