Carbohydrate Counting and Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Why count carbohydrates?–To follow a meal plan Ex: 60g carbs at meals, 30g carbs

at snacks–To use an insulin-to-carb meal ratio Ex: 1:15 One unit of insulin/ 15 grams of

carbohydrates

Type 1 Diabetes

• Encourage a healthy, balanced diet However….. They can eat cookies, cake, candy

and other sweets occasionally. They must fit them into the meal plan.• Recommend sugar-free drinks

Type 2 Diabetes

Why count carbohydrates?

–To follow a meal plan

–To use in insulin-to-carb meal ratio

–Portion control!

Type 2 Diabetes• Need weight loss• Encourage a healthy, balanced diet– Limit desserts, candy, etc–Only sugar-free drinks–No juice!!–Drink white, low-fat or non-fat milk– Limit fried foods–More vegetables!!

• Encourage daily activity

Carbohydrate FoodsStarches and grains–Bread, cereal, tortillas–Rice and pasta–Crackers, pretzels, chips, popcorn– Starchy vegetables:

–Beans (pinto, black, kidney, etc)–Corn –Potatoes–Peas

Carbohydrate Foods• Milk and Yogurt• Fruit- fresh, frozen, canned, dried,

juice• Sweets, desserts, jelly and jam,

syrups• Sugared drinks

Free Foods≤5 grams of carbohydrate/ serving• Non-starchy vegetables–Lettuce, tomatoes, green beans,

broccoli, carrots, pickles, jalapeños • Fats–Butter, oils, shortening, avocado,

olives, bacon, cream

Free Foods• Protein–Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese

• Condiments–Mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce–Spices and herbs–Artificial sweeteners (Splenda®, Sweet-

n-Low®, Equal®)• Sugar-free drinks

Free Foods You Might Count

…Depending on amount eatenNuts and Peanut ButterSeedsKetchupBBQ SauceLow-fat Salad Dressings

Grams of Carbohydrate

Measure based on serving sizes

Read Labels

Serving Sizes

1 serving of carb= 15 grams• Bread- One slice• Pasta, rice- 1/3 cup• Corn, mashed potatoes- ½ cup• Milk- 1 cup• Fruit- 4oz apple, banana, glass of juice• Ice cream- ½ cup vanilla

Label ReadingOnly read two parts of the label

Serving sizeTotal Carbohydrates (gm)

Do NOT read sugar!