How to Teach Carb Counting

Eating a large amount of carbohydrates will result in a high glucose level.

Counting carbohydrates is especially helpful for diabetics as well as weight loss. Carbohydrates turn to glucose, or sugar, after we eat. That glucose is used by our bodies as energy. Bread, pasta, cereals, rice, starchy vegetables, fruit, fruit juices, milk, yogurt and desserts all contain carbohydrates. Eating a large amount of carbohydrates will result in a high glucose level. Reading food labels or using a carb counting book are the best ways to teach your patient how to count carbs.

Things You'll Need

• Food scale that weighs in grams
• Paper or journal
• Sample food labels

Instructions

1. Explain the benefits of counting carbohydrates. Explain what foods are considered to be "free" foods. Explain the difference between carb choices and grams. For example, explain to your patient that one slice of bread at breakfast would count as one carb choice or 15 grams. If you suggest a limit of three carb choices for each meal, clearly your patient has used one with that single slice of bread.

2. Instruct your patient to keep a food diary. Have her begin by keeping a food diary of what she eats. To be a more effective record, request she check her glucose levels before eating and 90 minutes after eating each meal for three days. Include the serving size as well. This will help you and her realize her true carb intake. You can then use that information to help determine her ideal carb count.

3. Read labels and use food lists. Show your patient how to record the grams of carbohydrates eaten at each meal. Suggest your patient get a food scale that measures in grams.

4. Share examples of carb counting. You could also figure out a random sample meal alongside your patient, letting her do the calculations.

Tips & Warnings

• This article is not intended to replace the sound medical advice of a doctor or a dietitian.

References

• Campbell, Amy. "Carb Counting" Diabetes Self-Management. 21 August 2006.
• Buethe, Marie. "C-O-U-N-T C-A-R-B-S A 10-Step Guide to Teaching Carbohydrate Counting." The Diabetes Educator, January/February 2008 vol. 34 no. 1 67-74
• Johnson, Mary A. "Carbohydrate Counting for People With Type 2 Diabetes" American Diabetes Association, 2000.