Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Insulin is a hormone responsible for allowing the body to use the simple sugar glucose as energy. When there is not enough insulin available, glucose levels in the body accumulate. Chronic high blood glucose levels can cause health problems, including kidney damage and heart disease.
Purpose
The purpose of diabetic food exchanges is to help diabetics keep their blood sugar levels steady and maintain their weight by counting carbohydrates. Eating too many carbohydrates can cause rapid increases in blood glucose. The diabetic food exchanges ensure that a diabetic eats only a certain amount of carbohydrates throughout the day. The exchanges also ensure that carbohydrates are split evenly between meals. The number of exchanges allowed depends on specific caloric needs.
Basics
The diabetic food exchanges separate foods into groups based on type of food. The groups include starches, fruits, milk, meat, sweets, fats and free foods. In each food group, portion sizes for specific foods are listed based on the amount of carbohydrates, calories and other nutrients they provide. Each portion size constitutes one exchange, unless otherwise specified. Each exchange provides 15 g of carbohydrates.
Recommended Foods
Although most available foods are categorized in the diabetic food exchanges, certain foods are better for diabetics to eat than others. The diet should consist mainly of healthy carbohydrates, fiber, fish and healthy fats. Healthy carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and low-fat dairy. These types of carbohydrates are also high in fiber. Healthy fats include nuts, avocado, olive oil and vegetable oil.
Foods to Avoid
The most important foods for diabetics to avoid are those high in saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. Diabetics should try to consume no more than 7 percent of their calories from saturated fat, and avoid trans fat completely. Diabetics should limit cholesterol to less than 200 mg per day. Cholesterol-rich foods include full-fat dairy products, egg yolks and fatty meats. Sodium should be limited to 2,000 mg per day.
Considerations
As you learn to use the diabetic food exchange system, it may be helpful to work with a dietitian or a nutritionist. In addition to teaching you to use the system, a dietitian or nutritionist can also help you determine your calorie needs and help you maintain your ideal weight.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes Diet
- University of Arkansas: The Exchange List System for Diabetic Meal Planning
- "Nutrition and You"; Joan Salge Blake; 2008
