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What is Carbohydrate Counting?
Calories in food come from three sources: carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Each affects blood sugar differently. Carbohydrate, which includes both sugar and starch, has the biggest effect on blood sugar. Carbohydrate counting is based on two ideas:
- Eating equal amounts of sugar (such as fruit or, on occasion, candy) or starch (such as bread or pasta) will raise blood sugar about the same amount.
- Carbohydrate is the main nutrient that effects blood sugar. Within one to two hours after eating carbohydrate, most of it is changed to blood sugar. Protein and fat have much less effect on blood sugar.
The key to remember is that the amount of carbohydrate you eat (whether sugar or starch) will determine how high your blood sugar level will be after a meal or snack.
Why Use Carbohydrate Counting?
- It offers more variety in choices.
- It provides a more accurate guess of how blood sugar will rise after a meal or snack.
- Carbohydrate information on food labels makes meal planning easier.
- You can swap an occasional high sugar food (even though it may contain fewer nutrients) for other carbohydrate-containing foods.
Today we call carb counting the "Choice System", if you are struggling with your diabetic diet, call today and make an appointment with The Healthier You to find the right balance for you, do not try and do it on your own.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 June 2011 10:35 )
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