Peran Asupan Karbohidrat terhadap Kadar Glukosa Darah pada Penderita Diabetes Melitus: Literature Review

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from impaired insulin production, reduced insulin sensitivity, or a combination of both. Managing diabetes mellitus relies not only on pharmacological therapy but also requires standardized nutritional therapy particularly the regulation of carbohydrate intake as a core component of disease management. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source with the greatest impact on post-consumption blood glucose levels, as they are digested into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream. Consequently, the quantity, type, and distribution of carbohydrate intake are critical factors in glycemic control. This study aims to analyze research findings regarding the role of carbohydrate intake in blood glucose levels among individuals with diabetes mellitus and to identify factors influencing this relationship. A literature review method was employed, examining scientific articles published between 2020 and 2025 in Indonesian or English sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, Garuda, and SINTA databases that addressed the relationship between carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. A selection process based on inclusion and exclusion criteria was conducted, followed by a narrative synthesis of the eligible studies. The findings indicate a link between carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, wherein the quantity, type, quality, and distribution patterns of carbohydrate consumption influence the glycemic response. Alongside pharmacological therapy, appropriate nutritional management including the adoption of a low-carbohydrate diet as a short-term therapeutic measure plays a vital role in helping to control blood glucose levels.