For most people with diabetes, carbohydrates are the most important part of their diet to control. The amount of carbohydrates eaten is more important than the kind. They supply calories like proteins and fats. Almost all carbohydrates eaten turn into blood sugar, or glucose, within 30 to 90 minutes. Carbohydrates are found in fruit and fruit juice; cereal, bread, tortillas, and other grain foods; milk and yogurt; and vegetables. All sugars, such as table sugar and honey, are also carbohydrates. Just like people who don't have diabetes, diabetics need to get most of their carbohydrates from carbohydrate foods other than sugars.

Controlling blood sugar levels is easier when about the same amount of carbohydrates are eaten at each meal and snack. Food labels tell how many carbohydrates a food has in it; use the "total carbohydrate" amount, not the "sugars" amount. The amount of carbohydrate diabetic people need varies from person to person. Your healthcare provider or registered dietitian can help figure out how much you need. For more information, contact the American Diabetes Foundation at (800) 878-1504.

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