Carbohydrate counting is a way of selecting the most appropriate meal-time dose of insulin and results in much more predictable blood glucose control than simply taking fixed doses of insulin. The following slides and video guide are designed to introduce the basics of carbohydrate counting but will also be a useful refresher for people who are already carbohydrate counting. Further carb counting resources are described at the foot of this page.
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Other carb counting resources
Carbs and cals: An excellent book and smartphone app which helps you estimate the carbohydrate content of food.
Cook and count: An app to help you estimate the carb content of food you prepare.
Accu-chek carbohydrate counting tool: An online resource to help improve confidence in carbohydrate counting.
Joslin Carb Challenge: Test how well you recognise carb-based and low-carb foods.
BDEC diabetes learning programme: A highly-rated online education course on carbohydrate counting from the Bournemouth Diabetes and Endocrine Centre.
DAFNE: Learn more about DAFNE (Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) here.
Within the ECED website we also have resources for 'improving control in type 1 diabetes' for insulin injection and pump patients, continuous glucose monitoring and dealing with exercise.
If you attend the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh diabetes clinic and are keen for further dietitian input regarding carbohydrate counting, please feel free to email us at: diabetesclinic.rie@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk