Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Carbohydrate counting is a skill that can help you and your child plan his or her meals to manage diabetes and control blood sugar. Carbohydrate counting also can allow your child to eat a variety of foods, just like other kids, and to increase his or her sense of control and confidence in managing diabetes. When you and your child know how much carbohydrate is in food, you can spread it throughout the day and control portion sizes. This helps to keep your child's blood sugar in his or her target range after meals. High blood sugar can make your child feel tired and thirsty and, over time, can damage many body organs and tissues. Carbohydrate counting can help you and your child manage diabetes and control blood sugar. Carb counting can allow your child to eat a variety of foods, just like other kids. It can also help your child feel more in control and more confident in managing diabetes. Managing the amount of carbohydrate (carbs) your child eats is an important part of planning healthy meals. Carbohydrate counting means you plan meals and snacks for your child based on the amount of carbohydrate in each food. It also helps to know the amount of carbs in different foods. Here are some ways to help you and your child count the carbohydrate content of his or her food and spread the amount throughout the day. Your child will have the best chance of success if you and other members of the family also eat a variety of healthy foods. Your doctor, registered dietitian, or certified diabetes educator may suggest that you use one of two ways to count carbohydrates in your diet. Use the method that is easiest for you. For both, 15 grams of carbohydrate equals one serving. You can either: For example, if you want to eat 45 grams of carbohydrates, you would choose three servings of carbohydrate food (3 servings x 15 grams per serving = 45 grams). You could choose one serving of three different foods (such as oatmeal, milk, and half of a banana) or three servings of the same food (such as a larger serving of oatmeal). Instead of counting grams of carbohydrates, you would count 3 carbohydrate servings. Here are some things you can do to help your child who has diabetes enjoy meals and stay healthy. You want your child to eat some at all meals. But you don't want your child to eat too much at one time. Carbohydrate raises blood sugar more than any other nutrient. It's found in sugar, breads, and cereals. It's also found in fruit, starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn, milk, and yogurt. Plan meals to include a variety of foods. This includes grains, fruit, vegetables, dairy, and protein foods. A dietitian or diabetes educator can help you and your child keep track of carbs. It's an easy way to make sure that your child has a balanced meal. Divide your child's plate by types of foods. Place non-starchy vegetables on half the plate, protein foods on a fourth of the plate, and carbohydrate foods on the final fourth of the plate. Your child can eat sweets once in a while. But you need to count the amount of carbs as part the daily amount. These foods don't raise blood sugar as much as carbohydrates do. Current as of: September 20, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: September 20, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Diabetes in Children: Counting Carbs
Overview
Overview
Why is carbohydrate (carb) counting important
for a child who has diabetes?
Counting carbohydrates (carbs) when your child
has diabetes: Overview
How do you count carbohydrates?
How do you use carbohydrate
counting?
Establish a meal plan
Start counting
Other helpful suggestions
What are the ways to count
carbohydrates?
Helping your child who has diabetes eat
well
How can you encourage good nutrition in your
child who has diabetes?
When your child eats out
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: September 20, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardDiabetes in Children: Counting Carbs
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.