This document discusses carbohydrate counting for managing diabetes. Carb counting involves following a meal plan that specifies grams of carbs per meal and snack, and using an insulin-to-carb ratio to determine insulin dosage. For those with type 1 diabetes, carb counting helps control blood sugar levels. Those with type 2 diabetes also need to count carbs to control portions and support weight loss through a balanced, limited sugar diet with regular physical activity. Common carb foods are listed along with serving size guidelines to estimate grams of carbohydrates from labels.

1. Carbohydrate Counting
and Diabetes

2. 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

3. 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

4. Type 2 Diabetes
Why count carbohydrates?
–To follow a meal plan
–To use in insulin-to-carb meal ratio
–Portion control!

5. 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

6. Carbohydrate Foods
Starches and grains
–Bread, cereal, tortillas
–Rice and pasta
–Crackers, pretzels, chips, popcorn
–Starchy vegetables:
–Beans (pinto, black, kidney, etc)
–Corn
–Potatoes
–Peas

7. Carbohydrate Foods
• Milk and Yogurt
• Fruit- fresh, frozen, canned, dried,
juice
• Sweets, desserts, jelly and jam,
syrups
• Sugared drinks

8. 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

9. 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

10. Free Foods You Might Count
…Depending on amount eaten
Nuts and Peanut Butter
Seeds
Ketchup
BBQ Sauce
Low-fat Salad Dressings

11. Grams of Carbohydrate
Measure based on
serving
sizes
Read Labels

12. 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

13. Label Reading
Only read two parts of the label
Serving size
Total Carbohydrates (gm)
Do NOT read sugar!