Many times you come across with the word carbohydrates while your dietitian briefing you about your diabetic menu plan. Do you know what these Carbohydrates actually are? Well, I am going to give you full information about what are carbohydrates and why it is so much important to count its intake in a diabetic menu plan.

Carbohydrates are one of the nutrients, supplied by the food we eat, which provides energy to body for various activities. Sugars and starches are two main forms of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are break down by the body to simple sugars such as glucose. A hormone named as insulin helps in the absorption of glucose into the blood stream. When there are some problems occurred with the insulin then only a person get affected with diabetes. In case of type 1 diabetes, body doesn’t produce enough amount of insulin whereas in type 2 diabetes body respond abnormally to the insulin produced.

Carbohydrates are converted into sugars thereby increase blood sugar level. It doesn’t mean that you totally eradicate carbohydrates from your diet if you are suffering from diabetes. The carbohydrates are basically of two types- Simple and Complex. A diabetic patient should stick to the complex carbohydrates as they are rich in fiber and vitamin content. They are water soluble and help in slowing the digestion process thereby decreasing the rate of glucose absorption into blood.

After eating food rich in carbohydrates, your blood glucose level rises. Diabetic menu plan helps you to maintain the blood sugar level in normal range by specifying the intake of carbohydrates in each serving. You should track your carbohydrate intake so as to balance the blood glucose. The diabetic menu plan depends on the person’s age, exercise level, body weight, size and medical treatment. You can also include your favorite dishes in your diabetic menu plan but with some specifications.

To know the carbohydrate content in a particular item, check its label or ask your dietician as it is must to track the carbs intake. By following a specific regimen, you can easily control your blood sugar level and hence the Diabetes.