Can Reducing Carbs Help Manage Diabetes?
Managing blood sugar is a key concern for people with diabetes, a condition where the body has trouble regulating glucose levels. A low-carb diet is a popular approach to help control blood sugar, but does cutting carbs make a difference in managing diabetes?
What is a low-carb diet?
A low-carb diet involves limiting foods rich in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice, and sugary snacks. Since the body converts carbs into sugar, reducing carb intake can help manage blood sugar levels. "Cutting back on carbs may help prevent blood sugar spikes and improve long-term glucose control,” explains PIH Health Physician Erika Abueg. For people with diabetes, stabilizing blood sugar levels is essential to avoiding complications.
Things to think about before switching to a low-carb diet
“When following a low-carb diet, it's important to focus on the overall quality of your food to ensure you're getting the right nutrients for good health,” says PIH Health Physician Erika Abueg. A recent study published in the journal Circulation and presented at an American Heart Association conference found that low-carb diets high in animal-based foods, like red meat and butter, might raise the risk of diabetes. On the other hand, low-carb diets that focus on plant-based foods, such as nuts, seeds, lentils, and whole grains, may lower that risk.
While a low-carb diet may help lower blood sugar, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, especially for individuals managing diabetes:
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Missing Important Nutrients
Cutting out too many carbs can lead to missing essential nutrients, like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Since fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should ensure they are still getting enough fiber from low-carb, high-fiber foods like vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
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Checking Blood Sugar
A low-carb diet may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, which can be concerning for individuals with diabetes—especially those taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. Frequent blood sugar monitoring is essential when making dietary changes.
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Difficulty Maintaining a Low-Carb Diet Long-Term
Sticking to a low-carb diet can be challenging over time, particularly for those who are used to eating carb-rich foods. For people with diabetes, the key is finding a sustainable, balanced approach that keeps blood sugar levels stable without feeling overly restrictive.
Before making any major dietary changes, talk with your doctor to determine the best plan for managing diabetes. To find a doctor, visit to PIHHealth.org/Doctors
