Carbohydrate Counting
Also known as: Carb Counting, Carb Tracking
A meal planning technique where grams of carbohydrate are tracked to calculate appropriate insulin doses.
Carbohydrate counting is the primary nutritional tool for people on insulin therapy, particularly those using insulin pumps or multiple daily injections with rapid-acting insulin. It is based on the understanding that carbohydrates have the most direct and predictable effect on blood glucose levels.
Basic carb counting involves reading labels and using reference guides to estimate the grams of total carbohydrate in each food. Advanced carb counting combines this with an insulin-to-carb ratio to calculate precise meal bolus doses.
For Medicare patients receiving insulin pumps, documentation of carbohydrate counting education is a coverage requirement — it demonstrates that the patient has the knowledge and skills to use a pump safely. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs covered by Medicare Part B often include carbohydrate counting training.
Frequently asked
What is Carbohydrate Counting?
A meal planning technique where grams of carbohydrate are tracked to calculate appropriate insulin doses. Carbohydrate counting is the primary nutritional tool for people on insulin therapy, particularly those using insulin pumps or multiple daily injections with rapid-acting insulin. It is based on the understanding that carbohydrates have the most direct and predictable effect on blood glucose levels.
How does Carbohydrate Counting relate to Medicare coverage?
Medicare Part B covers most durable medical equipment related to Carbohydrate Counting. Contact us to verify your specific coverage for related diabetic supplies.
Where can I get diabetic supplies related to Carbohydrate Counting in Phoenix?
We deliver Medicare-covered diabetic supplies throughout the Phoenix metro area. Call us or complete the form above to verify your coverage.