How many d-carbs Topic


I was wondering if you would know the answer to how many d-carbs should a diabetic have per day


Hi Folks - sorry for the delay in responding. I'll be back online late Monday. Thanks for being patient!
Best,
Kathy Isacks, MPS, RDN, CDE


Hi Kjd245, there really isn't a set rule on how many carbs to use as your daily goal. Meal and snack goals really depend upon your use of insulin or other diabetes medication, exercisise, existing medical conditions, etc.

However, you might find this article helpful as a starting point: http://www.mynetdiary.com/food-diary-for-diabetes.html

What type of diabetes do you have - Type 2?

Best,
Kathy Isacks, MPS, RDN, CDE


this app is asking me to set a goal for D-Carbs. do you know doesn't it automatically calculate the D-Carbs from Total Carbs?

I have read the document, you reference. Based on that article for me, a male, considering 3 meals a day and 2 snacks by target total carb range should be 165g to 240g. Do you agree with that? Seems high to me. Background, Male type 2 diabetes, taking long-acting insulin daily and meal insulin daily. I currently weigh 243lbs (5'8"), sedentary (currently walk 2500-3000 steps/day), (65yrs old). Target weight is 140lbs.
if I control my calories to 1700 or less/day and my carb intake to 165g-240g/day will I lose weight?


Hi Toons,

Thanks for your question and providing your background info. Unless your provider has instructed you otherwise, the diabetes carb count method of carb counting is considered most accurate for people who take insulin and must be especially accurate with estimated grams of absorbed carbs. This is the method that is most often taught in diabetes self-management training and education classes. However, it is still an estimate. For those of you who use an Insulin-to-Carb ratio to dose rapid-acting insulin at meals (and if you were recently diagnosed and educated), then you are likely using this updated carb count method. Here it is:

Carb Count = Total Carbohydrate grams - ½ Fiber grams - ½ Sugar Alcohol grams

If fiber or sugar alcohol content is less than 5 grams per serving, then the adjustment will make little difference in the carb count and you can simply choose to use “Total Carbohydrates” instead.

Yes, the tracker will automatically calculate D-carbs. For diabetes, unless your provider has advised you otherwise, you may want to aim for the lower end of target carb range at 165-175 g per day. That is around 40% calories from carb. I would spread the carbs throughout the day to maintain your glucose and work with a diabetes provider to tweak your plan if needed. As you lose weight and eat fewer calories, you will most likely need less insulin so always carry quick acting carb (e.g. glucose tablets) with you to rescue a low glucose and work closely with your provider to make adjustments.

Hope this helps! Brenda (MyNetDiary DIetitian)

How many d-carbs