Diet therapy and food exchange lists for diabetic patients.

The present situation of diet therapy for diabetes in Japan is described in this chapter. The diabetic diet in Japan is based on Japanese traditional food and eating habits. So far, it has effectively contributed to the treatment of diabetes. The aim of diet therapy for the diabetic regimen in Japan is, as in other countries, firstly, to supply energy for maintaining adequate body weight and healthy social activities, and secondly, to attain glycemic control as close as possible to that of a non-diabetic person to prevent the occurrence of diabetic complications. The Japan Diabetes Society has elucidated the following principles of diet therapy for the accomplishment of the above purposes. (1) The proper amount of daily energy intake means the amount which affords physical activities. (2) The proportion of the 3 main nutrients should be: 60% as carbohydrate, 15-20% protein and 20-25% fat. (3) As to vitamins and minerals, an appropriate amount to meet the average requirement should be supplied daily. (4) It is recommended that a proper amount of fiber be taken. Furthermore, with regard to patient education, which is the most important aspect of adhering to diet therapy, an outline of the latest (1993) edition of the 'Food Exchange Lists', having been first edited in 1965 by the Japan Diabetes Society, is introduced together with its use.