Principles of Carbohydrate Counting – Areej Al Saad

Ms. Areej Al Saad, Clinical Dietitian and member of the Bahrain Diabetes Society, delivered a session on the principles of carbohydrate counting, presented in a simple and practical manner for children with diabetes and their parents.

During the session, she explained that all types of carbohydrates, whether simple or complex, are ultimately converted into glucose in the body, emphasizing that effective blood sugar control depends on the quantity of carbohydrates consumed rather than only the type. She also introduced the concept of a standard carbohydrate portion, approximately 15 grams, and its role in structuring meals and maintaining stable glucose levels.

The session further covered different methods of carbohydrate counting, including calculation by grams, portion-based systems, and visual estimation to support everyday application. In addition, she highlighted the importance of reading food labels, understanding serving sizes and total carbohydrate content, and how to account for fibre and sugar alcohols when calculating carbohydrate intake.

The session aimed to equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to manage their children’s nutrition effectively, while allowing flexibility in food choices and supporting better overall blood glucose control.

To watch the full lecture on our youtube page: https://youtu.be/dk-BMBmDas4