Beyond "Good Carbs" vs. "Bad Carbs": A New Approach to Assessing Carbohydrate Quality to Build Diabetes-Friendly Plates

This product is free for Diabetes DPG members.

This webinar was presented live on April 5, 2023.

Carbohydrate-containing foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes form the foundation of nutritious diets worldwide. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) recommend adults consume 45-65% of calories from carbohydrates. While the accessibility, versatility and nutrient contributions of these foods make them a solution to build nourishing meals, the advice falls short on how to choose quality sources. Further, current evidence illustrates the need for a globally accepted definition of quality carbohydrates – one that aligns with dietary recommendations, considers a food's total nutrient package and supports healthful eating patterns for all consumers, including those with diabetes.

During this session, Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RDN, CDCES will discuss the scientific shortcomings of the glycemic index and share the latest science that introduces newer approaches for evaluating carbohydrate quality. Mary Ellen Phipps, MPH, RD will then discuss practical ways to help clients with diabetes select carbohydrate-containing foods that fit their lifestyle and nutrition goals. The webinar will also highlight delicious, diabetes-friendly recipes and meal planning strategies to empower clients to incorporate nutrient-dense carbohydrates, including potatoes.

Sponsored by: Potatoes USA

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the need for nuance in defining high-quality carbohydrate-containing foods given the diversity within this food category.
• Interpret shortcomings of the glycemic index and identify alternative science-based approaches to identifying high-quality carbohydrate containing foods.
• Describe strategies to incorporate high-quality carbohydrate foods that support healthful eating patterns for people with diabetes.

Speakers

Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RDN, CDCES

Mary Ellen Phipps, MPH, RDN