Food Exchanges
The diabetic food exchange system is based on a balanced diet with foods from different food groups. The exchange system allows you to control your calories and portion sizes and the amount of calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates.


Foods are broken up into groups based on their protein, carbohydrates and fat and the number of calories they provide. The number of exchanges per day is determined by the number of calories you need. The amount is different for different people, depending on height, weight, fitness, and activity level. The table below shows a basic diet using the exchange system. The best way to determine the number of exchanges you need is to consult a dietitian or health and fitness professional.

Type of Exchange
1200 Calorie Diet
1400 Calorie Diet
1600 Calorie Diet
1800 Calorie Diet
Milk
2
3
3
3
Vegetable
2
3
4
4
Fruit
3
4
4
4
Starch
5
6
6
7
Meat
5
5
6
7
Fat
5
6
8
9