How to Count Sugar for Diabetics

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects many of the bodies systems if not properly controlled. Key to keeping the disease in check is maintaining a consistent healthy blood sugar level. This requires paying close attention to diet as well as monitoring blood sugar levels at certain times throughout the day, especially at mealtimes. Counting sugar, or tracking the intake of sugar and starchy foods is the primary element to maintaining a diet that gives you a consistent blood sugar level.

Things You'll Need

• Diabetic exchange food list
• Food journal
• Blood sugar monitor
• Monitor test strips

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult with the dietitian assigned to get you started with your new diet guidelines. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes your doctor will set an appointment for you to see a qualified specialist in this field who will give you all the information to get started such as a food exchange list, and meal plan ideas.

• 2

  Follow the food exchange checklist to set up your daily meals. Diabetics generally eat five to six smaller meals per day, two or three being snacks between regular meals. Distribute your sugar intake or carbohydrate exchanges evenly throughout the day over the course of your meals. Your meal plan will guide you the number of carbohydrate or sugar exchanges you should have at each meal.

• 3

  Write down the food you eat in the same format as the meal plan and exchange checklist. For instance if you eat a chicken breast, small baked potato and vegetables, write your meal down as "chicken breast, one protein, small baked potato, two carbohydrate" and so on. List each day on a separate page with each meal clearly defined in a small section.

• 4

  Total your daily intake at the end of each day. Note the total number of sugar or carbohydrate exchanges you have eaten. If you occasionally splurge and eat a treat be sure to include this even if you should not have eaten the item, as it will help you later when you transfer your sugar readings to your food journal.

• 5

  Monitor your blood sugar at the recommended intervals prescribed by your doctor and log them in your blood sugar chart. Note the blood sugar level in the margin of your food journal as well after the meal it follows to see how the food you are eating affects your blood sugar level. Report any inconsistencies or spiked blood sugar levels to your physician immediately.