Carb counting: A tool for blood sugar management

There are approximately 1.7 million adults who live in Illinois and Wisconsin who are diagnosed with diabetes. That is equivalent to filling up Solider Field to maximum capacity over 26 times. 

To manage this common chronic condition, individuals may learn to become mindful about the amount and type of carbohydrates they consume. However, this isn’t because they are on a diet. Instead, it’s because it helps with blood sugar management. 

When you eat or drink something containing carbohydrates, the carbohydrates get broken down into glucose (sugar) molecules, which raises blood sugar levels. This triggers the pancreas to secrete insulin, which allows glucose to move into the body’s cells and therefore lower your blood sugar.  

“When you have diabetes, your pancreas either doesn’t produce insulin or your body doesn’t respond to insulin correctly,” explains Jessica Schrage, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator at Aurora Health Center – Sheboygan. “This means glucose can’t get into your cells as readily or at all, and blood sugar levels remain higher.”

She says many people with diabetes count carbs as a blood sugar management tool. One may choose to count in grams and/or “choices,” with 1 choice of carbohydrate being 15 grams.  

“For some patients with type 2 diabetes and all patients with type 1 diabetes, mealtime or bolus insulin is needed when carbohydrates are consumed,” Schrage says. “Some people take fixed numbers of units for their meals, and others may choose to count carbohydrates to dose their mealtime insulin.” 

A common starting point is 1 unit of insulin for every 15 grams of carbohydrates you consume.  

“This ratio can vary greatly among individuals depending on body composition, insulin resistance, total daily insulin and other factors,” says Schrage, who provides individualized diabetes care and education to patients in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. “Counting carbohydrates allows more flexibility and can help fine-tune a bolus insulin regimen. You’ll have to do a little math if you’re on meal-time insulin injections, but even if you’re on an insulin pump, being familiar with carbohydrate counting and entering the best estimate of carbohydrates for your meals on most available pumps can help with blood sugar management.” 

You can look at nutrition labels and/or online trackers or apps to find how many carbs a food or drink item contains. It’s also best to choose complex carbs over simple carbs since they contain fiber, which can have a more favorable effect on blood sugar. 

Most importantly, it’s important that your diet still contains some carbs because they are essential for fueling your body and brain. Whole grains, legumes, starchy vegetables, and fruits are important carbs because they also have vitamins, minerals and fiber.  

If you have questions or concerns about your diet while managing diabetes, talk with your health care provider or a registered dietitian. 

Want to learn about your risk for diabetes? Take a free online quiz.