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Our system is based on guidelines from the American Dietetic Association and American Diabetes Association. Neither of these organizations has specific criteria for including or excluding foods from the diet based on carbohydrate content. It is generally recommended that people with diabetes include 40-60 grams carbohydrate per meal, with each following their recommended plan based on professional advice from their health practitioner. One criterion for the HHDM tag is that the food must contain at least 3 grams of fiber per serving, which encourages choosing carb foods that contain more whole grains. All digestible carbohydrates are eventually converted to sugar, so it is up to the individual as to whether the choice is to include less food that is higher in total carbs or more food that is lower in carbs to make up the total for a meal or snack. But even someone with diabetes should ideally have the majority of their allotted calories coming from carbs to supply energy and other important nutrients to the body. The total amount of calories is based on what is needed to support desirable body weight.

Thank you for your inquiry, Dr. Tyra