Understanding the use of the exchange lists for meal planning in diabetes management.

The Exchange Lists for Meal Planning has been in existence since 1950 and was updated in 1976 and 1986. The lists were designed to provide a universal system for the nutrition management of diabetes mellitus. The current edition emphasizes a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet and is widely used by persons with diabetes and by diabetes educators. To use the exchange lists, the educator must understand how to develop a meal plan. The meal plan serves as the tool to help patients select appropriate foods and amounts. The necessary steps for establishing the meal plan are outlined, and a suggested sequence for educating persons with diabetes in the use of the lists is presented.