Subtracting Fiber Grams from the Carb Grams
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 |
Q: "I've just started getting the "hang" of carb counting, then I read something on “Effective Carbs” that has thrown a monkey wrench in the mix. Does subtracting the fiber content from a food really lessen the carb content? i.e. fiber cereal total carbs per 1/2 cup = 18 - 8 fiber g = total effective carbs 10."
A: Just when you thought there was no such thing as a "free lunch," I'm happy to confirm that your understanding is correct. This is because the fiber part of the meal is essentially not digested and not absorbed as glucose.
According to the American Diabetes Association's Complete Guide to Carb Counting, by Hope S. Warshaw and Karmeen Kulkarni, if there are more than 5 grams of fiber in the serving that you eat, you should subtract the number of grams of fiber from the grams of total carbohydrate. Use that number for the carb count in the food. The carb from fiber will not raise your blood glucose.
Related Links
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
http://www.diabetes.org
Joslin Diabetes Center
http://www.joslin.org
Hope Warshaw
http://www.hopewarshaw.com
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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