Last Updated on September 4, 2026
Dietary Focus Group on Diabetes
Compiled by the membership
This is our third article about diabetes. Let’s talk about carbohydrates. The simple truth is that carbohydrates turn into sugar. (Technically, digestion breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts how your body handles this glucose.) When you are planning your meals or reading the menu at one of our restaurants, you might want to consider the number and type of carbohydrates you would like to consume, in order to minimize elevating your blood sugar level. The diabetic residents spoken to by the Dietary Focus Group avoid simple (refined) carbs, like obvious sweets, non-diet soda, French fries, white bread, and candy to list a few.
Protein, fat, and importantly fiber slow down digestion and absorption, which can blunt a blood sugar rise. High fiber, non-starchy vegetables (such as broccoli, green beans and lettuce), as well as complex carbs (whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and green peas, and beans and lentils), and whole fruits (like berries and apples) are good choices when deciding what to order from a restaurant menu.
Cheeses have low levels of carbohydrates, because of the natural milk sugar of lactose which digestion converts to lactic acid (not glucose). Hard cheeses and aged cheeses are practically carb free!
If choosing an alcoholic beverage, dry wines (both red and white) have low carb counts; distilled spirits, like vodka or gin have nearly no carbs, but use a mixer without added sugar. Dessert wines and complex cocktails made with sweet liqueurs or juices are not the best choice.
And especially if you use insulin, monitor glucose after drinking to minimize risk of any interaction with medications. (Your liver will choose to metabolize the alcohol over maintaining your blood glucose, which can lead to hypoglycemia.)
As noted in our earlier article, your body is unique – so please pay attention to your own responses, and consult your physician or nutritionist if you have concerns. These anecdotal notes from our diabetic residents are intended to help you advocate for yourself; what works for one person may or may not work for another, so seek professional medical advice AND choose lifestyle changes that help keep your blood sugar consistent.
Sources and for further information: