Diet, primarily carbohydrates, directly affects blood glucose levels. Consequently, low-carbohydrate diets can help to improve acute glycemic control and reduce total daily insulin requirements in people with diabetes,[1] but these diets are often difficult to adhere to, and don’t appear to be superior to high-carbohydrate diets for blood sugar regulation in the long term.[2][3] The current evidence suggests there is no ideal macronutrient distribution or eating pattern for people with diabetes, and the diet should be tailored to the individual.[4]
How could diet affect diabetes and blood sugar?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Diet, particularly carbohydrate intake, significantly influences blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Although low-carbohydrate diets can improve short-term glycemic control and reduce insulin needs, they may not be more effective than high-carbohydrate diets for long-term blood sugar management, and dietary plans should be personalized.