Carbohydrate counting for people who use insulin
What is carbohydrate counting?
Carbohydrate counting is a recommended method of meal planning for people who have diabetes. It involves matching insulin to the grams of carbohydrate in the foods you eat to keep your blood sugar level in your target range.
Carbohydrate—the body's main source of fuel—affects blood sugar more than any other nutrient. All forms of carbohydrate increase your blood sugar level. Foods that contain carbohydrate include:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Milk and yogourt.
- Starchy foods (such as breads, cereals, and vegetables such as potatoes and corn).
- Sugary foods (such as candy and cakes).
Contrary to what you may have heard, you can eat sugar when you have diabetes. However, if foods that contain sugar make up a large part of your diet, you are probably not eating enough of other, more nutritious foods.
Test Your Knowledge
Which of these foods contain carbohydrate?
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| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: February 22, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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