The Carb Challenge

Carbohydrate in the food we eat has the greatest impact on our blood sugars. Diets high in complex carbs (like vegetables, root crops, whole grains and fruit) provide healthy nutrition for a long healthy life without heart disease and cancer. This health benefit contrasts with high fat foods which are associated with obesity, heart disease, insulin resistance and higher blood sugars in the long run.

But with diabetes, carbs must be balanced with insulin (either injected or internally produced) or exercise to keep blood sugars normal (another important part of a long, healthy life). Balancing carbs with insulin lets you keep your blood sugars controlled, and carb counting is an important tool for doing this.