Topics: Carbohydrate Counting for the Treatment of Diabetes

Abstract

Carbohydrate counting is used in dietary therapy for diabetes based on the concept that the postprandial rise in blood glucose levels is primarily affected by ingested carbohydrates. Carbohydrate counting consists of two methods, “basic” and “applied”. Basic carbohydrate counting involves knowledge about the content of carbohydrates in various food and the methods of optimal daily food intake for diabetes patients. Basic carbohydrate counting is mainly used for patients with type 2 diabetes. Applied carbohydrate counting coordinates the appropriate insulin dose to resolve the elevation of postprandial glucose that is influenced by the amount of carbohydrate. Applied carbohydrate counting contributes to improvement of the fluctuation of postprandial glucose levels, thus, providing the freedom of diet for type 1 diabetes patients. This review describes the outline and clinical approach of carbohydrate counting.