Method of Meal Planning for People with Diabetes

Foods containing carbohydrates (grains, vegetables, fruit, milk, and sugar) have the largest effect on blood-sugar level.

A small amount of carbohydrates (one apple) raises blood sugar some; a larger amount of carbohydrates (three apples) raises blood sugar more.

You track how the carbohydrates affect you by monitoring your blood sugar. You have to invest some time in monitoring blood sugar, record-keeping, measuring food servings, and learning about nutrients in foods.

Carbohydrate counting has two levels: basic and advanced. Basic carbohydrate counting is generally used by people with type 2 diabetes and consists mostly of counting and eating consistent amounts of carbohydrates.

Advanced is often used by people taking insulin and is made up of recognizing and managing patterns in blood-sugar levels, food consumption, medication, and exercise for intensive management of blood sugar.

You may only need to learn about basic carbohydrate counting. The amount of work may seem overwhelming at first, but most people find that the improvements in blood-sugar control are worth it! A registered dietitian (RD) can help you learn carbohydrate counting.