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How to use the diabetic exchange system.
- Thread starter LoriB
- Start Date
Hi @LoriB, welcome. The exchange system is counting carbs. One exchange equals ten grammes of carbs. It is a good place to start to learn carb counting.
If you look at the labels of foods, you will (if you are in the UK) see a value on the Nutritional Information that includes Total Carbohydrate. This is what you should use. This value divided by 10 gives you the number of exchanges per stated weight of the food (usually 100g of food). You would then take insulin according to the ratio or instructions you have been given by your HCP.
That's really all there is to it.
The majority of us that are T1 use this method for managing our insulin requirements.
Note that if you are in the US, the number you will need from the packet is Net Carbohydrate.
If you look at the labels of foods, you will (if you are in the UK) see a value on the Nutritional Information that includes Total Carbohydrate. This is what you should use. This value divided by 10 gives you the number of exchanges per stated weight of the food (usually 100g of food). You would then take insulin according to the ratio or instructions you have been given by your HCP.
That's really all there is to it.
The majority of us that are T1 use this method for managing our insulin requirements.
Note that if you are in the US, the number you will need from the packet is Net Carbohydrate.
Daibell
Master
HI. I note from your information page that you are a T2? If so, then you still need to count carbs but not to inject insulin but for a similar reason that you need to keep the carbs down as your body can't provide enough useable insulin. So, think carbs in what you eat and make up with enough proteins and fats to make you feel full. Veg is good of course
I have been T2 for about 10 years. I developed gestational (sp?) during pregnancy. After birth it went away but came back in 2 years. Most of the time I controlled it with oral meds, diet and exercise. For a year now I have added insulin at bedtime. If I could lose 75-100 pounds, my A1C will be lower and hopefully have more energy. I have lots of books on diabetes, books on counting calories carbs, fat, etc. I just can't seem to lose any weight. I am always so tired. After work and on the weekends, I have no energy to clean the house, cook, etc. I will type more later, got to leave for work.
phoenix
Expert
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, The exchange system factors in protein and carbohydrates and calories to provide a conventional , balanced diet.
( I know a bit about it because way back when my mother went to Weight Watchers in the UK, they used to use a similar system. )
In the US one starch exchange contains 15g carb, approx. 3g protein and 80 calories , a fruit exchange contains 15 g carb and a non starchy veg exchange 5g carb. A milk exchange contains 12g carb and 8g protein and a bit of fat. There are also meat and fat exchanges and 'free foods'
Your diet contains a set number of exchanges from each category for a meal (divided into fruit and starch and dairy), fat exchanges and protein exchanges allocated for each meal. You can exchange ie swap foods within the categories
so a 1200 calorie exchange diet includes
5 Starch Exchanges 3 Nonstarchy Vegetable Exchanges
3 Fruit Exchanges 5 Meat Exchanges
2 1/2 Milk Exchanges 3 Fat Exchanges
It sounds very complicated but there are lots of lists of foods divided into exchanges.
However,I don't think that you will find many people in the UK use this system .Moreover, it isn't the one suggested on the American Diabetes Association website either.
Here are some resources I found but there are lots on the net
This one has an explanation and some sample diets at the end
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FY/FY52200.pdf
This one a list of exchanges.
http://www.uaex.edu/publications/pdf/fshed-86.pdf
You could, as Tim says just use carb exchanges (mainly 15g carb in the US) for assessing how many carbs you use at each meal.
Here's how to use it in that way.
http://dtc.ucsf.edu/pdfs/CarbohydrateExchangeLists.pdf
( I know a bit about it because way back when my mother went to Weight Watchers in the UK, they used to use a similar system. )
In the US one starch exchange contains 15g carb, approx. 3g protein and 80 calories , a fruit exchange contains 15 g carb and a non starchy veg exchange 5g carb. A milk exchange contains 12g carb and 8g protein and a bit of fat. There are also meat and fat exchanges and 'free foods'
Your diet contains a set number of exchanges from each category for a meal (divided into fruit and starch and dairy), fat exchanges and protein exchanges allocated for each meal. You can exchange ie swap foods within the categories
so a 1200 calorie exchange diet includes
5 Starch Exchanges 3 Nonstarchy Vegetable Exchanges
3 Fruit Exchanges 5 Meat Exchanges
2 1/2 Milk Exchanges 3 Fat Exchanges
It sounds very complicated but there are lots of lists of foods divided into exchanges.
However,I don't think that you will find many people in the UK use this system .Moreover, it isn't the one suggested on the American Diabetes Association website either.
Here are some resources I found but there are lots on the net
This one has an explanation and some sample diets at the end
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FY/FY52200.pdf
This one a list of exchanges.
http://www.uaex.edu/publications/pdf/fshed-86.pdf
You could, as Tim says just use carb exchanges (mainly 15g carb in the US) for assessing how many carbs you use at each meal.
Here's how to use it in that way.
http://dtc.ucsf.edu/pdfs/CarbohydrateExchangeLists.pdf
Last edited by a moderator:
You mention the old system of Weight Watchers. Many years ago I did Weight Watchers and actually liked their system before the Point system. This is one reason I was wanting to try the exchange system because I feel I make better choices and get more fruits and vegetables in my diet. I never really cared for the Weight Watchers Point system. Has anyone ever used the MyFitnessPal? I have the app on my cell phone. Does anyone know if there is an app that can be used on a cell phone for the exchange system? Does anyone take the time to track in a food diary the old fashion way with pen and paper? I also would like some breakfast ideas that I can grab and eat on the run or at my desk once at work.
