Diabetes Dietitian’s Guide to Net Carbs

Jan 29, 2025

If you have diabetes, you've probably heard the term "net carbs" before.

But what exactly are net carbs, and how do they affect your blood sugar? For those managing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, understanding net carbs can play a crucial role in keeping your blood sugar levels stable. In this post, we’ll explore what net carbs are, how to calculate them, and why it’s important to work with a diabetes dietitian to manage your carb intake effectively.

What Are Net Carbs?

Net carbs are simply the total carbohydrates in a food minus the fiber and sometimes sugar alcohols. Fiber and sugar alcohols don’t have a significant impact on blood sugar, so subtracting them from the total carbs gives you a more accurate picture of how that food will affect your glucose levels. For example, if a food has 22 grams of carbs and 5 grams of fiber, you would subtract the fiber to get 17 grams of net carbs.

Why Do Net Carbs Matter for People with Diabetes?

For people living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), tracking carbs is essential for managing blood sugar. Carbohydrates are the primary source of glucose in your body, and consuming too many carbs can cause your blood sugar to rise. That’s why it’s important to know how many carbs you’re eating and how they’ll affect your body.

A T1D dietitian or T2D dietitian can help you determine whether counting net carbs, rather than total carbs, will be more beneficial for you. Some people find that counting net carbs helps them avoid blood sugar spikes, while others prefer to count total carbs. The key is consistency—whether you decide to subtract fiber or not, it’s important to stick with the method that works best for your body.

Should You Subtract Fiber or Not?

The decision to subtract fiber from total carbs isn’t always straightforward. Some people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes find that subtracting fiber helps them better manage their blood sugar. For example, if you're eating a food like an apple that has 22 grams of carbs and 5 grams of fiber, you would count it as 17 grams of carbs using net carbs.

On the other hand, some people prefer to count total carbs because they feel it gives them a clearer picture of how their body will respond. In some, it is found that subtracting fiber helps prevent low blood sugar, as fiber doesn’t affect blood glucose as much as other carbs do. But whether you subtract fiber or not is up to you and your body’s response.

Conclusion

The best way to navigate the world of net carbs is by working with a diabetes dietitian. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian can provide personalized guidance based on your unique needs. They can help you understand how different foods, including fiber and sugar alcohols, impact your blood sugar and help you create a meal plan that works for you.

In addition to helping with carb counting, a diabetes dietitian will also help you make other nutrition decisions that will benefit your overall health. For example, they may help you balance your diet with a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

The most important thing to remember is to stay consistent. Whether you decide to subtract fiber or not, it's essential to stick to the method that works for you. Your body will respond differently to different foods, so it’s important to monitor your blood sugar regularly and adjust your approach as needed.