For the ease of diabetes patients, the concept of carbohydrate count has been introduced in meal planning. Simply speaking carbohydrate count means the approximate amount of carbohydrate present in any food item.
The recommended carbohydrate intake is suggested in the form of carbohydrate counts (or food products). For example, one slice of bread contains approx. 15 gms of carbohydrates i.e. it’s carbohydrate count is 15. With the help of this concept carbohydrate requirement can be translated in the terms of easily available food products.
Carbohydrate count of some common food items | |
Food | Carbohydrate count |
Cereals | |
1 bread slice or | 15 grams |
½ bowl boiled rice or | 15 grams |
1 chapati or | 15 grams |
½ bowl poha or | 15 grams |
½ bowl dalia or | 15 grams |
½ bowl upma or | 15 grams |
2 small idlis or | 15 grams |
2 –3 biscuits | 15 grams |
Pulses | |
30 gm pulse | 17 grams |
Fruits | |
2 apples or | 20 grams |
2 bananas or | 20 grams |
1 medium size papaya or | 20 grams |
250 gm grapes | 20 grams |