DIET THERAPY AND FOOD EXCHANGE LISTS FOR DIABETIC-PATIENTS

The present situation of diet therapy for diabetes in Japan is describ ed in this chapter. The diabetic diet in Japan is based on Japanese tr aditional food and eating habits. So far, it has effectively contribut ed to the treatment of diabetes. The aim of diet therapy for the diabe tic regimen in Japan is, as in other countries, firstly, to supply ene rgy for maintaining adequate body weight and healthy social activities , and secondly, to attain glycemic control as close as possible to tha t of a non-diabetic person to prevent the occurence of diabetic compli cations. The Japan Diabetes Society has elucidated the following princ iples of diet therapy for the accomplishment of the above purposes. (1 ) The proper amount of daily energy intake means the amount which affo rds physical activities. (2) The proportion of the 3 main nutrients sh ould be: 60% as carbohydrate, 15-20% protein and 20-25% fat. (3) As to vitamins and minerals, an appropriate amount to meet the average requ irement should be supplied daily. (4) It is recommended that a proper amount of fiber be taken. Furthermore, with regard to patient educatio n, which is the most important aspect of adhering to diet therapy, an outline of the latest (1993) edition of the 'Food Exchange Lists', hav ing been first edited in 1965 by the Japan Diabetes Society, is introd uced together with its use.