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Carbohydrate counting fact sheet

Foods that contain carbohydrates, or carbs, are an important source of fuel for your body. Your body breaks down carbs into glucose in the intestines. Then, glucose goes into the bloodstream. After that, insulin, a hormone, moves glucose from the bloodstream into the cells where it is used by the body for energy.

When you are living with diabetes, it is important to understand the effect that carbs have on your blood glucose levels. This can help you manage your diabetes.

Read more in our fact sheet.

Carbohydrate counting fact sheet

All the carbohydrates, you eat and drink change into glucose within about two hours, which affects your body’s blood glucose level. Understand the effect that carbs have to help you manage your diabetes.

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This quick guide is about carbohydrate counting. Carbohydrate counting, or carb counting, is a tool to better manage your diabetes.

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Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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