Nancy K HOW TO COUNT CARBOHYDRATES USING FOOD LABELS
This is a simple guide to counting carbohydrates. All diabetics should know how to do this, as it directly impacts your blood sugar.
First, take a look at the nutrition information label on any food product. The three main things to look at, for our purpose, is serving size, carbohydrates, and fiber. The number of carbohydrates are listed outright. Keep in mind that this is the number per serving, not for the entire package. This means if that can of green beans says 10 grams of carbohydrates, and there are 2 servings per can, then the entire can of beans has 20 grams of carbohydrates.
The next thing is the fiber. Fiber is listed because it slows down the body's absorption of carbohydrates, delaying them from being turned into sugar. Some fiber doesn't even get absorbed at all. It's important to note that the fiber count is already included in the total carb count on US labels. For those not in the US, you may need to add fiber back to the listed "total" to get the true total carbohydrate count.
There is another value listed under carbohydrates, called sugars. This number refers to the grams of added sugars used in the product. Sometimes it will also list sugar alcohols. Despite what you may have heard, sugar alcohols can still have a significant impact on our blood sugar as diabetics. This is why we don't blow them off. They are also included in the total carb count.
So how many carbs should you have per meal/snack/day? We recommend (20-50g / day)
This is a simple guide to counting carbohydrates. All diabetics should know how to do this, as it directly impacts your blood sugar.
First, take a look at the nutrition information label on any food product. The three main things to look at, for our purpose, is serving size, carbohydrates, and fiber. The number of carbohydrates are listed outright. Keep in mind that this is the number per serving, not for the entire package. This means if that can of green beans says 10 grams of carbohydrates, and there are 2 servings per can, then the entire can of beans has 20 grams of carbohydrates.
The next thing is the fiber. Fiber is listed because it slows down the body's absorption of carbohydrates, delaying them from being turned into sugar. Some fiber doesn't even get absorbed at all. It's important to note that the fiber count is already included in the total carb count on US labels. For those not in the US, you may need to add fiber back to the listed "total" to get the true total carbohydrate count.
There is another value listed under carbohydrates, called sugars. This number refers to the grams of added sugars used in the product. Sometimes it will also list sugar alcohols. Despite what you may have heard, sugar alcohols can still have a significant impact on our blood sugar as diabetics. This is why we don't blow them off. They are also included in the total carb count.
So how many carbs should you have per meal/snack/day? We recommend (20-50g / day)
Ty you now I get the idea
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