Carbohydrates and Diabetes: Understanding Carb Counting

Understanding the relationship between carbohydrates and diabetes is a key component of effective diabetes management. In this article, we cover the different types of carbohydrates, carb counting, measurement tools like glycemic index vs glycemic load, and more.

As one of the nation’s leading providers of diabetes supplies, US MED is dedicated to supporting individuals with reliable, expert-reviewed resources that make daily care more manageable. Whether you are newly diagnosed or seeking to improve your current management plan, we are here to help you navigate carb counting with confidence and accuracy. Keep reading to learn about the relationship between carbohydrates and diabetes and download our complimentary Carb Counting Guide for expert tips.

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are a type of macronutrient found in many foods. Individuals may think of bread and pasta when it comes to carbohydrates, but there are multiple types of carbs found in a variety of foods and beverages.

Carbs are categorized into three groups: starches, sugars, and fiber. +

• Starches (complex carbs) include foods like potatoes, corn, peas, legumes, fresh fruit, grains, bread, and pasta. Starchy foods are an important part of any diet as they are the main source of digestible carbohydrates.*
• Sugars (simple carbs) include natural sugars like those found in dairy products or fresh fruit and added sugars, such as those found in processed foods like candy, sodas, sport drinks, and desserts.
• Fiber (complex carbs) is found in many plant-based foods like leafy green vegetables, avocados, beans, quinoa, walnuts, and bananas. Fiber regulates blood sugar and sustains you, so you feel full longer. Fiber is broken down into two categories: soluble and insoluble. Both types of fiber are beneficial to your diet and overall health.

Complex vs Simple Carbs

Knowing the 3 categories of carbohydrates is helpful when structuring your meals. But it’s also important to know the difference between complex and simple carbs when managing carbohydrates and diabetes. The main difference in complex vs simple carbs is how the carbs are digested and broken down in your body:†

Simple Carbs: Simple carbs digest quickly and easily. Sugar is a simple carb. For example, a 12 oz can of Coke has 39 grams of carbohydrates. These carbs are digested quickly and rapidly turn into glucose, which causes a blood sugar spike.

Complex Carbs: Complex carbs take longer to digest. This means they are less likely to cause a glucose spike and also keep you feeling fuller longer. Fiber and starch are complex carbs.&

This plate is a great example of healthy complex carbs.

Understanding the Link Between Carbohydrates and Diabetes

Carbohydrates turn into glucose once digested, which is why they matter so much for individuals living with diabetes. Once you consume carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream and causes blood sugar levels to rise. Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar. Complex carbohydrates break down slowly, resulting in a more gradual rise in blood sugar. Understanding how different types of carbohydrates affect glucose levels is essential for maintaining glycemic control. That’s why it is important to be mindful of the type and amount of carbohydrates you consume.&

What is Glycemic Index?

Glycemic index (GI) is a tool that measures how quickly a carbohydrate food raises your blood glucose levels. GI is a scale that ranges from 0-100. A higher score means the food will raise blood sugar levels quickly. For example, simple carbs like those in a cookie have a higher glycemic index. Look for foods with a lower glycemic index when planning your meals.^

Glycemic Index vs Glycemic Load

While the glycemic index can be helpful, it may not the most accurate picture when measuring carbohydrates and their impact on blood sugar. Glycemic load utilizes GI but also factors in the amount of carbohydrates consumed. This additional information results in a more accurate prediction.^ To calculate glycemic load, use the following formula:

Glycemic Load = (GI x Grams of Available Carbohydrates) / 100

How to Count Carbs for Diabetes

Carb counting for diabetes involves reading nutrition labels, measuring portion sizes, and using standardized carb values. When meal planning for diabetes, the rule of thumb is 15 grams of carbs equals one carb serving. Once you learn the total carbs in your favorite foods, you can measure how much of that food equals 15 grams, or one serving of carbs. This makes it easier to know how much insulin to take and how a certain amount of a certain food will affect your blood sugar.= Many people find it helpful to keep a food diary or use digital tools and apps to simplify this process. Apps like Calorie King, My Fitness Pal, or SNAQ allow you to log meals on your phone and help you keep track of your macros. Understanding how to count carbs for diabetes may be an effective and empowering tool for making informed dietary choices.

Carb Counting for Type 1 Diabetes

Carb counting is very important for individuals taking insulin. For Type 1 diabetes, you must count the amount of carbohydrates in your meal and measure the appropriate amount of insulin accordingly. To make this easier, you may utilize the insulin-to-carb-ratio (ICR). When following ICR, you will take one unit of rapid-acting insulin per specified amount of carbohydrates. This amount may not be the same for everyone. For help finding your ICR, consult with your healthcare provider.@

For individuals using an insulin pump, carb counting may not be necessary, since insulin pumps help calculate insulin doses based on the carb content of your meals. However, it is still good to understand how certain foods may impact you.

Carb Counting for Type 2 Diabetes

Even if you aren’t taking insulin, knowing how to count carbs for diabetes is important. You should try to be consistent with your carb servings for each meal to help maintain glucose levels. For example, if you have 2 servings of carbs at lunch, you should aim to have the same amount of servings at dinnertime.$ For more insights into how certain foods affect your glucose levels, consider using a continuous glucose monitor, which allows you to see how your food choices impact your glucose levels throughout the day. If you don’t have a prescription for a CGM, the Dexcom Stelo is available for individuals who don’t take insulin. By pairing carb counting with continuous glucose monitoring insights, you can make informed food decisions and build a clearer picture of how your body responds.

How to Count Net Carbs

In addition to carb counting, some individuals with diabetes choose to track their net carbs. Net carbs are typically calculated by subtracting dietary fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrates listed on a nutrition label. The formula for how to count net carbs is as follows:

Net Carbs = Total Carbohydrates – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols

This method may be useful when eating high-fiber or low-glycemic foods. Insoluble fiber does not get digested; therefore, it has less of an impact on blood glucose than other carbohydrates. Many sugar alcohols do not digest. It is important to note the FDA does not recognize net carbs, and there is limited scientific evidence to back up this method. Traditional carb counting is still the preferred method.#

Download Our Complimentary Carb Counting Guide to Understand Carbohydrates and Diabetes

To help you better understand carbohydrates and diabetes, US MED offers a complimentary Downloadable Carb Counting Guide. Our easy-to-follow resource breaks down key concepts, practical tips, and includes sample food lists and portion sizes to help you make informed choices. Created by our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES), this guide has expert-reviewed knowledge you can rely on. Feel more confident and in control with US MED.

Take Control of Diabetes With Support From US MED

As one of the nation’s leading suppliers of diabetes products, US MED provides fast, reliable delivery of insulin pumps, CGMs, testing supplies, and more from trusted brands. Our team is dedicated to helping you simplify your diabetes care and feel confident.

US MED, Advanced Diabetes Supply (ADS), and Edgepark have joined together under one organization to bring customers the very best in diabetes care and support. By combining our expertise, product selection, and customer service, we provide a seamless ordering and delivery experience. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to better everyday living.

Sources

+ https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs
* https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/carbohydrates/
† https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/types-carbohydrates
& https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15416-carbohydrates
^ https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/diet-trends/what-is-glycemic-index
= https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/carb-counting-manage-blood-sugar.html
$ https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/carb-counting-and-diabetes
@ https://www.diabetesqualified.com.au/insulin-to-carbohydrate-ratio-explained/
# https://diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/get-to-know-carbs