The role of low carb eating in diabetes
with Tim McMaster , APD & Acc SD
Although its now in vogue , low carbohydrate eating in diabetes is not new . In fact , prior to the discovery of insulin as a treatment to type 1 diabetes in 1921 , starvation or a ketogenic diet was the only treatment for people with diabetes . Thankfully , times have changed !
As dietitians , we know the primary clinical goal of diabetes management is to manage blood glucose levels ( BGLs ) and keep them as close to the target as possible . Diabetes management also aims to protect the heart and blood vessels by keeping lipids and blood pressure within healthy ranges .
The carb component of food and drinks has a direct impact on glycaemic response , as it mostly gets broken down to the monosaccharide glucose . Too much total carbs at any one time can result in elevated BGLs . So , the theory behind reducing total carbs at meals for diabetes management makes sense , on paper ...
Tim is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Sports Dietitian . He has been working in the area of diabetes for over 10 years , most recently with Diabetes Victoria . He is also the director of his online private practice ‘ Master Nutrition ’, which specialises in diabetes nutrition and sports nutrition ( and a combination of both ). When Tim isn ’ t working , he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife , Jess , his three year old Standard Groodle , Iverson , his 41 / 2 month old son , Angus , drinking coffee and watching all kinds of sports .
© Dietitian Connection 23 Infuse | May 2023