Insulin therapy and carbohydrate counting

Nutritional management is one of the cornerstones of diabetes care. Many studies have been performed on the correlation between nature and amount of carbohydrate in meal intake and insulin delivery by artificial pancreas in Type 1 diabetic patients. In fact consistency in the amount and source of carbohydrate intake from day to day is associated with improved blood glucose control in people with Type 1 diabetes. Many methods of counting carbohydrate have been used and many are still commonly used in paediatric practice (exchange, portion/serving, grams, glycemic index, carbohydrate/insulin ratio). Carbohydrate counting is a meal planning approach with patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus that focuses on carbohydrate as the primary nutrient affecting postprandial glycemic response. The aim of this paper is to review published data on the significance of carbohydrate counting on meeting outcome goals and allowing flexibility in food choices. © Mattioli 1885.