ember of an exchange group and assigns a value to each food based on quantity. For instance, one slice of white bread is considered one starch exchange. One ounce of skinless chicken is considered one meat exchange. The idea behind this plan is to build meals from the exchange groups that incorporate a specific number of given exchanges. Generally, an 1800 a dayOnce an individual has been diagnosed with diabetes, he or she must begin the process of managing the disorder. Managing diabetes may sometimes include the administration of insulin (either oral or via injection), but it will always include a reasonable and sensible diabetic meal plan. Diabetic meal plans are best formulated with the assistance of a registered dietician or other health care professional. Information is key to developing the most comprehensive diabetic meal plan possible. Diabetics who do their own research may find that there are a multitude of diabetic meal plans to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Determining which diabetic meal plan is the right one depends upon the individual, his or her needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

The most popular and widely used of the diabetic meal plans available is the exchange meal system. This is an easy to follow plan that has been time-tested and medically endorsed. This system assigns foods to different categories known as exchanges and lists the quantity of each food that will allow it to be counted as one exchange. Individuals are then given the number of exchanges that they are allotted for use each day. The exchange categories, starch, fruits, dairy products, non-starchy vegetables, carbohydrates (sweets and other carbs), meats, fats, and “free” foods, are grouped according to the effect they have on blood glucose levels. This plan lists each food as a member of an exchange group and assigns a value to each food based on quantity. For instance, one slice of white bread is considered one starch exchange. One ounce of skinless chicken is considered one meat exchange. The idea behind this plan is to build meals from the exchange groups that incorporate a specific number of given exchanges. Generally, an 1800 a day

tician or other health care professional. Information is key to developing the most comprehensive diabetic meal plan possible. Diabetics who do their own research may find that there are a multitude of diabetic meal plans to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Determining which diabetic meal plan is the right one depends upon the individual, his or her needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

The most popular and widely used of the diabetic meal plans available is the exchange meal system. This is an easy to follow plan that has been time-tested and medically endorsed. This system assigns foods to different categories known as exchanges and lists the quantity of each food that will allow it to be counted as one exchange. Individuals are then given the number of exchanges that they are allotted for use each day. The exchange categories, starch, fruits, dairy products, non-starchy vegetables, carbohydrates (sweets and other carbs), meats, fats, and “free” foods, are grouped according to the effect they have on blood glucose levels. This plan lists each food as a member of an exchange group and assigns a value to each food based on quantity. For instance, one slice of white bread is considered one starch exchange. One ounce of skinless chicken is considered one meat exchange. The idea behind this plan is to build meals from the exchange groups that incorporate a specific number of given exchanges. Generally, an 1800 a day

s or her needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

The most popular and widely used of the diabetic meal plans available is the exchange meal system. This is an easy to follow plan that has been time-tested and medically endorsed. This system assigns foods to different categories known as exchanges and lists the quantity of each food that will allow it to be counted as one exchange. Individuals are then given the number of exchanges that they are allotted for use each day. The exchange categories, starch, fruits, dairy products, non-starchy vegetables, carbohydrates (sweets and other carbs), meats, fats, and “free” foods, are grouped according to the effect they have on blood glucose levels. This plan lists each food as a member of an exchange group and assigns a value to each food based on quantity. For instance, one slice of white bread is considered one starch exchange. One ounce of skinless chicken is considered one meat exchange. The idea behind this plan is to build meals from the exchange groups that incorporate a specific number of given exchanges. Generally, an 1800 a day

as one exchange. Individuals are then given the number of exchanges that they are allotted for use each day. The exchange categories, starch, fruits, dairy products, non-starchy vegetables, carbohydrates (sweets and other carbs), meats, fats, and “free” foods, are grouped according to the effect they have on blood glucose levels. This plan lists each food as a member of an exchange group and assigns a value to each food based on quantity. For instance, one slice of white bread is considered one starch exchange. One ounce of skinless chicken is considered one meat exchange. The idea behind this plan is to build meals from the exchange groups that incorporate a specific number of given exchanges. Generally, an 1800 a dayember of an exchange group and assigns a value to each food based on quantity. For instance, one slice of white bread is considered one starch exchange. One ounce of skinless chicken is considered one meat exchange. The idea behind this plan is to build meals from the exchange groups that incorporate a specific number of given exchanges. Generally, an 1800 a day diabetic meal plan will include three dairy exchanges, four vegetable exchanges, four fruit exchanges, seven starch exchanges, seven meat exchanges, and nine fat exchanges. Free exchanges can be used at any time in any amount.

Current diabetic meal plans also include the glycemic index diet plan. This plan assigns a number to each type of carbohydrate based on its effect on blood glucose levels. Foods containing carbohydrates that rank high on the glycemic index generally raise blood glucose levels faster than foods ranked lower on the scale. Although diabetics must pay close attention to the amount of carbohydrates they consume, the glycemic index diet plan tends to be complicated and may not include the gylcemic index for all carbohydrates. This plan is not widely recommended by medical professionals.

Vegetarian diets are currently being researched for their viability one of the recommended diabetic meal plans. Preliminary research has shown that a vegetarian diet may make individuals more responsive to insulin. Vegetarians also generally consume fewer calories and less fat than non-vegetarians. A vegetarian diet, loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber provides a multitude of health benefits beyond diabetes control. A vegetarian diet can be counted among the healthful diabetic meal plans as long as it contains the recommended amount of daily nutrients. A visit to a dietician or other medical professional will