Carbohydrate Chart for Diabetics

A Single-Serving Reference

-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian

Carbohydrates are your body's main energy source. During digestion, sugar (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates) break down into blood sugar (glucose). Sometimes during pregnancy, the body is not able to maintain proper levels of glucose, which results in gestational diabetes. Monitoring your carbohydrate intake is a key to blood sugar control, as outlined in a plan by your doctor or dietitian.

Carbohydrates are found in lots of different foods. But the healthiest carbohydrate choices include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, beans, and low-fat dairy products. The chart below shows a single serving of carbohydrate-containing foods, which equals 15 grams:

Grains	1 Serving = 15 g carbs
Bagel (white or whole wheat)	1/2 of a small
Bread (white or whole wheat)	1 slice (1 ounce)
Bun (white or whole wheat)	1/2 of a small
Crackers	4 to 5
Dry cereal, unsweetened	3/4 cup
English muffin	1/2 of a small
Hot cereal (oatmeal, grits, etc.)	1/2 cup cooked
Macaroni, noodles, pasta or spaghetti	1/3 cup cooked
Pancakes and waffles	1 (4-inch diameter)
Pizza crust, thin	1/8 of medium pizza
Rice (white or brown)	1/3 cup cooked
Beans & Legumes	1 Serving = 15 g carbs
Beans (baked, black, pinto, red, etc.)	1/2 cup cooked
Lentils	1/2 cup cooked
Starchy Vegetables	1 Serving = 15 g carbs
Baked potato (regular or sweet)	1/2 medium (4 inches long)
Corn	1/2 cup cooked
French fries, regular cut	10-15 fries
Peas	1/2 cup cooked
Winter squash (acorn, butternut, etc.)	1 cup cooked
Vegetable soup	1 cup
Fruits	1 Serving = 15 g carbs
Apple	1 small
Banana	1/2 medium
Berries (any type)	1 cup
Canned fruit (in light syrup or juice)	1/2 cup
Cantaloupe	1 cup
Cherries	12 to 15
Grapefruit	1/2 medium
Grapes	12 to 15
Honeydew melon	1 cup
Orange	1 small
Peach	1 small
Pear	1 small
Watermelon	1 cup
100% Fruit Juices	1 Serving = 15 g carbs
Apple juice	1/3 cup
Cranberry juice	1/3 cup
Grape juice	1/3 cup
Grapefruit juice	1/2 cup
Orange juice	1/2 cup
Pineapple juice	1/3 cup
Dairy Products	1 Serving = 15 g carbs
Milk (skim or 1% fat)	1 cup
Yogurt (plain, light or sugar-free)	1 cup
Sweets & Snacks	1 Serving = 15 g carbs
Cookies	2 small
Chips	1 ounce (snack size bag)
Frozen yogurt	1/2 cup
Ice cream (low-fat)	1/2 cup
Popcorn (plain or air-popped)	3 cups
Pretzels	1 ounce (snack size bag)
Pudding (sugar-free)	1/2 cup

For more information about gestational diabetes, click here.

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Member Comments About this Article

	"Your nutritionist should tell you how many carbs to have. I was told to have 30 per meal and 15-30 for each snack (2 snacks a day). That comes to 150 a day. It sounds like a lot, but your body has to have carbs to function right. When I was first diagnosed, I thought that taking all carbs out was the way to go, but my sugars were still crazy. Once I followed the nutritionists way and added carbs back to my diet, my sugars were much more under control. You just have to make sure your carbs ..." -- OSCAR8DY

	"I followed this chart and a nutrition plan set up for my gestational diabetes and lost weight during pregnancy which was ok because I was overweight to begin with. I an now almost 4 weeks post pregnancy and still following my diet and the weight still keeps falling!! " -- ANGELGIVENS

	"Your Babyfit Nutrition plan provides a range for total carbs each day. You should follow that unless your medical provider, nurse or dietitian has provided a different range for you." -- TANYA_BABYFIT

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About The Author

Becky Hand
Becky is a registered and licensed dietitian with almost 20 years of experience. She teaches prenatal classes and counsels individuals, helping women eat right and stay fit before, during and after their pregnancies.