Carb Counting
How many carbohydrates is in one carb choice for starches (grains), fruit, starchy vegetables, and legumes
15 grams
What are the 5 food groups and which ones contain carbohydrates?
Fruits, Vegetables, Dairy, Grains, Protein Foods
*fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains all contain carbs
What do we use to treat lows at GCC?
Glucose tabs or juice
Can type 1 diabetes only be diagnosed during childhood?
No! Although diagnoses are most commonly made during childhood (ages 4-7 and 10-14), you can be diagnosed at any time, with 15% of diagnoses being made after 20 years of age
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
T1DM is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the pancreas's insulin-producing beta cells
What are some foods that you do NOT have to consider for carb counting
- Proteins (fish, pork, chicken, turkey, beef, shrimp)
- Cheeses
- Non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, green beans, peppers, onion, asparagus, leafy greens)
- Oils, butter, spices
What can we do at mealtimes to prevent our blood sugar from spiking and dropping rapidly?
Eating a balanced meal that contains a complex carbohydrate, protein, and fat
How long do we wait to retest your blood sugar when treating for a low?
15 minutes
Test your GCC carb count knowledge!
At GCC how many carbs are in 1 serving of apple juice and 1 serving of milk?
Apple Juice: 13 g
Milk: 11 g
Where are the injection sites for your insulin located on your body?
The abdomen, back of the arms, thighs and buttocks
About how many carbohydrates do we estimate one dairy choice to be?
12 grams
Why is nutrition and having balanced meals important for Diabetes care?
Consuming enough nutrition throughout the day is essential so our bodies have enough energy to think, run around, and complete our daily tasks.
Consuming a balanced diet can help make management easier by preventing quick spikes and drops in blood sugar and give us lasting energy throughout the day
How do we account for carbs at mealtimes here at GCC
We count carbs up at the Health House before test and shots and then double check with the Dietitian after getting our tray of food to ensure our carbs are accounted for!
How many carbohydrates does your brain need a day to function properly?
Although it varies per individual, on average, the brain needs about 100 g of carbs a day just to maintain proper functioning!
What test measures your average blood glucose levels over a 3 month period?
HbA1c Hemoglobin A1C
5 grams (1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw veggies)
Give an example of a simple carbohydrate option and a complex carbohydrate option
Simple: Candy/sweets, fruit, milk, white bread, juice (these foods are digested quickly and provide immediate energy)
Complex: Whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils), oats, vegetables (these digest more slowly which can help with blood sugar spikes)
At camp, how low does your blood sugar have to be to be treated?
< 80 mg/dL
Describe short-acting insulin vs long-acting insulin
Short-acting insulin starts to work in about 30 minutes and lasts 3-8 hours (taken 30-60 minutes before meals)
Long-acting insulin starts working in 2-4 hours and lasts 24 hours (known as basal insulin & usually taken once daily)
Insulin is like a key that allows glucose (sugar) to enter our cells from our bloodstream