In addition to exercise and medication, diet plays an important role in the management of diabetes. The diabetic exchange diet is a calorie-controlled meal planning tool developed by the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association. Foods are divided into groups based on similarities in calorie, carbohydrate, protein and fat content. When planning meals, foods within each group can be exchanged for one another. Consult with a dietitian or doctor to determine the number of exchanges to have from each group.
Starch
Starches are the primary source of carbohydrates in the diet. Carbohydrates in food elevate blood sugar. People with diabetes need to control the amount of carbohydrates in their diet to control their blood sugar. Each starch exchange provides 80 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrate. Starch exchanges include 1 slice of bread, a 1 ounce bagel, half of a hamburger or hot dog roll, 1/2 cup of hot cereal, 3/4 cup cold unsweetened cereal, 1/3 cup rice or pasta, 1/2 cup mashed potatoes, peas or corn, 5 crackers and 2 rice cakes.
Fruits
Fruits are also a source of carbohydrate. Each fruit exchange contains 60 calories and 15 g of carbohydrate. People with diabetes should choose whole fruit over juice because the fiber in the whole fruit helps to minimize elevations in blood sugar. Fruit exchanges include 1 small apple or orange, 1/2 cup of applesauce, 3/4 cup of fresh blueberries, 1 cup of melon, 1 1/4 cup of fresh strawberries, 2 tbsp. of raisins, 2 small plums, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit, 1/2 cup of apple or orange juice and 1/3 cup of prune juice.
Milk and Yogurt
Each milk and yogurt exchange contains 12 g of protein and 100 to 150 calories depending on the fat content. People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and low-fat and fat-free versions milk and yogurt are better choices. An exchange includes 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of low-fat or non-fat, sugar-free yogurt, 3/4 cup of plain yogurt and 1 cup of buttermilk.
Nonstarchy Vegetables
Each nonstarchy vegetable exchange contains 25 calories and 5 g of carbohydrate. Vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. A vegetable exchange is equal to 1 cup of raw vegetables or 1/2 cup of cooked vegetables. Examples of nonstarchy vegetables include artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, green beans, leafy greens, spinach, onions, mushrooms and carrots.
Meat and Meat Substitutes
To limit fat and calorie intake, people with diabetes should choose more lean proteins. Each meat and meat substitute exchange contains 35 to 100 calories per exchange, depending on fat content, and 0 g of carbohydrate. A meat and meat substitute exchange is equal to 1 ounce of beef, poultry, pork or fish; 1 egg; 1/2 cup of cooked beans or lentils; 1 ounce of cheese and 1/4 cup of cottage cheese.
Fat
Each fat exchange contains 45 calories and 0 g of carbohydrate. Fat exchanges should be used sparingly, according to the University of Arkansas. Examples of a fat exchange include 1 tsp. of butter, margarine, oil or mayonnaise; 8 large olives; 10 peanuts; 1 tbsp. of salad dressing; 1 tbsp. of low-fat mayonnaise; 2 tsp. of peanut butter and 6 cashews.
