Summary of "Como fazer contagem de carboidratos: passo a passo completo + DICAS IMPERDÍVEIS #diabetes"

Summary of Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from the Video

Overview of Carbohydrate Counting for Diabetes

Carbohydrate counting provides people with diabetes more freedom and autonomy in food choices. It allows flexible insulin dosing based on the actual carbohydrate content of meals, rather than fixed doses. This method helps mimic natural insulin secretion patterns, improving blood glucose stability.

Key Concepts Explained

Insulin Secretion in Non-Diabetics: Basal insulin is constant; rapid insulin spikes after meals vary depending on carbohydrate intake.
Why Fixed Insulin Doses Are Problematic: Fixed doses don’t adjust for varying carbohydrate intake, leading to blood sugar fluctuations.
Carbohydrates and Glucose: All carbohydrates (regardless of source: fruit, bread, sweets) convert to glucose in the blood and require insulin coverage.

Step-by-Step Carbohydrate Counting Method

Calculate the Amount of Carbohydrates in the Meal
- For processed foods: Use the nutritional label.
- Be aware of serving size differences; use the rule of three to adjust carbohydrate amounts if the portion size differs.
- For non-processed foods: Use carbohydrate counting manuals or apps.
- Weigh food using a kitchen scale with tare function for accuracy.
- Use apps like FatSecret, TACO table, or official carbohydrate counting apps for lookup.
- Example: 65g banana ≈ 15g carbohydrates.
Calculate the Insulin Dose Needed
- Use the insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio prescribed by a healthcare professional (e.g., 1 unit insulin per 10g carbohydrate).
- Calculate insulin dose using the rule of three.
- Round insulin dose to the nearest unit if the pen does not allow fractional units.
Administer Insulin in Advance
- Ultra-rapid insulin: Inject approximately 15 minutes before eating.
- Rapid-acting insulin: Inject 30-45 minutes before eating.
- Timing is critical to avoid blood glucose spikes and subsequent drops.
Monitor Blood Glucose
- Test blood glucose before meals and at least 2 hours after meals.
- Adjust insulin dose if pre-meal blood glucose is high (advanced topic for future videos).

Practical Tips and Tools

Use a kitchen scale with tare function for precise food weighing.
Use smartphone calculators or apps to simplify rule of three calculations.
Recommended apps:
- Carbohydrate counting: FatSecret, TACO table.
- Insulin dose calculation: Insulin Calculator app, Glick app, Brazilian Diabetes Society app, My Sugar app.
Download the Brazilian Diabetes Society’s carbohydrate counting manual PDF for reference.

Encouragement and Mindset

Carbohydrate counting may seem complex initially but becomes easier with practice. The method allows flexibility in diet, reducing fear and restriction around food. Practice with real meals to gain confidence. Seek professional guidance from endocrinologists and nutritionists before starting.