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US Government Diabetes Food Plan

According to Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 18 million Americans have diabetes, and the number is increasing every day. To improve the health of Americans and prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, the USDA created a new food pyramid called My Pyramid. The American Diabetes Association supports this plan and encourages all Americans to follow the government's guidelines for healthier living.

  1. Identification

    • Diabetes is a disease caused by too much sugar or glucose in the blood. The body does not have enough insulin to change food to energy. The glucose begins to affect the eyes, kidneys, legs, feet, and the heart. Heart disease is one of the leading results of diabetes. For many, with proper diet and exercise, diabetes is a manageable and avoidable.

    Significance

    • The food pyramid is a guide for healthy eating. The United Stated Department of Agriculture developed the pyramid as part of research with the Department of Health and Human Services. The pyramid stresses a variety of food to help supply you with all the nutrients and maintain a healthy weight. The pyramid divides food into categories with suggested servings depending upon your age and weight.

    Features

    • My Pyramid is an individualized plan instead of a generalized approach for healthy eating. Using an interactive program, you enter your age, gender, and physical activity level. The result is an individualized food plan and exercise plan to help you live healthier and avoid diabetes.

    Differences

    • The American Diabetes Association has another food pyramid that is similar to the government's food pyramid. They group their foods by carbohydrates and protein instead of food categories. Portion sizes are different, as well. A serving of rice on the ADA pyramid is 1/3 cup; a serving of rice on the government pyramid is 1/2 cup. The ADA lists potatoes and starchy vegetables with grains and cheese with meat instead of dairy.

    Considerations

    • The American Diabetic Association suggests that people, who are at risk for diabetes, use the government food pyramid. They also suggest that people, who are diabetic, consider the government food pyramid as one tool and a guide for making better food choices. Diabetics should also consult a registered dietitian.

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