Each year, over 63,000 North Carolina residents are diagnosed with diabetes, which is equivalent to filling up 84% of Bank of America Stadium.
These individuals often monitor their carbohydrate intake to help regulate their blood sugar levels since their body processes it differently.
For people who do not have diabetes, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose during digestion, which elevates blood sugar levels. This triggers the pancreas to release insulin, which absorbs the glucose so it can be used or stored for energy. Then, blood sugar levels return to normal.
“In individuals with diabetes, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin or the body becomes resistant to it,” explains Dr. David Shelburne, a family medicine physician at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “This inefficiency leads to elevated blood sugar levels since glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed and utilized for energy.”
Counting carbs involves correlating the grams of carbs you eat with the number of insulin units you administer. Typically, a carb-to-insulin ratio is 1 unit for every 10 to 15 grams of carbs.
“You need to periodically reassess your carb-to-insulin ratio since many factors play a role, such as age, sex and activity level,” explains Dr. Shelburne, who enjoys making sure his patients are involved in the decision-making process when it comes to their care plan at the Reynolda Family Medicine office. “Your doctor can help guide you to the best ratio for you and make any necessary adjustments. What works for one person might not work for another.”
You can find the carb content of your food or beverage by looking at nutrition labels or using online tracking tools. You also want to choose complex carbs over simple carbs since they are rich in fiber and gradually raise your blood sugar.
Above all, do not eliminate carbs from your diet. The nutrient is crucial for providing your body energy and supporting brain function. If you have questions about how your diet impacts your blood sugar levels, consult with your health care provider or a registered dietitian.
Do you need help managing a chronic condition? Schedule an appointment with a doctor near you.