Careful selection of the right kinds of food is essential to the health and well-being of diabetics. Applying sound nutritional princples to food selection benefits every member of the family regardless of whether or not they have diabetes.

The following guidelines are useful for everyone over the age of five. The goal is to plan your total daily intake to provide your body with the energy and nutrients that it needs using the following distribution:

Carbohydrate needs:

• 30-60g/meal
• 0-15g/snack

Protein needs: Be sure to include a protein food every time you eat!

• at least 5g/snack
• at least 15g/meal

Fiber needs: Fiber slows the rise in blood sugar to help keep them lower.

• 25-38g/day

Fat needs:

• Limit the number of fat grams eaten per day to less than 65g/day.
• Limit saturated fat to less than 22g/day.

*Needs vary based on the individual, you should meet with a dietitian to discuss your individual needs.