Carbohydrate Counting for People with Diabetes
by Amy Magnuson MS, RD and Nancy Smith MS, RD, CDE

Living with diabetes requires us to focus on the amount of carbohydrates we are choosing. A carbohydrate choice is the amount of food that has about 15 grams of carbohydrate. It is important to count carbohydrates in order to maintain blood glucose control.

These foods count as one (1) carbohydrate choice:

1 oz dinner roll
1 cup (8 oz) milk
1/2 cup beans
1 slice bread
1 cup (8 oz) soy milk
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup cooked cereal
8 oz yogurt (no added sugar)
1/2 cup green peas
3/4 cup dry cereal (varies)
1 taco
3 oz baked potato
2 - 4" pancakes
1 slice thin crust pizza
1 cup winter squash
1/2 cup pasta or potato salad
1 cup bean or noodle soup
1/2 cup canned fruit
1/2 cup pasta
1 granola bar
1/4 cup dried fruit
1/3 cup rice
3 graham cracker squares
1 cup berries
1 - 6" tortilla
1/2 cup sugar free pudding
1/2 medium grapefruit
1 - 4" waffle
10-15 potato chips
3 prunes
3 cups popcorn
1/2 cup ice cream
12-15 cherries or grapes
4-5 crackers
1 - 3" cookie
1 small apple or orange
1 small muffin
1 Tbsp syrup, honey, or sugar
1 cup melon
15 pretzels
1/3-1/2 cup fruit juice
2 Tbsp raisins


These foods count as two (2) carbohydrate choices:

1 - 8 to 11 oz frozen dinner 1 hamburger with bun
1 - 2-oz English muffin 1 cup lasagna (3" x 4" piece)
1 - 2-oz hamburger or hotdog bun 1 cup macaroni and cheese
1 cup sweetened yogurt 1 slice thick crust pizza
1 - 7" meat burrito 1/2 large bag light popcorn
1 medium banana or pear 1 small bagel
1 cup chili 1 cup casserole


Adults with Type 2 diabetes generally need to limit carbohydrates to no more than 45-60 grams per meal and 15-30 grams for a snack. Your dietitian can help you individualize a meal plan.

Carbohydrate counting will help you keep your blood glucose levels in your target range. Foods that contain carbohydrates include: grains, beans, starchy vegetables, fruits, milk, yogurt and sweets. Follow these tips for good blood glucose control:

  • Eat three meals a day with one to three snacks. Try to eat around the same times every day.
  • Avoid skipping meals.
  • Follow the food guide pyramid. Pay attention to carbohydrate choices. Stay within your recommended serving ranges.
  • Limit foods that are high in added sugars and fats. If you do consume foods with added sugar, be sure to count them into your carbohydrate choices.
  • Avoid drinking high sugar beverages such as regular sodas, fruit juices, lemonade and punch. All of these can be substituted with diet, low calorie, low sugar or light alternatives.

 

For more information on this topic:

 

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