Hello,

In the lesson about the pancreas, it is mentioned that a large amount of carbohydrates burdens the pancreas. At the same time, it is often mentioned that a high-carbohydrate diet is the optimal diet. If I were to translate this into reality with an example - if a 55 kg woman consumes 200g of carbohydrates per day, are we already talking about high-carbohydrate dieting? The percentages are a bit beyond me at the moment, I understand that such a woman should consume about 55-65g of protein daily. And of course, she should only eat complex carbohydrates. But what is the daily gram limit she should adhere to in order not to overload the pancreas? Because perhaps she doesn't want to eat low-carb and believes that she can best maintain balance with a high-carb diet - due to a fear of higher fat consumption. Moreover, could a low-carbohydrate diet with an intake of 150g of carbohydrates be suitable? Because there is also a real fear of pancreatic strain and insulin resistance. Additionally, if she wants to find out about her status regarding insulin resistance, is it appropriate for her to go for blood tests and have not only fasting glucose but also HbA1c, C-peptide, insulin, and lactate tested? Or is there anything else needed?

Thank you very much.

In relation to the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet, we distinguish between a high-carbohydrate (where the carbohydrate content ranges from 50-60% of the total energy intake) and a low-carbohydrate (where the proportion of carbohydrates is usually below 40%) approach. The pancreas is "burdened" in relation to carbohydrate intake in situations where:

1. Carbohydrate intake is too high (meaning it exceeds the actual need).
2. The proportion of sugars from the total amount of carbohydrates is too high (such a diet has a high glycemic index and load),
3. The quality of carbohydrates is degraded due to industrial food processing (resulting in high glycemia).

In this case, it is not "just" about the gram weight, i.e., the mass proportion of carbohydrates, but it is more appropriate to relate the calculation to the overall energy intake, while also assessing the quality of the carbohydrates present (again, in relation to their ability to influence blood sugar levels).

It is a matter of individual preference whether one will be more suited to the traditional high-carbohydrate concept or if they will prefer low carb. In both cases, the condition should be an effort to prefer quality foods (i.e., avoid ultra-processed foods) and to control sugar intake. This relates to the generally presented rules, which we will discuss further in the course.

If you have concerns about developing insulin resistance, you should have a professional examination carried out. This area is currently very well monitored by the medical community with regard to efforts to address the growing incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Themes:  Carbohydrates