title: Assessment guidance of carbohydrate counting method in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the application of the method of carbohydrate counting performed by 21 patients with type 2 diabetes, 1 year later attending a guidance course.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants answered a questionnaire to assess patients' adhesion to carbohydrate counting as well as to identify habit changes and the method's applicability, and values of glycated hemoglobin were also analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most participants (76%) were females, and 25% of them had obesity degree III. There was a statistically significant decrease in glycated hemoglobin from 8.42±0.02% to 7.66±0.01% comparing values before and after counseling. We observed that although patients stated that the method was difficult they understood that carbohydrate counting could allow them make choices and have more freedom in their meals; we also verified if they understood accurately how to replace some foods used regularly in their diets and most patients correctly chose replacements for the groups of bread (76%), beans (67%) and noodles (67%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We concluded that participation in the course led to improved blood glucose control with a significant reduction of glycated hemoglobin, better understanding of food groups and the adoption of healthier eating habits.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil.
authors.forename: Michelle R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Cristina T
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Ambrosio
authors.affiliation: Diabetes Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nery
authors.affiliation: Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rita de Cássia
authors.initials: Rde C
authors.lastname: Aquino
authors.affiliation: Diabetes Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clinicas, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil. Electronic address: marciasqz@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Marcia S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Queiroz
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002755:Choice Behavior; D032882:Comprehension; D003376:Counseling; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human
keywords: Carbohydrate counting; Nutritional education; Type 2 diabetes mellitus