The diabetic exchange of a vegetable really depends on the type of vegetable you're eating, which affects its count. Vegetables come in two basic forms: starchy and non-starchy. A serving of starchy vegetables contains roughly 15 grams of carbohydrates and up to a gram of fat, while non-starchy vegetables contain 5 grams of carbohydrates and no fat. One exchange is equivalent to 15 grams of carbohydrates. Almost all vegetables fall within your carbohydrate exchange on a diabetic diet.
Step 1
Consult a doctor or dietitian to determine the number of exchanges needed in your diet each day. With carbohydrates, including vegetables, you can usually eat anywhere between 9 and 12 exchanges a day, which is equivalent to about 135 to 180 grams of carbohydrates, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Step 2
Break up your exchanges equally over all of your meals. This basically means you can eat three to four exchanges of carbohydrates at breakfast as well as lunch and supper. Based on grams, that's equivalent to anywhere between 45 and 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Step 3
Determine which vegetables are considered starchy and non-starchy vegetables. Corn, parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, peas and pumpkin are all considered starchy vegetables by the Mayo Clinic. Artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, cucumbers, eggplants, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, peppers, turnips and most green, leafy vegetables are non-starchy vegetables.
Step 4
Measure out your vegetables to determine their exchange. For non-starchy vegetables, 1.5 cups cooked vegetables or three cups raw is usually considered one carbohydrate exchange, explains the Mayo Clinic. With starchy vegetables, an exchange is anywhere between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup.
Tips and Warnings
- When you eat anything, it's important to monitor your blood glucose level with diabetes. Your doctor can suggest the intervals at which you should take a blood test throughout the day.
