My daughter, aged 18, has had diabetes now some 3 years. She injects 4 times a day (Regular) and one long term in the morning. We expressed interest to our doctor regarding the “counting carbohydrates” system. The doctor (a very experienced endocrinologist of American extraction) told us that he has very little experience in this area of which he did not see the system as being awfully efficient. He advised us to find a dietitian since he does not know of one who deals with the carbohydrate counting system — he will then be happy to work with one.

Basically can you help us to locate one? What do you suggest?

I think your physician sounds like he is open to you finding some help. The carbohydrate system of meal planning has been out now for about 5 years in the United States. The basis of the system is that the carbohydrate in foods affects the blood sugar the most. While a balanced diet with appropriate amounts of protein and fat are also recommended, the consistent carbohydrate content of meals from day to day has a greater effect of blood glucose. By counting grams of carbohydrates one can use the information on the food labels to help decide how different foods will work into the meal plan.

It is really very little different from the Exchange list, except it is more difficult to determine how many calories one is on. The calories are only of importance if a person is not in the normal range for weight and height.

JM
Additional comments from Dr. Quick:

Information about carb-counting can be found at the Carbohydrate Counting page within Children with Diabetes. Print out the comments, and show them to your dietitian. Between the dietitian and the information you can print out from the Internet, or from books such as Stop the Rollercoaster or Sweet Kids: How to Balance Diabetes Control & Good Nutrition with Family Peace, you should be able to implement the carb counting system without much difficulty.

WWQ