How should the patient with diabetes Eat?

Carbohydrate counting information for Health Professionals

A carbohydrate = a carbohydrate = carbohydrate

How is Meal Planning Done a Saint Luke’s South Hospital

We use a consistent carbohydrate meal for all patients. The amount of carbohydrate servings per meal depends upon the total calories.

15 grams of carbohydrate equals one carbohydrate choice. For example a patient may require 4 carbohydrate choices per meal equaling 60 grams of carbohydrates per meal or 180 grams of carbohydrates per day.

Star offers different calorie levels (1200, 1500, 1800, 2000), which can be selected per physicians order. The total grams of carbohydrate for each meal will differ depending on the total calories (see table below).

Calories

/
Breakfast
/
Lunch
/ Dinner
Grams of
Carb / # of Carb
choices / Grams of
Carb / # of Carb
choices / Grams of
Carb / # of Carb
choices
*1200 / 45 / 3 / 45 / 3 / 45 / 3
*1500 / 60 / 4 / 60 / 4 / 60 / 4
*1600 / 60 / 4 / 60 / 4 / 60 / 4
*1800 / 60 / 4 / 60 / 4 / 60 / 4
*2000 / 60 / 4 / 75 / 5 / 75 / 5
2200 / 75 / 5 / 75 / 5 / 75 / 5

* Diets available in star

When a diet is ordered and a calorie level has not been selected the patients will be given an 1800 calorie meal plan

If the diet needs to be adjusted the inpatient dietitian will see the patient and make adjustments to the meal plan. We also offer 1600, 2200 and 2400 calorie meal plans

Carbohydrate choices include starches, fruits, milks, and sweets.

Carbohydrate counting gives patients more flexibility in their meal planning.

A patient that has diabetes can have sugar containing food as long as it is counted in their total carbohydrates choices for each meal.

Snacks in between meals are discouraged. If your patient insists on having a snack it should be a protein snack so it will not raise the blood sugar.

 A bedtime snack should be given to patients on insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents if their blood sugar is less then 120mg/dl