Diabetic Exchange Diet

In diabetic patients, the main therapeutic approach is to control blood sugar levels. After all, diabetes symptoms are related to glucose elevation in the bloodstream. As the major source of sugar is carbohydrate from food, the daily diet of the patient is indirectly responsible for the blood sugar readings. Considering this, the diabetes exchange diet is purported for controlling the blood glucose levels. A well-planned diet low in calories forms the base for such a diabetes diet strategy.

Diabetic Exchange Diet Plan

In this diabetic diet plan, foods are grouped under different categories or lists, each with a specific calorie value. They are starches or bread (80 calories), vegetables (25 calories), fruits (60 calories), lean meat (55 calories), fats (45 calories), milk and free foods. The given calorie value is for one serving size of the particular food. Under the groups, various food items in different amounts, but having the same calories are included. The free foods consist of sugar-free foods, which yield less than 20 calories and can be consumed randomly.

In diabetic exchange system, patients have the option of exchanging or trading foods within the same group. A patient of diabetes can consume a specific quantity of each foods, based on the daily calorie requirement. The amount of serving is determined based on the weight of the patient, sugar levels, insulin intake, level of physical activity and other factors. Foods can be exchanged within a specific group or list, but not between varied groups. This ensures that all types of healthy nutrients are provided to the body in appropriate amounts. For your understanding, diabetic exchange diet plan is illustrated below:

Diabetic Exchange Diet 1200 Calories
Under 1200 calorie diabetic diet, a patient can consume 5 servings of starches, 2 servings of vegetables, 3 servings of fruits, 4 servings of lean meat, 2 servings each of milk and fat on a daily basis. When you calculate the daily calorie intake as per the contribution from each food lists, it will come to about 1200 calories.

Diabetic Exchange Diet 1500 Calories
Under the 1500 calorie diabetic diet, the daily calorie requirement of the patient is provided by consuming 8 servings of bread, 3 servings of vegetables, 3 servings of fruits, 5 servings of lean meat, 2 servings milk and 3 servings of fats. The diabetic diet, aimed at providing 1,500 calories, is believed to be a good alternative for all patients.

Diabetic Exchange Diet 1800 Calories
While following the 1800 calorie diabetic diet plan, patients are required to consume 10 servings of bread, 3 servings of vegetables, 3 servings of fruits, 7 servings of lean meat, 2 servings milk and 3 servings of fats. Anybody who prefers to follow a healthy diet can follow this diet program, which will also help in preventing diabetes.

Diabetic Exchange Diet 2000 Calories
The 2000 calorie diabetic diet plan is excellent for diabetic men and women, who have a reasonably active lifestyle. The recommended diet plan requires consumption of 11 servings of bread, 4 servings of vegetables, 3 servings of fruits, 8 servings of lean meat, 2 servings milk and 4 servings of fats. Maximum calories are contributed by lean meat and starches.

Diabetic Exchange Diet 2200 Calories
This 2200 calorie diabetic diet is for those, who need higher calorie intake per day. The required daily calorie can be achieved by eating 13 servings of bread, 4 servings of vegetables, 3 servings of fruits, 8 servings of lean meat, 2 servings milk and 5 servings of fats. People who stick to this regimen should perform daily activities to avoid weight gain.

Sticking to the diabetic exchange diet is effective for maintaining blood glucose levels. For better results, the doctor may also recommend medications, along with changes in the lifestyle habits. Adopting healthy lifestyle modifications deals with refraining from alcohol, quit smoking and also, performing mild physical activities. Altogether, they help in diabetes treatment and reducing further complications.