Carbohydrate counting

Counting the amount of grams of carbohydrate in food to estimate the amount of insulin needed as a meal bolus to maintain a normal blood glucose level.

Definitioner

Insulin

A hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed by the body to regulate the production and use of glucose.

Glucose

A carbohydrate and is the body's most important source of energy. It is produced from digested food, by the normal action of the liver, and is carried by the blood throughout the body.

Carbohydrate

One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy. Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells). The body also uses carbohydrates to make a substance called glycogen that is stored in the liver and muscles for future use. If the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has, then the body will not be able to use carbohydrates for energy the way it should. This condition is called diabetes. See also: fats; protein.

Bolus

The amount of insulin delivered at one time, usually before a meal or when blood glucose is high.

Blood glucose

The main sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food-proteins, fats, and carbohydrates-but mostly from carbohydrates. Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells and is carried to each cell through the bloodstream. However, the cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.

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