Why You Must Know About Carbohydrates

Why You Must Know About Carbohydrates By Barbie Cervoni, RD, CDE Carbohydrates are the nutrient that impact blood sugar the most. They are also the nutrient that provides the body with fuel or energy. If you are someone with diabetes it's important to figure out the right amount of carbohydrates and which type of carbohydrates work best for your body. If you overeat carbohydrates your blood sugars can rise to levels that are too high. Learn all about carbohydrates - how they affect blood sugars, if you should count them, and the difference between complex and simple carbohydrates.  How do Carbohydrates Affect Blood Sugar?  Carbohydrates are a macronutrient that, when broken down, turns into sugar (glucose) and is used by the body as energy or fuel. Foods that contain carbohydrates impact blood sugars the most. If you have diabetes or know someone who does, you likely have heard that you should lower your carbohydrate intake... READ NOW Carbohydrate Counting - Should You Do It?  Carbohydrates are found in a variety of foods - starches (bread, cereal, pasta), fruit, milk, yogurt, legumes (beans), starchy vegetables (peas, corn, potatoes) and sugary foods. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. When ingested, carbohydrates get metabolized and turn into glucose (sugar) within about 90 minutes of ingestion... READ NOW Complex, Simple, Refined Carbohydrates  A healthy diet is essential for managing diabetes and losing weight. And there are certain foods that you need to choose carefully, particularly carbohydrates. But, this can be a confusing task. We are told to avoid simple carbs and refined ones, and choose complex ones, but what does that all mean? READ NOW Top 4 Carbohydrate Counting Necessities  Oftentimes people with Type 2 diabetes need to follow a consistent carbohydrate diet to help manage their blood sugars. Carbohydrates are the type of food that impact blood sugars the most. When metabolized, carbohydrates get broken down and turn into sugar. Insulin is the hormone that takes sugar from the blood to the cells to use for energy. When you have Type 2 diabetes, cells can resist insulin and... READ NOW Advertisement READ THESE NEXT Could Your Child Have a Learning Disability? Quiz: Are You At Risk For Burnout? Quiz: Does Your Lifestyle Make You Happy? Quiz: Does Your Thinking Style Make You An Optimist? Understanding Insomnia Are You More of an Extrovert or an Introvert? What Type of Leadership Do You Have? Test Your Perfectionist Tendencies AN ABOUT.COM BRAND You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Type 2 Diabetes newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2016 Verywell.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.