Carbohydrates or “carbs” get a lot of attention these days and it’s no secret that carbs can affect your blood sugar (blood glucose). You might be wondering if you should eat less of them, or even eat them at all. You’re not alone!

Carbs come in many different forms, but the main three are starch, fiber, and sugar. When purchasing packaged food, the term “total carbohydrate” refers to all three of these types. Learn more about nutrition labels. So how much is the right amount?

Let’s start with the basics. All food is made up of three main nutrients: carbohydrates, protein and fat. You need all three to stay healthy, but each person needs a different amount. When choosing carbs, the key is choosing complex carbs—the ones that give you the most bang for your buck in terms of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Complex carbohydrates are digested slower, therefore they are less likely to cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar like refined carbohydrates. Examples are whole grains and legumes.

Get to know more about carbs.

Hurricane season diabetes care kit tips 

In addition to having basic emergency supplies, people with diabetes should also put together a diabetes care kit. Keep the kit in an easy-to-carry waterproof bag or storage container so you can move quickly if you have to evacuate. 

Put your medical information in a sealed plastic bag, including:

  • Copies of any prescriptions, including eye health prescriptions
  • Current dosages and times when you take medicines
  • Your pharmacy and doctor's name, address and phone number
  • The make, model and serial number of your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor
  • A copy of your photo ID and health insurance card
  • Medical history

Pack enough diabetes supplies to last at least one to two weeks, including:

  • Insulin and syringes for every injection; oral medications
  • Blood sugar (glucose) meter, test strips, lancets and lancet devices
  • Extra batteries for your blood sugar meter and insulin pump
  • Insulin pump supplies, including extra pump sets and insertion devices
  • Glucose tabs or a quick carb (juice, hard candy) to treat low blood sugar
  • Alcohol wipes

An empty sharps container or hard plastic bottle (milk carton) to safely dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets. 

Be sure to store your supplies properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also check the expiration dates for your supplies every few months. Anything that’s close to expiring, replace with fresh supplies. You can use the supplies that were in the kit for your daily care before they reach the expiration date.