[Correctly estimating and appreciating carbohydrates. Nutrition in diabetes mellitus]

The goal of the treatment of diabetes is a near-normal HbA1c level. In insulin therapy, the dose of insulin must be adjusted to the amount of utilizable carbohydrates consumed to achieve this goal. The bread unit, glycaemic index and glycaemic load are helpful tools for estimating amounts of carbohydrates. The diabetic patient must be informed of the usefulness and limits of these methods. However, it is apparent that not every patient is capable of understanding this complex subject. A possible solution could be to involve relatives or friends in the therapy. On the other hand, a diabetic person is ill-advised if the explanations are made too simple. Incorrect information such as the taste of a particular food is related to the blood sugar trend should be avoided.