Carbs for kids: food that turns into glucose
3 min read
Carbohydrates, or carbs, are the part of food that turns into glucose. They give you energy, and kids with diabetes learn to count them.
Where are the carbs?
- Bread, pasta, rice, cereal and potatoes
- Fruit and fruit juice
- Milk and yogurt
- Sweets, cakes and sugary drinks
Foods with very few carbs
- Most vegetables, like broccoli, cucumber and salad
- Eggs, meat and fish
- Cheese and nuts
- Water
Why count carbs?
Counting the carbs in a meal helps kids with type 1 diabetes and their grown-ups choose the right amount of insulin. Food labels show the carbs, usually in grams.
💡 Carbs are not "bad"! Everyone needs them. A balanced plate has vegetables, protein and some carbs.
Sources
Last checked 20 October 2026.
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What does insulin do?
Insulin is a hormone, a messenger made by the body. Its job is to help glucose move from your blood into your cells.
Highs and lows
Kids with diabetes try to keep their glucose in a target range. Sometimes it goes too low (a hypo) or too high (a hyper). Knowing the signs helps you act fast.