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Individualized Carbohydrate Counting: A Simple Tool for Improvement of Glycemic Control.
Judith Ben Dror1, Idit F Liberty2, Shulamit Witkow3
1Goldman School of Medicine, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|June 16, 2026
Summary
A simplified carbohydrate counting tool (SCC) improved glycemic control in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. This patient-specific method effectively lowered hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, particularly for those with moderate to poor glycemic control.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Traditional carbohydrate counting (CC) for Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management has limitations, including cognitive demands and lack of ethnic food consideration.
- A novel, simplified, and accessible patient-specific carbohydrate counting (SCC) tool was developed to address these challenges in a diverse population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the SCC tool.
- To specifically assess the impact of SCC on patients with moderate to poor glycemic control.
Main Methods:
- The SCC tool is personalized, incorporating individual insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios (I:C), insulin sensitivity (IS), and dietary habits.
- It includes patient-tailored tables for insulin dosing and food carbohydrate content in the patient's preferred language.
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changes were analyzed in 212 T1DM patients using SCC over a median follow-up of 6 months.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in HbA1c of 1.07% (22.43 mmol/mol) was observed in the study population (P < 0.001).
- No statistically significant influence was found regarding age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, insulin delivery method, diabetes duration, or residence on HbA1c changes.
Conclusions:
- The SCC tool effectively aids adult T1DM patients, especially those with moderate to poor glycemic control, in managing their condition.
- The tool's design accommodates diverse patient needs and dietary patterns, enhancing accessibility and adherence.
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