Carbohydrates supply calories just as protein and fats do. When carbohydrates are eaten and digested, they turn into blood sugar, which is also called glucose. Complex carbohydrates are found in fruit, fruit juices, bread, cereal, pasta, milk, yogurt, vegetables, and grain foods. What type of carbohydrate is eaten, how much of it is eaten, and what time it is eaten are important facts for diabetics to know in order to control their blood sugar. Like all people, it is better for diabetics to get most of their carbohydrates from complex carbohydrate foods.
Most complex carbohydrates are high fiber foods that digest more slowly.
The result is a slower rise in blood sugar. People with diabetes should eat high fiber foods such as whole grain foods and beans. Starchy carbohydrates, like potatoes and processed grains like white rice, pasta, and white bread, are low in fiber and are quickly converted by the body to simple sugars. Avoid starchy carbohydrates. Food labels tell how many carbohydrates a food has in it.