How should I include dairy products in my diabetes meal plan?

The following are general tips on adding dairy products to your diabetes diet:

• Each 1 cup serving of milk or 2/3 cup serving of yogurt has about 12 grams of carbohydrate and 8 grams of protein.
• If you are trying to switch to lower fat dairy products, take the time to get used to the taste and texture difference. For example, first change from whole milk to 2%, then to 1% or non-fat milk.
• Switching from whole to 1% milk will save you 70 calories and 4 grams of saturated fat in every serving!

Tips for Carb Counters: 1 cup of milk or yogurt is equal to 1 small piece of fruit or 1 slice of bread.
Tips for the Plate Method: Your meal plan calls for 8 ounces of milk. If you don't drink milk, you can substitute another carbohydrate-containing food, like a piece of fruit or a small dinner roll.
Tips for using the glycemic index: Milk has a low glycemic index, so choose lower-fat dairy products to fit into your meals.