Carbohydrate Counting with Chronic Kidney Disease Caused By Diabetes

What is carbohydrate counting?

Carbohydrate count is a way to help you keep track of the amount of carbohydrates that you eat each meal. If your chronic kidney disease is caused by diabetes, it is important for you to learn about carbohydrates existing in your food. Keeping track of your carbohydrate intake will help you control your blood sugar levels.

What is a carbohydrate?

Carbohydrate, an organic compound that consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, is turned into sugar when you digest it and then provides energy for you. Any carbohydrate food can raise your blood sugar and cause more serious Chronic Kidney Disease caused by diabetes.

Where are carbohydrates found?

Food high in carbohydrate includes fruits, sweets, soft drinks, breads, pastas, beans, potatoes, bran, rice, cereals and so on. Carbohydrates are the common source of energy in living organisms. However, no carbohydrate is an essential nutrient in humans.

Tips for carbohydrate intake for people with chronic kidney disease caused by Diabetes? 

If you are suffering from diabetes or Chronic Kidney Disease caused by diabetes and want to use carbohydrate counting, the following five tips are important for you:

· Test and record your blood sugar level before and after each meal.

· Have the same and right amount of carbohydrate at each meal and snack.

· Never skip meals.

· Eat at the same time every day to keep blood sugars stable. 

· Measure the amount of carbohydrate you eat each meal

The amount of carbohydrate you need will depend on your weight and activity level. Generally speaking, 3 to 6 servings of carbohydrates are appropriate at meals. You can check food labels for the grams of carbohydrates and convert the grams into servings, for example: 15 grams = 1 serving.

The following foods are examples of one carbohydrate choice:

1 slice of bread                        1 cup of fruit juice

½ cup of canned fruit              ¾ cup of cereal

½ cup mashed potatoes        ½ cup corn½ cup of pasta

1/3 cup of rice                          1 small piece cake

½ cup non dairy creamer       6 pieces of hard candy

In conclusion

Carbohydrate counting can help the patients with Chronic Kidney Disease or diabetes to control their disease condition. If you are one of them, you can make a meal plan which is suitable for yourself.