What Are Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat?
Carbohydrates, protein, and fat are found in the food you eat. They supply your body with energy, or calories. Your body needs insulin to use this energy. Insulin is made in the pancreas. If you have diabetes, either your pancreas is no longer making insulin or your body can’t use the insulin it is making. In either case, your blood glucose levels are not normal. Carbohydrates – Starch and sugar in foods are carbohydrates. Starch is in breads, pasta, cereals, potatoes, and beans, peas, and lentils. Naturally present sugars are in fruits, milk, and vegetables. Added sugars are in desserts, candy, jams, and syrups. All of these carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram and can affect your blood glucose levels. When you eat carbohydrates, they turn into glucose and travel in your bloodstream. Insulin helps the glucose enter the cells, where it can be used for energy or stored. Eating the same amount of carbohydrate daily at meals and snacks can help you control your blood glucose levels.
