The American Dietetic Association periodically reviews their Nutrition Practice Guidelines for Diabetes - and these guidelines include recommendations for carbhohydrate intake.
First and foremost, the recommendation is that carbs intake be consistent -- distributed evenly throughout the day, and consistent from one day to the next. This consistency has been shown to be fundamental in improving blood sugar control.
Studies of both experimentally low and high carbohydrates were looked at for their impact on blood sugar control. One concern about low carbohydrate diets is that the restriction also limits other key dietary sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Of interest is that most diabetics tend to have a moderate intake of carbohydrate -- around 45-50% of calories coming from carbs.
For diabetics on an insulin pump, adjusting insulin doses based on carbohydrate intake has also been shown to improve glycemic control. However, one big concern among health professionals with this type of diabetic management is the tendency to overlook protein and fat intake -- fat intake should remain moderately low to avoid or treat other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and protein intake may need modification if other diabetic complications present themselves.
For more information on diabetes, carbs and meal planning, check out the following links:
Carbohydrate Impact on Diabetes
Sources:
Franz MJ, Powers MA, Leontos C, Holzmeister LA, Kulkarni K, Monk A, Wedel N, Gradwell E. The Evidence for Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Adults. Journal of the American Dietetic Assocation. 2010;110(12):1852-1889.
