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"Other" Carbohydrates On the Label
What Does It Mean, Exactly?
One of the WebMD visitors on my Healthy Cooking community board posted a great question:
You'll find that these three often add up to the grams of total carbohydrate. The category "other carbs" represents the digestible carbohydrate that is not considered a sugar (natural or otherwise). Some labels will also break out sugar alcohols. I always take a look for these because they give me intestinal issues even at low levels. But that's another story (LOL).
For anyone with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, feel free to check out the third edition of my book for type 2 diabetes (it just came out in November), titled, TELL ME WHAT TO EAT IF I HAVE DIABETES. I incorporated the "latest" research from the past 5 years into it!
Related Topics:Good Carbs, Bad Carbs: Why Carbohydrates Matter to You Eating Carbohydrates and Fiber With Diabetes
One of the WebMD visitors on my Healthy Cooking community board posted a great question:
"I'm a diabetic (type 2) and I need some information about total carbohydrates and what does it mean when the label says "other carbohydrates"?I know all of these terms can be so confusing. Basically the total carbohydrates includes everything and then some labels will break that out into subgroups like:
- Fiber grams (this is not digested and will eventually exit the body)
- Sugar grams (includes natural sugars too in dairy, fruits, etc.)
- "Other carb" grams
You'll find that these three often add up to the grams of total carbohydrate. The category "other carbs" represents the digestible carbohydrate that is not considered a sugar (natural or otherwise). Some labels will also break out sugar alcohols. I always take a look for these because they give me intestinal issues even at low levels. But that's another story (LOL).
For anyone with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, feel free to check out the third edition of my book for type 2 diabetes (it just came out in November), titled, TELL ME WHAT TO EAT IF I HAVE DIABETES. I incorporated the "latest" research from the past 5 years into it!
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Labels: carbohydrates, diabetes
18 Comments:
OK good question. But where are your answers? Are sugar alcohols good or bad for dieters or diabetics? Are 'other carbs' similarly good or bad in comparison with, say, sugar or fiber?
Ah, but I did answer the member's question of what does "other carbs" mean on the label. They weren't asking whether they were "good" or "bad." And they weren't asking anything about sugar alcohols...I'm the one that started talking about that information on the label.
Sugar alcohols aren't "good" or "bad" necessarily... they are yet another alternative sweetener. You'll see them added in some lower calorie frozen bars, sugar free chocolate and candies sugar free gum. The amounts added to the frozen desserts and gum probably aren't added in amounts that would have intestinal side effects for most people. It's the higher amounts added in items like sugar-free chocolate that might give some people gas, cramping and diarrhea, particularly those with IBS or other intestinal sensitivities.
The grams of "other carbs" aren't "bad" because they represent digested carbohydrate grams that aren't sugar and aren't undigestible fiber. What's left is basically starch! That's fuel to the body. This is even better if these carbs come with fiber like they would in foods like whole grains, beans, vegetables.
I have type 2 diabetes and was on metformin for 5 years. 3 months ago they changed me to actos due to kidney problems. In the last month my sugars drop out in 20 minutes and so I discontinued the actos and have been keeping track of what I eat. My blood sugars run 77,82, 117 and I get sweaty, blurry vision and problems w/ cognitive thinking at these levels. This is a crash for me and I feel horrible (like a mack truck has rolled over me) for at least an hour. I am eating carbs, protien, and am just at a lose about what to do. My Dr. is running a great number of tests and we won't know what is up for awhile. Does anyone have any ideas or help????
Thanks Charlie Marie age 60.
I am a type2 diabetic. I caught a cold, which then led to an infection in my lung which activated my asthma. The Dr. put me on antiobotics which cleared up the chest problem, however in about two weeks I then developed a terrific sinus infection, so the Dr. puyt me on another antibiotic which cleared the infection. My question is doe these kinds of medical problems interfere with glucose levels. My went way up to around 180 sometimes, and averaged 143 over about a six week period. I now have it under control again and am probably averaging 90-110 give or take a little.
Dear Donald,
Yes it is very common to have you blood sugar levels go out of wack when you are sick, and usually they go up. I am happy that you have it back under control as that is very important. Glad you are healthy again. Take care
Charlie
To Charlie
Tnx for the response. It makes me feel a little better. I was diagnozed a little over a year ago
as borderline, and have been able to keep it pretty much under control about 90 pct of the time, but once in a while it just goes haywire. I have a Dr. appt tomorrow, and my last 90 day test came back at 143, which for me is really high. I figured the other med problem was the cause, but have had some sleepness nites until I got it back under control. Now I am sure I can do it witout meds, just by controlling my food intakes.
Again tnx charlie, appreciate the comeback
Oldgoat35-Donald
It's great that you are able to help each other out. If you have questions about diabetes and would like to talk with others, you may wish to visit one of our diabetes message boards.
Hi
I can't get anyone to give me a straight answer on blood sugar numbers.
My Doctor says if my blood sugar does not go over 140 consistantly I am OK. My friend says his Doctor insists on a level of 95 and he takes four medications.
Nobody says the same thing and usually won't give a nubmr but they say..ask you Doctor.
My blood sugar usually says around 130 and the A1c is 6.2
I am confused
Bob
Donald,
Best of luck at the doctor, mine called today to say that my labs did not show a thing, so I continue to have hypoglycemic problems, I am having to eat every 2-3 hours and it is awful as I feel like I am sick to my stomach and exhausted when it gets to 117 or lower. I should be thrilled as that is were is should be but I can't manage feeling like this. Well I guess I just need to give it over to the Lord.
thanks for the ear. (eyes)
Charlie
I can't find the link to ask Elaine Magee,RD a question about diet sodas. My friend insists all the info on diet sodas says to stop drinking diet and go back to regular sodas. I read it as, stop both. Diet sodas make you want more sweets.
Dear Emily,
Elaine Magee RD did not talk about that but you can find out info from her as she has gathered the last 5 years of research in anew book TELL ME WHAT TO EAT IF I HAVE DIABETES. It was on her blog. 12/09/08
Hope this helps.
Charlie Marie
I have one piece of advice for all - it was the best thing I ever did - get "Diabetes 101: What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes" and get very, very smart about your disease. ADA guidelines are archaic, and most family practitioners know very little about diabetes except how to write scripts. Really - you won't be sorry. Take charge of your diabetes.
If you have a comment about this blog post, you are in the right place. And sometimes Elaine Magee will answer questions on her blog posts. However, if you have a question for Elaine, your best chance of getting an answer is to visit her on the Healthy Cooking message board. She cannot answer every question, but she does her best to help our members.
I have Type 2 Diabetes also and have major problems keeping my sugar regulated. I'm trying to do without medication. My sugar can be around 160 to 200 after some of my meals. I can sometimes eat the same thing the next day and have a reading of 120 or so. My biggest problem is that my sugar can sometimes drop from those highs down in the 60s or 70s within an hour. This leaves me weak, shakey and fuzzy headed. I try to eat healthy but can't seem to figure out what my body needs to keep my sugar at an acceptable number. Any help ? Thanks, Vicki
Hi Vicki,
I know you are trying to do it without meds but you really need to talk to your Dr. and try some thing that will regulate your sugars. It is great that you are eating healthy and keep it up but the pancreas is not functioning right. If you do not get help from your primary care Dr. get a referral for an endocrinologist, they specialize in the type of problems you are having, If you go on meds do not use "actos" it act like what you are dealing with now. I have tried it. Blessings and good luck to you, hope this helps. Charlie Marie
I have had type II Diabetes for about 10 years or so. My blood sugar stays around 150, which a nurse told me I'm o.k. as long as it don't go over 160. Is this true? Sometimes my feet on bottom hurts, and my big toe.
Velma in Texas.
If you have a question about diabetes, please visit our Diabetes Q&A with Laurie Anderson, RN, MSN message board.
I have one kidney and have been diagnosed with borderline diabetes. How can I do a low carb diet without too much protein in my kidneys? Does water flush protein from the kidneys?
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