A Beginners Guide to Carb Counting

The Beginner’s Guide to Carb Counting

For Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Learning to manage carb counting for a child with Type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming — especially at the beginning.

This digital guide was created to support parents with clear, practical information and a calm, reassuring approach, using everyday examples that fit real family life.

It explains carb counting step by step, without medical jargon or pressure, and is designed to be read at your own pace.

💙 What This Guide Covers

Inside this guide, you’ll find:

A clear explanation of what carb counting is and why it matters.

Guidance on which foods contain carbohydrates

Support with understanding portions and visual estimates.

How to read food labels and calculate carbs using “per 100g” values

Tips for carb counting when labels aren’t available (school, parties, eating out)

A gentle introduction to insulin-to-carb ratios (for understanding only)

A note on modern insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

Common beginner challenges, explained with reassurance.

Practical tips for building long-term confidence.

The tone throughout is supportive, non-judgemental, and parent-focused.

🧮 Includes a Carb Cheat Sheet

The guide includes a simple carb cheat sheet covering

Grains and starches

Fruit

Dairy

Vegetables and sweets

Designed for quick reference and everyday use.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who This Guide Is For

This guide is ideal for:

Parents of newly diagnosed children.

Parents who want a clearer understanding of carb counting.

Families looking for calm, practical support alongside clinical care.

It is not a medical manual and does not replace advice from your child’s diabetes care team.

🧾 Important Note

This guide is for educational purposes only and is designed to support parents alongside advice from their child’s diabetes care team.

Digital download:

After checkout, you’ll receive a download link by email so you can access the guide straight away. Please check your junk/spam folder if it doesn’t appear within a few minutes.