31 Days of Counting Carbs in October

Divabetic

Throughout the month of October Divabetic will be posting carb counts for some of our favorite fruits and vegetables daily. Our goal of presenting ’31 Days of Counting Carbs’ is to help you get past any feelings of overwhelm you might experience when counting carbohydrates so you can stay healthy with diabetes.

Believe it or not, once you learn how to count carbs, you’ll find it easier to fit a wide variety of foods into your meal plan. Many people with diabetes think carbohydrate counting is much easier than using a more traditional exchange meal plan.

What is Carb Counting?

Carbohydrate counting is a method of calculating grams of carbohydrate consumed at meals and snacks according to the Joslin Diabetes Center. Foods that contain carb have the greatest effect on blood glucose compared to foods that contain protein or fat.

Who Should Count Carbs?

Carbohydrate counting can be used by anyone with diabetes, not just people taking insulin. As a tool, carb counting,  can help you have tighter control over your blood glucose readings. Being as precise as possible with your carb intake and medication will help you better manage your blood glucose after meals.

Know Your Carbohydrates

Most of the carbohydrates we eat come from three food groups: starch, fruit and milk. Vegetables also contain some carbohydrates, but foods in the meat and fat groups contain very little carbohydrates

Counting carbohydrates allows flexibility in your meal plan, but you can’t abandon your meal plan and eat as many carbohydrates as you desire. Keep in mind your overall goals–to keep your carb intake at a certain amount each day, and keep your glucose as close to normal as possible–and you’ll do well. Remember to consult your healthcare team before making any of the changes discussed here.

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Tags: carb counting, carbohydrates, food