Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is the minimal amount of information on a food label that would be necessary for carbohydrate counting?

1. Sugars and total carbohydrate

2. Serving size and total carbohydrate

3. Total carbohydrate, sugars, and sugar alcohols

4. Serving size and sugars

The correct answer is: Serving size and total carbohydrate

The minimal amount of information necessary for carbohydrate counting on a food label includes serving size and total carbohydrate. Serving size is essential because it establishes the amount of food being consumed, which directly impacts the total carbohydrate intake. Without knowing the specific serving size, it would be challenging to accurately count carbohydrates, as different serving sizes will yield different carbohydrate values. Total carbohydrate is crucial since it encompasses all types of carbohydrates present in the food, providing a complete picture for carbohydrate counting. This includes sugars, starches, and dietary fibers, which all contribute to the overall carbohydrate count that affects blood glucose levels. While sugars and sugar alcohols provide additional insights into the composition of carbohydrates, they are not strictly necessary for basic carbohydrate counting. Therefore, the combination of serving size and total carbohydrate provides sufficient information to effectively manage carbohydrate intake for individuals, particularly those managing diabetes.