- Carbohydrates provide glucose, the body's primary fuel.
- Proteins contribute amino acids for building and repairing tissues and cells.
- Fats provide fatty acids, assist in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and, along with glucose, are used for energy.
- Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients required for hundreds of jobs throughout the body. To obtain the full complement of vitamins and minerals needed for health, choose a wide variety of wholesome foods.
Diabetes interrupts the delicate balance of glucose regulation. Managing dietary carbohydrate intake is one of the most important lessons when learning to self-manage your diabetes. It's not only the amount and timing of the carbohydrate; it's also the quality of the carbohydrate and what it's mixed with. In the bigger picture, carbs must be balanced with medications and exercise. The table lists the most significant variables affecting blood-glucose levels for people with diabetes.
Variables Affecting Blood-Glucose Regulation
| Hyperglycemia (High Glucose Levels) | Hypoglycemia (Low Glucose Levels) |
| Too much carbohydrate | Not enough carbohydrate |
| Concentrated sweets, soda, juice | Alcohol |
| Mismatched timing of meds and meals | Mismatched timing of meds and meals |
| Illness, stress, hormonal surges | Skipping a meal |
| Lack of insulin or insulin resistance | Too much insulin or too many diabetes pills |
| Medication dosing errors | Medication dosing errors |
| Lack of physical activity | Strenuous or unplanned activity |
| Certain medications, steroids | Certain medications |
Diabetes imposes the need to understand how to juggle carbs, exercise, and medications, but it can be done. No one has perfect blood-glucose control, so set realistic expectations. Use a blood-glucose monitor and have A1C levels checked regularly. You and your healthcare team can use glucose data to make adjustments to your self-care regimen. If your medications put you at risk for low blood glucose, find out more about preventing, recognizing, and treating hypoglycemia.
Nutritional needs and diabetes management strategies change and evolve through all ages and stages of life.