We were taught the basics of carb counting within days of my son's diagnosis. Have never been given any more information really, but started off with loads of sheets with carb info on (basics like potatoes, rice, pasta, various fruit etc) and told to always look at labels and avoid any cereals with over 1/3 of the carbs being sugar. We were told a 'normal' packed lunch is fine - sandwiches, crisps, fruit & chocolate bar. Diet drinks only. We have got on fine with that, and when my son conforms properly to that, his levels come down really nicely. When he ignores that information, up they go. It really does work. I cannot understand why people are not told that from the off.