Exchange lists are one way to help you plan healthy meals. The Exchange system divides foods into categories -- carbohydrates (starches, fruits, milk, vegetables and other carbohydrates), meats and meat substitutes and fats -- and tells you how many of each category you should eat each day.

Newly revised, expanded and updated Exchange Lists for Meal Planning have been published by the American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetes Association. The Exchange Lists are available through your registered dietitian or diabetes educator.

Every person with diabetes should have a personal meal plan based on your needs and lifestyle. A Registered Dietitian (RD) can help you develop your meal plan. To find a registered dietitian near you:

1. Locate the names of American Diabetes Association Recognized Diabetes Education Programs in your area or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).
2. Call the American Dietetic Association at 1-800-366-1655. Ask for the names of dietitians in your area that specialize in diabetes. Or look on their Web site for a listing of dietitians in your area.
3. Call the American Association of Diabetes Educators, at 1-800-TEAM-UP4 (1-800-832-6874). The operator will give you the names of several diabetes educators in your zip code.