The meal adjustment system applied especially for those at risk of diabetes and made to control blood sugar is known as carbohydrate counting. The ideal blood sugar value of the person is determined by the doctor.

These ideal sugar levels may vary according to the individual. For example, a person at risk of hypoglycemia or a pregnant woman will have a different ideal blood glucose level. The carbohydrate counting system measures blood glucose before and after meals.

These values are then used to calculate the nutrient intake and the dose of insulin needed. These nutrients include protein, fat, minerals, vitamins, water and carbohydrates. But this is where carbohydrates stand out from the rest.

This is because they are much more likely to raise blood sugar compared to some other nutrients such as fat and protein. Carbohydrates are therefore kept under control. It is very important to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Because it will help the person to feel more fit as well as protecting their health. It will also prevent physical problems that may develop due to diabetes.

The carbohydrate counting program varies from person to person and should be adjusted according to the ideal blood glucose level. Apron portion control is important in the carbohydrate counting program.

There are many aids for doing this, such as sample portion lists and kitchen measurements that can be used to prepare meals. When establishing a carbohydrate scheme, a certain program can be established together with people with diabetes or those at risk.

When learning the carbohydrate counting method, there are three basic methods.

• Carbohydrate gram count
• Carbohydrate option identification
• Calculating portions of carbohydrate-containing foods

In addition to the above-mentioned methods, one of the important points in carbohydrate counting is that people with diabetes should get into the habit of correctly calculating product ingredients and the amount of carbohydrates. Whichever calculation method is chosen with the doctor, such as grams or portions, it provides convenience and precaution for the person to determine the amount of carbohydrates contained in the foods themselves.

How is carbohydrate counting calculated? Carbohydrate counting is explained in terms of 7 basic items. These are as follows:

• Keeping a nutritional diary
• To learn the amount of carbohydrates in foods
• Effective ways to identify portions, such as photos and pictures
• Control of carbohydrate calculations of people with diabetes
• Keeping the amount of carbohydrates in foods under control
• Measurement of daily carbohydrate intake
• Investigation of the effect of carbohydrate intake on postprandial glucose

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