The Carb Debate is Alive and Well... It's the Inside Story

The great thing about the Diabetes Forum is that sometimes, even though members disagree, there is still a spirit of camaraderie and a willingness to get along. Many members feel very strongly about some topics. Discussions can get heated at times, but the general consensus is that everybody is different and what works for one may not work for others.

One of the most controversial subjects in the Forum is how many carbs should be eaten at a meal, or in a day. This week, in a thread titled Call Me Overwhelmed, the carb question comes up again.

jmedk1 says, The dietitian said I should just count carbs, because the exchange system is too complicated. Is this the current thinking? It is tough getting used to this new way of eating. Do you prepare a meal for yourself and another for your family?... read more.

Retiredsohappy replies, I do remember that overwhelmed feeling. Count the carbs... figure out what your personal number is for each meal. Some can get by with 40 to 50 grams of carbs per meal, but most of us do better staying around 30 grams, at least in the beginning....read more.

Shinigami offers her own perspective, 50 carbs a day is easy to live on. You eat a high fat /low carb diet and get your energy from the fat you eat...read more.

Adriennesmema disagrees, people will only stay on a good food plan if it is manageable.. eating nothing but steak and vegetables running with butter is not my idea of a good food plan.. again I know others disagree but I speak from 40 plus years of having diabetes...read more.

Jmedk1 replies, I'm feeling my way, and full of questions for my doctor at tomorrow's appointment. I've also made an appointment with an endocrinologist in mid March, for more specialized and authoritative info...read more.

It's generally wise to eat a lower carb diet and increase protein intake. How many carbs to eat a day? It's really an individual issue. Testing blood glucose often will give you a better handle on how many carbs you can have and still maintain good control of your blood sugar. Work with your healthcare provider, diabetes educator or nutritionist. Over time you will learn what percentage of carbs is right for you.

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