For a patient on a 2000 calorie diet, how many grams of carbohydrates should they consume according to the American Diabetes Association?

The American Diabetes Association generally recommends that carbohydrates make up about 45-65% of total daily caloric intake for individuals. For a patient on a 2000 calorie diet, this means that carbohydrates should provide approximately 900 to 1300 calories per day from carbohydrates alone.

To convert calories from carbohydrates to grams, we recognize that each gram of carbohydrate provides 4 calories. Therefore, if a patient consumes 1000 calories from carbohydrates, this would translate into 250 grams of carbohydrates (1000 calories ÷ 4 calories/gram = 250 grams).

Given this context, the calculation aligns with the recommendation, making 250 grams the most suitable choice. This balance allows for a controlled intake of carbohydrates while providing sufficient energy to meet dietary needs, particularly for someone managing diabetes. Thus, focusing on this specific amount helps the patient maintain better blood glucose levels in accordance with nutritional guidelines.