Counting carbohydrates is an important skill in diabetes management. While all of the information on the nutritional label is important, there are 3 things to pay special attention to when you have type 1 diabetes: serving size, number of servings, and total carbohydrates.
Here is the nutritional label for a box of crackers.
Serving Size
- 11 crackers = 1 serving
- 44 crackers = 4 servings (1 container)
Total Carbohydrates
- 11 crackers = 22g carbohydrates
- 44 crackers = 88g carbohydrates (1 container)
You do not need to count sugars separately because they are already counted as part of total carbohydrate.
Here’s is a nutritional label for a beverage.
Serving Size
- 5oz = 1 serving
- 1 bottle = 4 servings
Total Carbohydrates
- 5 oz = 12g carbohydrates
- 1 bottle = 48g carbohydrates
As of July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration is requiring that a new nutritional label be used on packaging. The new label will have a separate line showing how much sugar has been added to food. It will also display calories per serving, and serving size more prominently.
Updated 5/9/19
This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.
