Elaine

The two main sytems used to manage the relationship between food and blood glucose levels are the diabetic exchange system and carb counting. Using the diabetic exchange system, foods are grouped into six categories: starches, meat and meat substitutes, vegetables, fruits, milk, and fats. The purpose of the exchange lists is to help the diabetic consume the correct balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats through the day. It's recommended that folks on this diet need eat 3 meals and 1 to 3 snacks every day. The main goal of the diabetic exchange diet is the control of the diabetic patients blood sugar levels. Successful implementation of this eating plan will control your weight and your blood glucose levels.

Estimating calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat content in any food or meal is quite easy using the exchange system. For each food listed in a single exchange, like starch, the serving size has been carefully calculated. Thus, all the foods on the starch list contain 60 calories and 15 carbohydrates in one serving. There are three categories in the meat exchange: lean, medium fat and high fat. On the meat exchange you are exchanging both protein and fat points. Nationwide doctors and dietitians are using the exchanges to simplify diabetic meal plans.

The diabetic is assigned a set number of exchange choices from each food group every day.The number and type of exchanges you should consume each day are based on several factors such as daily exercise routine, weight goals, and any other medical conditions effected by diet. To provide variety, foods can be switched within an exchange list, starch for starch, but not between lists, starch for veggie. On the exchange lists, some foods are "free". Never choose from the high fat exchanges more than 3 times per week. Never skip a meal. Never save your exchanges for another meal.

Foods that are high in carbohydrates raise blood sugar the most. Some diabetics use carb counting along with exercise and insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Starches, fruit, and milk contain the most carbohydrates. Carb counting is especially popular among young diabetics. It is much easier to count the carbs and calculate the amount of insulin needed to handle them than try to balance an exchange diet. While it's convenient, it's not a healthy eating plan.

Comparing the diabetic exchange system and carb counting, the exchange system is my choice for overall health. The exchange system makes it easy to plan well balanced meals for losing weight or optimizing your health.

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