Carbohydrate Counting

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Carbohydrates, found in many of the foods we eat, are digested by the body and converted into glucose. This is the body’s main source of energy. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. Sometimes your body doesn’t make enough –  or any – insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.

Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. You can take steps to manage your diabetes and remain healthy. Monitoring blood sugar can be a difficult task. These materials aim to help our students and faculty maintain better glycemic control.