What is Carbohydrate Counting?

Abstract

Counting carbohydrates is one way to plan your meals and keep your blood glucose (sugar) on target. Carbohydrates are one of the three main energy sources in food, along with protein and fat. It's the balance between the carbohydrates you eat and insulin that determines how much your blood glucose levels rise after you eat. With the right balance of carbohydrates and insulin, your blood glucose level will usually stay in your target range. Counting carbohydrate servings can help you reach your blood glucose goals and prevent diabetes complications. You can learn to use carbohydrate counting to choose what and how much to eat. Carbohydrate counting can be easier to use than other meal planning methods. If you take insulin, you can use carbohydrate counting to decide how much insulin to take. Which foods have carbohydrate? The foods listed in the chart below are mostly carbohydrate. These foods affect your blood glucose much more than other foods such as meat and meat substitutes, vegetables, or fats. Large servings of salads or cooked vegetables (such as 1 1 ⁄ 2 cups of cooked carrots) are counted as carbohydrate servings too. Some foods, such as pizza, casseroles, and soups, are a combination of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. How many servings of carbohydrate foods are best for me at each meal and snack? The recommended number of servings is based on your weight, activity level, diabetes medications, and goals for your blood glucose levels. A member of your health care team, such as a dietitian, can work with you to make a personalized plan. For many people, having 3 or 4 servings of carbohydrate foods at each meal and 1 or 2 servings for snacks works well. What about other foods such as meats, vegetables, and fats? To have a balanced meal plan, you'll want to include protein foods, such as beef, chicken, and fish, as well as vegetables and a moderate amount of healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts. Talk with your health care team about what to eat for your meals and snacks.