How do carbohydrates affect diabetes and CKD?
Learn how different foods can help you manage your blood sugar and kidney health.
Knowing what foods impact blood sugar and why portions matter can help you manage diabetes and protect your kidney health.
Understand how carbohydrates work
Carbohydrates are found in many foods and provide our bodies with energy. Too many or too few carbohydrates can cause your blood sugar to go too high or too low. It’s important to know about different carbohydrates.
Carbohydrate types and their effect on blood sugar
Balance your meals
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The Diabetes Plate Method
The Diabetes Plate Method can help you balance your blood sugar while creating a healthy meal. Using a 9-inch dinner plate, fill:
- ½ of your plate with non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, or salad.
- ¼ of your plate with lean protein such as poultry, fish, eggs, beans, or tofu.
- ¼ of your plate with carbohydrate-rich foods such as fruit, whole grains, starchy vegetables, milk, or yogurt.
We are here to help
Talk to your care team about carbohydrate recommendations for your individual needs.
This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.
Julie Dominguez, MD
Vice President, Medical Office, Interwell Health
Julie Dominguez, MD, is a nephrologist with extensive experience in private practice nephrology and medical education. At Interwell Health, she helps advance high-quality kidney care programs that support patients and clinicians. Dr. Dominguez earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, completed her Internal Medicine residency at Duke University, and completed her Nephrology fellowship at the University of California San Diego.