How do u count carbs--carry a book?

Question

So I'm a new type 2, I've got the food exchange down. But everyone here on answers says to count carbs. I am clueless and need to get to expert level fast. I know some low glycemic foods. So do u carry around 2 books? I 'm not eating the bear claw my son brought me, so I'm on to those carbs. (sugar)

Answer 1

Most packaged foods have the info right on the label. I don't carry a book... never have. I simply avoid the breads, pastas, doughnuts, etc. Realizing that, I eat all the vegetables I want because most are low in calories and high in nutrition. I eat a fair amount of chicken and fish because they are high in protein and low in calories from carbs and sugar. After awhile, you'll get a feel for what you should have and what you shouldn't. I've been a T2 diabetic for nearly four years (hard to tell, because it comes on so gradually). I've found some very nice resources that have helped me tremendously in my understanding of the disease and how to treat it. I've put them all together on a webpage that you might find helpful right here: http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type_II_Diabetes.html

Answer 2

Read the back of food labels and make sure to pay attention to serving size. As a child my parents carried a book around and we'd consult with it before every meal but that was never going to work as I went through school and started working. I learned very quickly what a serving size was and how many carbs certain foods had. Sometimes I'm very surprised to find out what certain foods have but usually get it right. If you check your glucose level about an hour after eating you can get an idea of how well you are doing at counting. You'll learn what foods do to your body quicker than you would think. Counting carbs is really the only way to control your health.

Answer 3

Hi there Kim,

Quick story. I got nabbed as a Type 2 almost a year ago. I had gone into the ER for a bad ear infection ( couldnt stand up and high fever) My BG (Blood Glucose) was 512. Went to see my reg doctor the next day and begged and pleaded not to be put on pills or insulin. He gave me 1 month to get my SH** together. I poured over internet for information and educated myself. As of today, I am still non medicated and my daily BG is 84. I have a A1C of 6 which is in a normal non Diabetic range.
The best book that I found while going thru the change was
Carb Gram Counter by Dana Carpender
Just learn to count the carbs and fat by using the nutrition label on the side panels and pay attention to what you choose. It takes time and determination to get there. It took me over 4 months to flip flop my habits and learn what and what not affected my BG's.
I keep within a 2000 calorie diet containing less than 50 on the fat and 165 g carbs.
165 g carbs when broken down to 15 g increments is the easiest way to calculate. 165g / 15g = 11 total servings daily

example: 1 - 12 oz can of pepsi = 45 g carbs ( 45 / 15 = 3)
by choosing the 1 can of soda, you just zapped 3
out of the 11 carb choices for your day.

The one can of soda is equal to the following for the carb exchange:

1 - 12oz diet soda
2 slices of wheat or 12 grain bread
2 oz cold cuts
1 slice cheese of choice
1 cup of tossed salad with vinegrette
or 10 baby carrots

Just take your time and dont get discouraged. You will have lots and lots of days falling off the wagon ( God knows I do) but dont let it worry you. Just get back on. The hard days will get fewer. Do NOT deprive yourself. Go ahead and have a small piece of candy, just take away from somewhere else.
Try to join up in Diabetes groups or just go to diabetes chat5 rooms. In the beginning it really helps.
Good Luck

Answer 4

Hi, I am a type 2 as well, and I do carry a little carb counter around if I am going out, if not, I just look on whatever it is that I am eating and it will tell you the carbs on the back.
you will get to where you know them by heart in time. If you need help you can email me and I will give you some good sites. I have a nice group and we are happy if you would like to join. We have many nice people who love to talk and share their experiences. If you want to check us out, go to
[e-mail]
In the mean time, your meats, eggs, poultry, fish, have almost 0 carbs, salads are good for you. Stay away from the white foods, such as breads, potatoes, pasta, etc.. at least until you can get yourself where you need to be, then every once in awhile you can monitor what you eat and eat the foods you love. I am sure you will do just fine.

Answer 5

I use calorieking.com for foods that don't have labels like fruit. I basically keep track of my carbs mentally. I know that I am allowed 5 servings for lunch and dinner and 4 servings for breakfast. I just eat food and keep track of the number of servings I have until I reach my limit. It seems to work well for me. It took me about 2 months to get my blood sugar under control but I have only tested above 120 2 times in the last 6 months and my last A1C was 6.1

Answer 6

A book is a great place to start.
Also , go to the market with a pen and paper.Start looking at carb counts on various foods.Always check the serving size too.
It takes a while , so right now just start by being aware.
After 20+ yrs of diabetes and raising a child with diabetes , I have it down pretty well.It just takes time.
Also : make an appointment with a dietitian .

Answer 7

Most doctors will refer you to a dietitian when you are first diagnosed. Often there are classes at local hospitals for diabetics to learn how to eat/diet. It takes more than a book. You need instruction in what to do, how and when and how to monitor the results.

Answer 8

I think the best book for carb (and calories, fat, sodium, etc) book is Calorie King. They also have a free website where you can look up any food in any quantity: www.calorieking.com.

The book is only about $8.00. You can also download it to a PDA for about $15.00.

Answer 9

In the temper for a brand new hot meal? Make a colossal pot of veggie bean soup, divide into two-cup containers, and store within freezer. Earlier than bed, location a container throughout the fridge, then clutch it before heading out the door every day.

Answer 10

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