Carbohydrate Counting — a Tool to Help Manage Your Blood Glucose
When you have diabetes, keeping your blood glucose in a healthy range can help you feel your best
today and in the future. Carbohydrate counting — or “carb counting” — is a exible meal-planning tool
(not a diet) that can help you understand how your food choices aect your blood glucose level.
Carbohydrate and blood glucose
Any carbohydrate food you eat (e.g., milk, fruit,
bread and pasta) is digested into glucose, which
causes your blood glucose level to increase.
However, eating some carbohydrates
throughout the day is important because they
provide energy and essential nutrients for your
body. To better manage your blood glucose,
energy levels and weight, pay attention to how
much carbohydrate you eat.
Maintaining the right balance between
carbohydrate and insulin (whether your body
produces it or you take it) helps to regulate
your blood glucose level. Determining when
and how much you eat — and whether or not
you have snacks — should be based on your
lifestyle, medications and meal-planning
goals. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)
may consider the following ways for you to
use carb counting to determine the healthiest
plan for you:
r1PSUJPO$POUSPM Setting a maximum amount
of carbs for each meal within your healthy
meal plan and/or taking diabetes
medications can keep your blood glucose
from getting too high.
r$POTJTUFODZIf you use diabetes medications
or insulin, it may be important to eat the same
amount of food and carbohydrate at the same
time each day. Doing this can keep your blood
glucose from getting too high or too low.
r'MFYJCJMJUZ If your insulin plan includes
varying doses based on how much
carbohydrate you are eating (carb/insulin
ratio), accurate carb counting can help you
determine how much insulin to take.
Ready, Set, Start Counting!
'PPETUIBUDPOUBJODBSCPIZESBUF
rGrains (e.g., breads, crackers, rice, hot and
cold cereals, tortillas and noodles)
rStarchy vegetables (e.g., potatoes, peas,
corn, winter squash, lentils and beans)
rFruit and juices
rMilk and yogurt
rSweets and desserts
Non-starchy vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli
and tomatoes) contain only a small amount
of carbohydrates and do not aect blood
glucose when eaten in small portions.
Learn how to read food labels
Here are tips to keep in mind when reading food labels.
Remember: Always compare the serving size listed to your
actual portion.
1
Find the
serving size.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 15 crackers (30g)
Servings Per Container about 14
Calories 130
Total Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 160mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 3g
Protein 3g –
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
3
Compare the
serving size listed
to your actual
portion.
2
Locate the
total carbohydrate
in one serving.
(Sugars are
included in this
number, so you do
not need to count
them separately.)
4
Count the grams
of carbohydrate
or the number
of carbohydrate
choices. In this
example, 10 crackers
would have about
15 grams of carb and
equal 1 carb choice.
When a nutrition label is not available, often you
can nd the information online.
1. Locate the name of the company that produced
or packaged the food, then visit its website.
2. Refer to a reliable website that provides
nutrition information, such as:
a. Calorie King (www.calorieking.com)
b. The USDA National Nutrient Database
(http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search)
c. MyFoodAdvisor
(http://tracker.diabetes.org/explore)
The number of carbohydrate choices you
need depends on your body size, activity
level and weight-management goals.
Carbohydrate choices
and portion sizes
t A “carbohydrate choice” is
a portion of food, like a slice
of bread, that has 15 grams of
carbohydrate (1 carbohydrate
choice = 15 grams of
carbohydrate).
The total carbohydrate from any
food has about the same eect
on blood glucose.
t Small portions of sweets or
sugar can occasionally be used
in place of other
carbohydrate-
containing food.
t Measure or weigh
foods to learn
what common
portion sizes look
like. If you do
not have access
to a scale or measuring cups,
refer to these hand-estimated
illustrations.
3. Visit the home page of your preferred search
engine (like Google or Bing) and enter the key
words “nutrition information for ____ (the name
of the food you are looking for)” in the search
window.
4. Download a nutrition app onto your cell phone
such as:
a.
MyFitnessPal
(http://www.mytnesspal.com/mobile)
5. Check out your favorite chain restaurant’s nutrition
information on their website so you can stick to
your plan when you are eating away from home.
Determine carbohydrate choices online
Learn how to read food labels
Here are tips to keep in mind when reading food labels.
Remember: Always compare the serving size listed to your
actual portion.
1
Find the
serving size.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 15 crackers (30g)
Servings Per Container about 14
Calories 130
Total Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 160mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 3g
Protein 3g –
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
3
Compare the
serving size listed
to your actual
portion.
2
Locate the
total carbohydrate
in one serving.
(Sugars are
included in this
number, so you do
not need to count
them separately.)
4
When a nutrition label is not available, often you
can nd the information online.
1. Locate the name of the company that produced
or packaged the food, then visit its website.
2. Refer to a reliable website that provides
nutrition information, such as:
a. Calorie King (www.calorieking.com)
b. The USDA National Nutrient Database
(http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search)
c. MyFoodAdvisor
(http://tracker.diabetes.org/explore)
The number of carbohydrate choices you
need depends on your body size, activity
level and weight-management goals.
Carbohydrate choices
and portion sizes
t A “carbohydrate choice” is
a portion of food, like a slice
of bread, that has 15 grams of
carbohydrate (1 carbohydrate
choice = 15 grams of
carbohydrate).
The total carbohydrate from any
food has about the same eect
on blood glucose.
t Small portions of sweets or
sugar can occasionally be used
in place of other
carbohydrate-
containing food.
t Measure or weigh
foods to learn
what common
portion sizes look
like. If you do
not have access
to a scale or measuring cups,
refer to these hand-estimated
illustrations.
3. Visit the home page of your preferred search
engine (like Google or Bing) and enter the key
words “nutrition information for ____ (the name
of the food you are looking for)” in the search
window.
4. Download a nutrition app onto your cell phone
such as:
a.
MyFitnessPal
(http://www.mytnesspal.com/mobile)
5. Check out your favorite chain restaurant’s nutrition
information on their website so you can stick to
your plan when you are eating away from home.
Determine carbohydrate choices online
Carbohydrate choices and
portion sizes
rA “carbohydrate choice” is a
portion of food, such as a
1-ounce slice of bread, that has
15 grams of carbohydrate (1
carbohydrate choice = 15
grams of carbohydrate).
The idea is that total
carbohydrate from any food
often has a similar eect on
blood glucose levels.
rSmall portions of sweets or
sugar can occasionally be used
in place of other
carbohydrate-
containing food.
rMeasuring or
weighing foods
can help you
learn what
common portion sizes look
like. If you do not have access
to a scale or measuring cups,
refer to these hand-estimated
illustrations.
Determine carbohydrate choices online
When a nutrition label is not available, often you
can nd the information online.
1. Locate the name of the company that produced
or packaged the food and visit its website.
2. Refer to a reliable website that provides
nutrition information, such as:
a. Calorie King (www.calorieking.com)
b. The USDA National Nutrient Database
(http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search)
c. MyFoodAdvisor
(http://tracker.diabetes.org/explore)
3. Download a nutrition app onto your cell
phone:
a. For a list of apps, visit http://www.dce.org/
public-resources/diabetes/
4. Check out your favorite chain restaurant’s
nutrition information on their website so you
can stick to your plan when you eat away
from home.
Learn how to read food labels
Here are tips for reading food labels.
Remember: Always compare the serving size listed to your
actual portion.
Learn how to read food labels
Here are tips to keep in mind when reading food labels.
Remember: Always compare the serving size listed to your
actual portion.
1
Find the
serving size.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 15 crackers (30g)
Servings Per Container about 14
Calories 130
Total Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 160mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 3g
Protein 3g –
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
3
Compare the
serving size listed
to your actual
portion.
2
Locate the
total carbohydrate
in one serving.
(Sugars are
included in this
number, so you do
not need to count
them separately.)
4
Count the grams
of carbohydrate
or the number
of carbohydrate
choices. In this
example, 10 crackers
would have about
15 grams of carb and
equal 1 carb choice.
When a nutrition label is not available, often you
can nd the information online.
1. Locate the name of the company that produced
or packaged the food, then visit its website.
2. Refer to a reliable website that provides
nutrition information, such as:
a. Calorie King (www.calorieking.com)
b. The USDA National Nutrient Database
(http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search)
c. MyFoodAdvisor
(http://tracker.diabetes.org/explore)
The number of carbohydrate choices you
need depends on your body size, activity
level and weight-management goals.
Carbohydrate choices
and portion sizes
t A “carbohydrate choice” is
a portion of food, like a slice
of bread, that has 15 grams of
carbohydrate (1 carbohydrate
choice = 15 grams of
carbohydrate).
The total carbohydrate from any
food has about the same eect
on blood glucose.
t Small portions of sweets or
sugar can occasionally be used
in place of other
carbohydrate-
containing food.
t Measure or weigh
foods to learn
what common
portion sizes look
like. If you do
not have access
to a scale or measuring cups,
refer to these hand-estimated
illustrations.
3. Visit the home page of your preferred search
engine (like Google or Bing) and enter the key
words “nutrition information for ____ (the name
of the food you are looking for)” in the search
window.
4. Download a nutrition app onto your cell phone
such as:
a.
MyFitnessPal
(http://www.mytnesspal.com/mobile)
5. Check out your favorite chain restaurant’s nutrition
information on their website so you can stick to
your plan when you are eating away from home.
Determine carbohydrate choices online
The number of carbohydrate choices you need
depends on your body size, activity level and
weight-management goals. An RD or RDN can
help you determine the appropriate amount
of carbs for you. Visit www.eatright.org
to nd an RD/RDN near you.
Count the grams
of carbohydrate
or the number
of carbohydrate
choices. In this
example, 10 crackers
have about 15 grams
of carb and equal
1 carb choice.
Food lists
The lists below provide a basic idea of the carb count in common foods. Each portion is one carbohydrate
choice (15 grams of carbohydrate). Foods with fewer than 20 calories and fewer than 5 grams of carbohydrate
are considered “free.” These include sugar-free beverages, sugar substitutes, spices and seasonings.
Breads, Grains
and Cereals
Milk and Yogurt Fruits
Vegetables
and Beans
Sweets and
Snack Foods
1 ounce bread
product
(1 slice bread, ¼
large bagel, 6”
tortilla)
1/3 cup cooked rice
or pasta
1 cup soup
¾ ounce
unsweetened cold
cereal (serving sizes
vary, check label)
½ cup cooked cereal
3 cups air-popped
popcorn
1 cup milk
1 cup low-fat
or skim milk, or
low-fat or fat-free
plain yogurt
6 ounces avored
yogurt made with
low-cal sweetener
(these vary, check
label)
1 small piece fresh
fruit
½ medium fruit
(apple, banana)
½ cup canned fruit
in own juice
1 cup melon
½ cup fruit juice
2 TBSP dried fruit
1 cup raspberries
1 ¼ cup
strawberries
¾ cup blackberries,
blueberries
½ cup potato,
sweet potato, peas,
corn
½ cup cooked
beans, legumes
(garbanzo, kidney,
black beans)
1 cup winter
squash
1 ½ cups cooked
vegetables (small
portions of non-
starchy vegetables
are free)
¾ ounce snack
food (pretzels, 4-6
crackers)
15 potato chips
1 ounce sweet
snack
(2 small sandwich
cookies, 5 vanilla
wafers)
1 TBSP sugar or
honey
½ cup regular ice
cream
Carb choices for common serving sizes
• 1 regular sandwich = 2 carb choices, or
about 30 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 6” sub sandwich = 3 carb choices, or about
45 grams of carbohydrates
• 1 cup cooked rice or pasta =
3 carb choices, or about 45 grams of
carbohydrates
• 1 medium (average) apple or banana =
2 carb choices or about 30 grams
of carbohydrates
Better carb choices
All carbs are not alike. Choose better carb choices,
such as whole grains and less-processed foods.
• Select whole grain bread, whole grain pasta and
brown rice over white (rened) varieties.
• Experiment with many types of whole grains,
including barley, oatmeal, quinoa and bulgur.
• Go for whole fruits instead of fruit juice or sugary
foods.
• Opt for beans and other legumes.
• Select a variety of vegetables such as cauliower,
tomato, carrots and spinach (most vegetables are
great choices).
'PPEMJTUT
Carbohydrate choices for common
serving sizes
r1 regular sandwich = 2 carbohydrate choices
or about 30 grams of carbohydrates
r1 6” sub sandwich = 3 carbohydrate choices
or about 45 grams of carbohydrates
r1 cup cooked rice or pasta = 3 carbohydrate
choices or about 45 grams of carbohydrates
r1 medium (average) apple or banana =
2 carbohydrate choices or about 30 grams
of carbohydrates
Better carbohydrate choices
Carbohydrate counting is important, but the type
of carbohydrate also is important for both blood
glucose and overall health. All carbohydrates are
not the same. Choose better carbohydrate choices,
such as whole grains and less-processed foods.
rOpt for beans and other legumes.
rSelect whole grain bread, whole grain pasta and
brown rice over white (rened) varieties.
rExperiment with many types of whole grains,
including barley, oatmeal, quinoa and bulgur.
rGo for whole fruits instead of fruit juice or sugary
foods.
rSelect a variety of vegetables such as cauliower,
tomato, carrots and spinach (most vegetables
are great choices).
Breads, Grains
and Cereals
Milk and Yogurt Fruits
Vegetables
and Beans
Sweets and
Snack Foods
1 ounce bread
product (1 slice
bread, ¼ large
bagel, 6” tortilla)
1/3 cup cooked rice
or pasta
1 cup soup
¾ ounce
unsweetened cold
cereal (serving sizes
vary, check label)
½ cup cooked
cereal
3 cups air-popped
popcorn
1 cup milk
1 cup low-fat or
skim milk, or
6 ounces low-fat or
fat-free plain or
Greek yogurt
6 ounces avored
yogurt made with
low-cal sweetener
(these vary, check
label)
1 small piece fresh
fruit
½ medium fruit
(apple, banana)
½ cup canned fruit
in own juice
1 cup honeydew or
cantaloupe
1 1/4 cup
watermelon
½ cup fruit juice
2 TBSP dried fruit
1 cup raspberries
1 ¼ cup strawberries
1 cup blackberries
3/4 cup blueberries
½ cup potato, sweet
potato, peas, corn
½ cup cooked
beans, legumes
(garbanzo, kidney,
black beans)
1 cup winter squash
1/3 cup cooked
cassava, yam, taro
1/3 plantain (green
or yellow)
1 ½ cups cooked
vegetables (small
portions of
nonstarchy
vegetables are free)
¾ ounce snack food
(pretzels, 4-6
crackers)
8 baked chips,
potato, pita
13 regular chips,
tortilla, potato
1 ounce sweet snack
(2 small sandwich
cookies, 5 vanilla
wafers)
1 TBSP sugar or
honey
½ cup regular ice
cream
The lists above provide a basic idea of the carb count in common foods. Each portion is one carbohydrate
choice (15 grams of carbohydrate). Foods with fewer than 20 calories and fewer than 5 grams of carbohydrate
are considered “free.” These include sugar-free beverages, sugar substitutes, spices and seasonings.
Women Men
Many women need about
3-4 carbohydrate choices
(45-60 grams) at each meal
Many men need about
4-5 carbohydrate choices
(60-75 grams) at each meal
Breakfast Breakfast
1 slice (1 ounce)
whole grain toast
1 small orange
1 teaspoon light margarine
1 cup cooked oatmeal
made with water
1 egg omelet with spinach
and mushrooms
1 cup fat-free milk
1 small orange 2 tablespoons nuts
2 tablespoons raisins
Lunch Lunch
1 cup brown rice
1 small fruit
1-2 cups chicken
and veggie stir fry
1-2 cups veggies 1 small fruit
Dinner Dinner
1 piece of chicken 1 cup pasta
1 cup winter squash ½ cup red sauce with meat
1 small fruit 6 ounces low-fat
1 -2 cups broccoli
1 large green salad
1 large green salad
1 cup fat-free skim milk
How much to eat?
plain Greek yogurt
1 sandwich with
whole grain bread
6 ounces low-fat
plain Greek yogurt
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
0-1 carbohydrate
choice
0-1 carbohydrate
choice
0-1 carbohydrate
choice
1 carbohydrate
choice
2 carbohydrate
choices
2 carbohydrate
choices
1 carbohydrate
choice
3 carbohydrate
choices
3 carbohydrate
choices
'PS8FJHIU.BJOUFOBODF
Women Men
Many women need about
3-4 carbohydrate choices
(45-60 grams) at each meal
Many men need about
4-5 carbohydrate choices
(60-75 grams) at each meal
Breakfast Breakfast
1 slice (1 ounce)
whole grain toast
1 small orange
1 teaspoon light margarine
1 cup cooked oatmeal
made with water
1 egg omelet with spinach
and mushrooms
1 cup fat-free milk
1 small orange 2 tablespoons nuts
2 tablespoons raisins
Lunch Lunch
1 cup brown rice
1 small fruit
1-2 cups chicken
and veggie stir fry
1-2 cups veggies 1 small fruit
Dinner Dinner
1 piece of chicken 1 cup pasta
1 cup winter squash ½ cup red sauce with meat
1 small fruit 6 ounces low-fat
1 -2 cups broccoli
1 large green salad
1 large green salad
1 cup fat-free skim milk
How much to eat?
plain Greek yogurt
Time
Carbohydrate
choices or grams
Breakfast
Snack
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Snack
TOTAL
My Individual Carbohydrate Goals
Healthy eating is about more than just counting carbohydrates. It is important to eat
balanced meals with an emphasis on vegetables and fruits.
Eat a variety of foods. For most people these include:
rat least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables
rat least 3 servings of whole grains or legumes (beans)
r2–3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy
rAdequate protein and healthy fats
Protein foods (including meat, poultry and sh) and fats do not directly aect blood
glucose and can help you feel satised, although they do add calories. To keep your heart
healthy, choose healthy fats (like those found in nuts, seeds and sh) in appropriate
portions. With all of the food you eat, remember that portion control is important.
© 2014 Diabetes Care and Education Dietetic Practice Group. Permission to reproduce for non-prot
educational purposes granted through 2017.
For a referral to a registered dietitian and for additional food and nutrition information, visit the
Diabetes Care and Education Practice Group at www.dce.org or the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics at www.eatright.org, or 1-800-877-1600.