A diabetic exchange meal plan is a very common tool for diabetics type 2 diets. By sorting food in groups it allows you to "exchange" or substitute one food with another with similar content of nutrition. The idea behind this is to control the carbohydrate (carb) amount to a balanced level, avoiding peaks in the blood glucose (sugar) level after eating. Carbs are the most important bit to control, but the exchange diet also controls the amount of calories, fat and protein. Although useful for all diabetics, this diet is especially useful if you are overweight, diabetic type 2 and need to loose weight.

The advantage with the exchange meal plan (diabetic diet) is that you can easily vary your recipes and meals by substituting (exchanging) one food for another as long as it is on the same list.

The unit "one exchange" is based on a serving in one group and the "exchange" contains the same amoun of protein, fat, calories and carbs as any other serving in that group. This means that a serving will have the same effect on your blood glucose level, no matter which one you choose, which in turn will let you "exchange" one food for another.

Your dietist will normally design the diet for you but there are also many books available on the subject - a good one is the "Exchange lists for meal planning" which you can get from the American Diabetes Association. Always consult a dietist and/or a doctor for your diabetic diet and meal planning.