Carbohydrate Counting for Type 2 Diabetes
Being fully aware of your level of carbohydrate intake will help manage your blood sugar levels. In carb counting, you add up the number of grams of carbohydrates that you eat during each meal.
With careful tracking, you can learn how many grams of carbohydrates you need to eat to maintain a safe blood sugar level while taking insulin injections. A doctor, nurse, or dietitian can help you get started.
Many foods contain carbohydrates, including:
- Wheat, rice, and other grains and grain-based foods
- Dried beans, lentils, and other legumes
- Potatoes and other starchy vegetables
- Fruit and fruit juice
- Milk and yogurt
- Processed snack foods, desserts, and sweetened beverages
There are many books and online resources that you can use to learn how many grams of carbohydrates are found in portions of common foods. You can also check the nutritional labels of packaged and processed foods.