Calculate Your Daily Calorie Needs
Your Diabetic Calorie Results
BMR
0
kcal/day (Basal Metabolic Rate)
TDEE
0
kcal/day (Total Daily Energy Expenditure)
Target Calories
0
kcal/day (Adjusted for goal)
Macronutrient Breakdown
Carbs
0g
0%Protein
0g
0%Fat
0g
0%Per meal carbs: 0g
Based on consistent carbohydrate distribution for diabetes managementMacronutrient Distribution
Calorie Comparison
Detailed Breakdown
| Metric | Value | Explanation |
|---|
How We Calculate Diabetic Calorie Needs
Our diabetic calorie calculator uses scientifically validated formulas to estimate your daily energy requirements. The calculation is based on BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) values, with adjustments for diabetes-specific nutritional guidance.
Primary Formula - Mifflin-St Jeor
The foundation of our calculation is the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, widely validated for BMR estimation:
For men: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age + 5
For women: BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age - 161
Activity Adjustment - TDEE
We multiply BMR by an activity factor to estimate your total daily energy expenditure:
TDEE = BMR × Activity Factor
Activity factors range from 1.2 (sedentary) to 1.9 (extra active).
Goal Adjustment
We then adjust TDEE based on your weight management goal:
- Maintain weight: TDEE × 1.0
- Mild deficit: TDEE × 0.9 (-10%)
- Moderate deficit: TDEE × 0.85 (-15%)
- Weight loss: TDEE × 0.8 (-20%)
- Weight gain: TDEE × 1.1 (+10%)
Diabetes-Specific Macronutrient Guidance
We provide macronutrient ranges tailored for diabetes management, emphasizing consistent carbohydrate distribution:
- Standard: 45-60% carbs, 15-20% protein, 25-35% fat
- Lower-carb: 30-40% carbs, 25-30% protein, 35-40% fat
- Very low-carb: <30% carbs, 30-35% protein, 40-50% fat
Example Calculation
For a 45-year-old female, 150 lbs, 5'4", lightly active with mild deficit goal:
- Weight: 150 lbs = 68.04 kg
- Height: 5'4" = 162.56 cm
- BMR: 10×68.04 + 6.25×162.56 - 5×45 - 161 = 1310 kcal/day
- TDEE: 1310 × 1.375 = 1801 kcal/day
- Target: 1801 × 0.9 = 1621 kcal/day
- Standard carbs: 1621 × 0.5 ÷ 4 = 203g carbs per day
Important Disclaimer
Use these calculations as an informational basis only. Individual needs vary based on health conditions, medications, and metabolic differences. These estimates should not be used for medical purposes or as the sole basis for dietary decisions. Always consult with healthcare professionals, including registered dietitians and diabetes educators, for personalized medical advice and diabetes management plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this calculator medical advice?
No — it provides estimates for informational purposes only; consult a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.
Why do you use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation?
It's widely validated and commonly used for adult BMR estimation; other equations exist but Mifflin-St Jeor balances accuracy and simplicity.
How should people with diabetes use carbohydrate targets?
Use consistent carbohydrate distribution, monitor blood glucose, and follow guidance from your diabetes care team.
Can I change units to metric?
Yes — the form supports both imperial and metric units and handles conversions automatically.
How accurate are the calorie estimates?
Estimates are based on population-level equations. Individual needs vary due to health conditions, medications, and metabolic differences.