Should you weigh your food if you have diabetes?

If you live with diabetes, weighing your food might not be at the top of your to-do list.

However, it should be! Whether you have Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D), understanding portion sizes can significantly impact your blood sugar levels. Let's explore why weighing your food is so crucial, using a real-life example to illustrate the point.

Importance of Accurate Measurements

Imagine you want to enjoy a tasty snack of crackers. You grab a box and think, "I’ll just have a few." But do you know how many grams you’re consuming? For instance, let’s say that 28 grams equals about five crackers. You might consume more than you think if you don't weigh them.

When you put these crackers on a scale, you might start with one and see it’s 12 grams. Add another, and you’re at 23 grams. Now, when you add that fifth cracker without weighing, you might be shocked to find out you’ve exceeded your portion size. If you were aiming for those 28 grams, consuming too much could lead to elevated blood sugar levels, potentially causing serious issues later on.

Weighing is Key for Blood Sugar Control

For those managing diabetes, portion control is vital. If you’re not weighing your food, you risk misunderstanding how much you’re eating. It’s easy to think you’re making healthy choices, but without accurate measurements, your blood sugar could spike unexpectedly.

When people with diabetes start to measure their food, they often realize that their “perfectly portioned” meals are off. Many foods can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly if eaten in larger amounts than recommended. This is where the expertise of a diabetes dietitian comes in handy.

A Type 1 diabetes dietitian (T1d)  is trained to help you navigate the complexities of food choices. Working with them can guide you on how to measure and manage your portions effectively. They can provide strategies that make it easier to incorporate weighing your food into your daily routine. Their job is to empower you with knowledge about how different foods affect your blood sugar. They’ll help you understand the importance of accurate measurements, showing you how small changes can lead to better health outcomes.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been living with diabetes and haven’t considered weighing your food, now is the time to start. Eyeballing your portions can lead to unexpected blood sugar spikes, making management more difficult than it needs to be. By weighing your food and working with a diabetes dietitian, you’ll gain better control over your meals and, ultimately, your health.

So, next time you reach for a snack, think about the importance of those measurements. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, taking this simple step can lead to amazing blood sugar control. Don’t hesitate to consult with a T1D dietitian to get started on your journey to better health.

You’ve got this!