New research and new medications have changed both diabetes management and diabetes education. The Association’s new meal planning guide, Beyond the Basics: Meal Planning for Diabetes Prevention and Management, is based on the Association’s clinical practice guidelines and current scientific evidence. To meet new consumer needs, a volunteer committee of diabetes education experts has revised the Association’s meal planning system to make it more compatible with the systems used in Quebec and the US and with Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating. The biggest change will be in food groups containing carbohydrate (Grains and Starches, Fruits, Milk and Alternatives, and Other Choices) where one portion of a food in each of these groups will provide 15 g of available carbohydrate.

A colourful poster is the first item produced. Please consult your dietitian or diabetes educator before using this, as the serving sizes may differ from the suggested servings in your existing meal plan. Two new resources, meal planning and healthy lifestyle choices, are available and contain more information for people with diabetes.

How to obtain a copy of the new meal planning guide poster. Those affected by diabetes should be seen by a dietitian or diabetes educator to learn more about managing their diabetes. Health professionals will use the Beyond the Basics poster to discuss healthy eating with their clients to assist them to better regulate metabolic parameters.

How do health professionals obtain the poster? Health care professionals can order the Beyond the Basics poster by visiting the Online Order Desk.

The Association’s Food Choice Values and Symbols (FCVS), those colourful geometric markings on packages have disappeared because of new labelling regulations. As of December 12, 2005 the symbols were removed from most packaged foods. To help consumers use the new nutrition information on the label to make healthier food choices, the Association partnered with Dietitians of Canada to develop Healthy Eating is in Store for You™ , a nutrition labelling education program available at healthyeatingisinstore.ca. There are many tools on this website to assist consumers.