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!