Counting carbs is a practice that diabetics can use to control their blood glucose levels. With the help of a dietician, you can set a maximum amount of carbohydrates permitted each day. You'll need to review carb counts in the foods you eat to ensure you don't surpass your daily intake. Both insulin and non-insulin diabetics can count carbohydrates for blood glucose control.
Features
According to the American Diabetes Association, an average amount of carbohydrates to aim for at each meal is between 45 and 60 g. You may need to change the amount depending on your medications and blood glucose readings. Planning out your meals ahead of time can help ensure you know your carbohydrate intake for each meal. Carbohydrate intake should remain consistent at each meal unless you are planning to adjust your insulin dosage.
Types
Foods that contain carbohydrates include breads, cereals, pasta, potatoes, corn, fruit, soft drinks, sweets, dried beans and dairy products. Foods like non-starch vegetables may have a very small amount of carbohydrates. Healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains are preferred over carbohydrate sources such as candy, cookies and French fries.
Prevention/Solution
Reading food labels and recording the numbers in a food diary is an essential part of counting carbohydrates. When you are looking at food labels, check the total number of carbohydrates listed, not just the sugars. Total carbohydrates include the fiber, sugar and starch counts found in each food item. Remember to follow the serving size recommendations on the food label to keep carbohydrate intake under control. If the food does not have a label, use sites like the USDA Nutrient Laboratory Database to find out the number of carbohydrates.
Warning
If a food does not contain carbohydrates, it does not mean you eat an unlimited amount. Your dietician is likely to recommend also keeping track of the amount of fat, calories and cholesterol in the foods you eat. This helps control your weight and also reduces your risk of complications from your diabetes such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.
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