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SugarMD - How Many Carbohydrates(carbs) should a diabetic eat?

Thumbnail of the video “SugarMD - How Many Carbohydrates(carbs) should a diabetic eat?”
Community upload. AI output has not been independently verified.
Author: SugarMD
Categories: Nutrition Health
Tags: nutrition, health
Views: 3 · Last viewed: 2026-10-17 08:38 UTC

Short Summary

Main recommendation: Carbohydrate intake for a person with diabetes depends on gender, age, activity level, and diabetes duration and severity, and for many people the video suggests keeping carbs low, roughly 15 to 45 grams per meal for women and up to about 60 to 75 grams per meal for very active men. Dr. Ahmed Ergin frames these as ranges set individually rather than one universal number, with a focus on healthy carbs and staying physically active.

Key Points

  • For the sedentary, obese 65-year-old woman with long-standing diabetes in his example, Dr. Ergin suggests 20 to 30 grams per meal, with 45 grams as a generous upper limit if more medications are added.
  • Carbohydrate targets rise with activity: a physically active man who exercises five times a week may need at least 30 grams, while very athletic, physically active men may eat 45 to 60 grams, and up to 75 grams for the most active.
  • Expressed as a share of total calories, the video suggests about 30 percent for a low-carb approach, rising to 35 to 40 percent for those who are physically active.
  • Ergin argues that very low carb intake is not automatically best, because muscles need carbohydrate fuel for exercise and exercise supports cholesterol and heart health.
  • Targets are individualized: frail, older, or severely ill patients, such as those with advanced cancer, may get looser blood sugar goals or less restrictive diets.

Details Worth Noting

  • Concrete instructions: Estimate your per-meal carb target using these reference points from the video: sedentary woman with long-standing diabetes on multiple medications, 20 to 30 grams per meal (max 45 if adding medications); active man exercising about five times a week for an hour, minimum 30 grams, up to 45 to 60 grams if very athletic, and up to 75 grams at the top end; inactive, overweight or obese older men, 30 grams or less per meal to control diabetes with fewer medications, and no more than 45 grams.
  • Choose healthy carbohydrate sources and avoid flour-based foods and refined sugars, since natural, unrefined carbs have a smaller effect on blood sugar.
  • Use a percent-of-calories framework if you prefer: about 30 percent of total calories from carbs for a low-carb plan, and 35 to 40 percent if you are physically active.
  • Pair carb intake with exercise; even inactive people can be guided toward activity, including at-home options, and .
  • Ergin mentions that remote monitoring and coaching through texting, calls, and video is available, with patients checking glucose by finger stick or CGM.
  • Ergin notes that medication-related side effects can increase when more carbs are eaten, so a higher carb target may mean additional medications or insulin.

Bottom Line

There is no single correct carb number for diabetics; the right per-meal amount depends on sex, age, activity, disease duration and severity, and overall health, with most adults falling in the low-to-moderate range the video describes.