The glycemic effect of different meals approximately isocaloric and similar in protein, carbohydrate, and fat content as calculated using the ADA exchange lists.

The effect on plasma glucose concentration of four different, approximately isocaloric breakfasts designed using the American Diabetes Association food exchange lists was studied in eight type II diabetic patients. The meals were estimated to contain similar amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and fat and were given in random order. The plasma glucose responses to the different meals were similar except for one meal. This meal resulted in a greater glucose increase but the latter could be explained by the substitution of banana for orange juice in the meal. Banana contains starch as well as fructose and glucose, whereas orange juice contains glucose, fructose, and sucrose. In regard to the postmeal glucose response, these data indicate that the ADA food exchange list is useful in meal planning, at least for breakfast.