Carbohydrate Counting
(Public Health)
On this page, your questions about Carbohydrate Counting will be answered.
What Is Carbohydrate Counting?
Carbohydrate Counting is a planning tool for tracking the amount of carbohydrates a person consumes in their daily meals and snacks.
- Carbohydrates are organic compounds found in food that serve as a primary source of energy, and the body converts them into glucose.
- Who Can Use Carbohydrate Counting?
- Many people can benefit from using Carbohydrate Counting, such as:
People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Athletes.
- people suffering from obesity.
- Benefits of Carbohydrate Counting
- Carbohydrate Counting is beneficial for everyone, especially people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Some of the health benefits include:
- Better blood sugar control for people with diabetes
- Reduced daily need for insulin doses
- Preventing or delaying diabetes complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart attacks.
Improved endurance and energy during exercise.
Weight loss.
Overall health improvement.
How to Calculate Carbohydrates?
- 45 xIt is recommended that carbohydrates make up 45%–65% of an individual’s total daily calories.
- Each gram of carbohydrates provides about 4 calories.
Therefore, the calculation method is as follows:
45 % your total daily calories = daily carbohydrate calories
Daily carbohydrate calories 4 = the appropriate grams of carbohydrates per day
- Since the total daily calories suitable for each person vary depending on several factors, it is recommended to consult a dietitian to determine your daily calorie needs and personal goals before starting Carbohydrate Counting.
- Where Are Carbohydrates Found?
- Carbohydrates are found in many foods, including:
- Grains: bread, pasta, rice, oats.
- Legumes: beans, lentils, peas.
- Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges.
- Vegetables: potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots.
- Snacks: cakes, sweets, biscuits.
Juices and soft drinks.
- Dairy products.
- Honey.
- Common Misconceptions About Carbohydrate Counting:
- Avoiding all carbohydrates for people with diabetes: Some believe avoiding all carbohydrates is the solution, while in fact, people with diabetes need to consume healthy carbohydrates in appropriate amounts.
No need to adjust insulin doses when using Carbohydrate Counting: In reality, insulin doses should be adjusted based on the carbohydrate content of the meal under a doctor’s guidance.
All carbohydrates have the same effect on blood glucose levels: In fact, different types of carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels differently.
Carbohydrate Counting is only for people with diabetes: Athletes need Carbohydrate Counting to achieve their exercise and training goals, and it is also helpful for people with obesity to support weight loss.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the way to know the amount of carbohydrates in packaged food?
You can find the amount of carbohydrates (in grams) in packaged foods by reading the nutrition label on the product.
Can Carbohydrate Counting be used to control gestational diabetes?
