Find the Right Carbs with a Diabetes Educator
Living with diabetes means having to pay attention to how food affects your blood sugar.
But here’s a common question many people with diabetes face: How many carbs should I be eating? If you’ve had diabetes for a while, you’ve probably heard that you should be eating 45-60 grams of carbs per meal or 15-30 grams per snack. But is that the right advice for everyone? The truth is, the answer isn’t as simple as it seems, and that's where a diabetes dietitian comes in.
Whether you’re living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to your diet. The number of carbs that work for one person might not work for someone else, even if they have the same type of diabetes. This is why it’s important to find the right diabetes dietitian—someone who understands that personalized nutrition is key.
The Power of Personalization
A Type 1 diabetes dietitian or Type 2 diabetes dietitian will tell you that there’s no magic number of carbs that works for everyone. Some people we’ve worked with eat as little as 40 grams of carbs per day and have an A1c of 5.8, which is a great result. On the other hand, others have worked with a dietitian and eat 300-400 grams of carbs per day, while still maintaining an A1c of 5.8. So, how can that be?
It all comes down to personalized nutrition. The right amount of carbs for you depends on your body’s needs, activity level, insulin use, and many other factors. That’s why working with a diabetes educator is so important. A diabetes educator, especially one with experience in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, can help you figure out what works best for you.
Debunking the Carb Myths
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that there’s only one way to manage diabetes. If you’ve been to a T1D dietitian or a T2D dietitian, you may have heard that 45-60 grams of carbs per meal is the “rule.” But that’s just not true. Some people thrive on low-carb diets, while others can handle higher carb intakes without their blood sugar spiking.
For example, if you’ve ever been told to stick to 45-60 grams of carbs per meal, you might have felt frustrated or limited. Maybe you’ve wondered, What if I want to eat more or less? The great news is that you have the freedom to choose how many carbs you want to eat per meal. Want just 16 grams? That’s fine. Want 216 grams? Also fine. It’s all about finding what works for your body.
A skilled diabetes dietitian can help you understand how carbs fit into your daily routine and give you the freedom to eat in a way that helps you manage your blood sugar while still enjoying your meals.The bottom line is this: Diabetes is not one-size-fits-all. You can unlock the power of personalized nutrition, giving you control over your health and helping you manage your diabetes in a way that feels right for you.
If you’re struggling to find the right balance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional who can guide you on your journey. The right care team, including a diabetes educator, can make all the difference.
