List Of Carbs For Diabetics: How Many Carbs Should A Diabetic Have For Breakfast?

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The moment when diabetes is diagnosed, we will start thinking about the food items that can be included in the diet. We are well aware that we are going to restrict a number of delicacies for the sake of health. Carbohydrate is the main topic of discussion when it comes to diabetes. 

Does Carbohydrate In Your Breakfast Raise Blood Sugar?

There are many factors that determine your blood sugar such as proper exercise, stress management, age, and all. Among all these, the most important factor is the food that you eat. Carbohydrates are our main source of energy and they play a vital role in the management of your blood sugar level. 

List Of Carbs For Diabetics- How Many Carbs Should A Diabetic Have For Breakfast

Your body easily breaks down carbohydrates into sugar. The sugar is released into the blood. Any type of carbohydrates is responsible for the process. When a diabetic person consumes so much carbohydrate, the blood sugar level will rise as the body resists using it. Then you are forced to use high doses of diabetes medicines or insulin. 

Carbohydrates and diabetic diet

Carbohydrates are always a discussion when it comes to a diabetic diet. Why carbohydrates are so special? What do we count them before planning a plate? 

Carbohydrates, that we consume plays a vital role in managing our blood sugar level. By counting carbs we can stay healthy. It reduces the risk factors of diabetes like kidney diseases and eyesight disorder. Doctors also consider carbs as one of the main antagonists to diabetic patients. Counting carbohydrates in your food and restricting them to the allowed quantity will help you to be on the safer side. 

It is always good to communicate with a doctor or dietitian while counting your carbs quantity for the day to day life. He can suggest the right amount of carbohydrates needed for you by analyzing your blood sugar level and general health. If you have cravings for carbohydrates dishes find an alternative for the same. It will definitely help you to manage your blood sugar level. 

Carbohydrates – not only the white flour and white rice.  

Many delicious even natural food items are the rich source of carbohydrates. When you are planning to restrict your carbohydrates intake you should know the carbohydrate-rich food items. 

Carbs are mainly three types – Sugars, starches, and fibers. Sugar is also known as a simple carbohydrate. Sugar is found in natural foods and drinks like fruits, juice, honey, and milk products. Most processed foods like candies are made by adding sugar. Starches are the type of sugar found in foods like potatoes, corn, legumes, bread, and pasta which are made up of whole grains. 

Fiber is a better version when it comes to diabetes which is found in foods like fruits and vegetables. It can be found in fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Natural fiber need not be counted as a threat like starches and sugar. It will not cause a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. Many food items like rice and fruits contain more than one type of carbohydrate. 

How much carbohydrate is allowed if I am diabetic? 

To maintain your blood sugar level healthy, you have to restrict or control the intake of carbohydrates in your meals. The maximum allowed healthy carbohydrate quantity allowed for a diabetic person is 45 – 65 grams per meal. As we all know, it is not very easy to follow. Also, you should detect at which time of the day your blood sugar is touching the peak and have minimum quantity at that particular point of time. 

Suppose you are taking medication for diabetes or using insulin on a regular basis. In that case, you have to discuss with the health practitioner as well as the nutritionist regarding the carbohydrates restriction as well as the number of carbohydrates you should have. Deciding on the number of carbohydrates is not a simple task. 

Diabetes and breakfast 

When it comes to breakfast, it is getting complicated again. Breakfast is the most crucial thing when nutrition and health are concerned. The energy level, mood, and well-being of the day are based on the breakfast that you eat. 

There is no specific quantity, particularly for diabetic patients. It differs from person to person based on health conditions and physical activities the person is involved in. The recommended way is maximum carbs for breakfast, a moderate quantity for lunch, and a minimum for the dinner. Recommended quantity for snacks is 10 to 15 grams. It is compulsory to avoid sugary drinks and consider water as the primary drink.

Sample breakfast menu

Usually, diabetic people get half of their calories from carbohydrates. We normally need 1800 calories a day to maintain a healthy day and weight. So you can have half of them from carbohydrates. So you are allowed 200 to 225 grams a day. It is always good to restrict the quantity and try not to exceed 225 grams. 

As a healthy breakfast can make your whole day comfortable, here is a model for diabetic breakfast. You can alter the items in a convenient way. Try not to exceed 65 grams of carbohydrates. 

½ cup of rolled oats (28g), 1 cup low-fat milk (13g), banana (20g), and ½ cup chopped walnuts (4g) together make a wonderful breakfast with 65 grams of carbohydrates.

Pick your favorites

Here are a few food items that can be used for your breakfast and the recommended quantity. The list can help you make a suitable menu. 

  • Egg: Egg is always the best choice for breakfast. You can use it in different delicious ways such as boiled, fried, poached, or scrambled. This protein rick food an egg contains 6 grams of proteins and 1 gram of carbohydrate. You can also try varieties of omelets with veggies. 
  • Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is the best pick for breakfast. Enjoying them with berries is more beneficial. A standard serving of Greek yogurt along with ½ cup of berries contains 16 grams of protein and 13 grams of carbohydrates. 
  • Chia seeds: are really good for diabetes diet. They are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. 1 serve contains only 12 grams of carbs. Chia seed puddings and other dishes are delicious too. 

Being healthy is very important, more important than satisfying our cravings. By choosing a less carb food style you can stay away from diabetes and related problems to an extent. 

About Tim Mathew

Tim Mathew is an Endocrinologist specialized in general endocrinology, diabetes, and lipid metabolism. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in a science-related discipline and completed a medical school program in New York. Once Tim Mathew quoted that Endocrinology is both a challenging and rewarding medical specialty, so he wants to specialize in it. To know more about Tim Mathew kindly go through our about page.

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