Introduction

Carbohydrate counting is an important skill to help you maintain tight control of your blood sugar (glucose) level when you have diabetes. It gives you the flexibility to eat what you want and increases your sense of control and confidence in managing your diabetes.

Key points

• Carbohydrate counting helps you maintain your blood sugar at your target level.
• Carbohydrate counting allows you to adjust the amount of insulin you take based on how many grams of carbohydrate you eat at a meal or snack. The formula used to determine the amount of insulin you need is called the insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio.
• The insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio differs from one person to another. You and your doctor will calculate your ratio by recording the food you eat and testing your blood sugar level after meals.

 What is carbohydrate counting?

 Why is carbohydrate counting important?

 How do I count carbohydrate grams in my diet?

 Where to go from here

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Related Information

• Diabetes in children: Counting carbs
• Diabetes: Counting Carbs if You Don't Use Insulin
• Gestational diabetes: Counting carbs