Smart Carbs & Fiber: A Guide to Managing Diabetes

You’ve heard of them, but what do carbs & fiber actually do for you? Learn more in the blog post below!

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is used for energy for your body and your brain.

Types of Carbs

Complex

• Found in minimally or unprocessed whole foods

• Slow digestion and increase satiety

• Result in more gradual insulin response

• Contain fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins

Simple

• Found naturally in fruit, vegetables, and dairy as well as processed foods

• Sharper insulin response in the absence of fiber

• Processing removes healthy fiber and nutrients

What is Fiber?

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. It helps you avoid constipation, but it offers many other health benefits, especially for people with diabetes or prediabetes. It’s job includes…

• Controlling your blood sugar

• Protecting your heart

• Maintaining your digestive health

• Keeping you feeling full

Fun Fact: Insoluble fiber doesn't dissolve in water and typically remains whole as it passes through your stomach. It helps increase insulin sensitivity, and keeps your bowels healthy to keep you regular.

Best Practices

To make sure you’re getting the carbs & fiber you need, eat more whole, unprocessed, non-starchy vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes, and green beans have a lot of fiber and very little carbohydrate, which results in a smaller impact on your blood glucose.