From Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA:
Please explain what is meant by a "carb" and its relation to the amount of insulin units required to metabolize it.
My 4 year old grandson's diabetes is monitored and regulated by the number of "carbs" he's allowed to have and the units of insulin he takes to cover them. Is a "carb" one gram of carbohydrate or one serving of carbohydrate-containing food? Do you have a list of foods and how many "carbs" they contain per serving?
A "carb" is considered 12-15 grams of carbohydrate or one serving of major sources of carbohydrates, such as fruits (a serving is 1/2 cup canned without sugar or a small piece of fresh fruit or 1/2 cup of most juices), milk (a serving is 1 cup) or starches (1/2 cup of cooked rice, oatmeal, etc.)
Carb units help determine insulin doses and they vary with each individual. You can ask at your local hospital for a booklet which lists exchanges for foods or carbohydrate content. I am glad you are so interested in your grandson and his health.
Original posting 24 Apr 1999
Posted to Meal Planning, Food and Diet
Last Updated: Tuesday April 06, 2010 15:09:02
This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other health care professional.
This site is published by T-1 Today, Inc. (d/b/a Children with Diabetes), a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, which is responsible for its contents.
© Children with Diabetes, Inc. 1995-2015. Comments and Feedback.