Carbohydrate counting is one of several different ways people with diabetes can manage their food intake to keep their blood sugars as close to normal as possible. The reason you focus on counting grams of carbohydrate is because carbohydrates tend to have the greatest effect on your blood sugar.
Vegetables also contain some carbs, but foods in the meat and fat groups contain very little carb.
So, if a child's meal plan says that he or she can have 60 grams of carb for dinner, for example, a small piece of candy can be incorporated into that calculation on a given evening. Exercise is also a good tool for kids, since physical activity helps the body use insulin better to keep blood sugars in control. Offering children with diabetes and their siblings alternatives such as crayons, stickers, or sugarless gum can be helpful as well. Lawlor says Joslin diabetes educators stress healthy eating for kids with diabetes in general, and always offer parents helpful and tasty alternatives to sugary snacks. Small amounts of sweets can also be included.