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Do you carb count or use exchanges or something else

Kristyturnerrogers

Member
Messages
18
Type of diabetes
Type 1
I started years ago exchanges. Easy for a pre teen. Then I got preggers and needed more precise control and switched to counting carbs. Stayed with that for years. Recently, I've gone back to exchanges. Life was too crazy for exact counting. Debating with myself if I should return to counting. Sugar is currently major out of control. My service dog is earning his keep. Is there much difference between the two systems given the rounding in exchanges with pre packed foods?
Which do y'all use or do you use something different?
 
I did exchanges when first diagnosed.
I moved to carb counting 18 years ago.
it is a much better system to me , and being on a pump I definitely require the accuracy
 
I was diagnosed 22 years ago and have carb counted since the beginning. I can't comment on exchanges because I've never used them, but I do get very good control with carb counting so wouldn't change.
 
I've only been diagnosed 4.5 years and carb counted since then, not heard of exchanges - what are they ?
 
Basically, servings of carbs. Each 15g is one exchange. Since food is packaged weird and not by carbs or even real serving size, you end up with rounding a lot. Like a snack could be 41g of carbs. Almost 3 exchanges. The only advantage I've seen is the ease of remembering I've had 3 exchanges instead of trying to remember the exact carb count for the day. Sometimes when counting carbs, I'll look at my app 4 or 5 times when fixing food because I'll forget how many carbs I've had and how many I can have in the meal.
Less troublesome when my sugar is good than when I have hypo or high brain.
If I remember right, the exchange system has more to it than just the carb part I use.
 
Kristyturnerrogers said:
Basically, servings of carbs. Each 15g is one exchange.
Click to expand...

I seem to remember that one exchange was 10g of carbs (although I may be wrong).

The exchange method was fine on fixed/twice daily doses but now we have pens that can dial up in half units (and pumps that can deliver insulin in smaller increments) I do honestly think the modern method of carb counting is better and more accurate in controlling bg levels.
 
Thanks - carb counting seems alot easier particularly when you have the 'carbs and cals' app on your phone, I don't think I could cope with 'rounding' up as I prefer to keep within range as much as possible
 
Wouldn't it also depend on how much fat and protein are in the meal?
 
I'm pretty lazy about keeping track of anything expect carbs. I do use a plate method and a divider plate to sometimes build the right kind of meal. I basically get 2 carbs exchanges, 4oz meat, and lots of non carb veggies per meal, 5 small meals a day when I'm doing it right. I'm really trying right now to do it right since stress had knocked my control wonky.
 
I've not heard of exchanges. We count carbs and protein, but to be honest I tend to just look at my daughters meals and know if it's a 1.5 unit meal or a 2 unit meal. I then watch the dexcom and adjust if necessary.
 
I use carb counting and wouldn't want to use exchanges. I think it's better to try to know the carbs in food portions and then work out the count for the portion size.
 
Diabetic exchange diet is the old way of counting carbs. What they taught 20 years ago when I was learning. Very imprecise sometimes. a serving of carbs is 1 point. You get x points a day. My dad used to give me pay money and I'd give up one fake dollar for each exchange I ate. I learned quick which foods filled me up without breaking my bank. It's in my brain well enough I don't have to think about it. Some diabetic websites have a longer explanation of it.
Counting carbs is more precise. Better system that gives more control. After this week's numbers, especially today's, I'll have to go back to precise. I may do a combo. Track on the app carb counting and keep the exchanges in my head for quick reference. Trying to find what works with my new life.lol
 
Exchanges are just another way of carb counting. 1 exchange is 10g carbs and you can count in 1/2 exchanges as well. I find it helpful as it gives me an idea of how much is too much to eat in a meal. Also as it's in 10s it's easy to multiply or divide. Whatever works for you providing you do it accurately.
 
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