The most widely used protocol was the Exchange Diet. This was used with almost all persons with diabetes without any clear documentation that this approach was more effective. Therefore, there are now more varied and possible approaches to diet, which are acceptable, than there used to be. While this change from one to many approaches has confused many diabetic people, the flexibility that has resulted from this is probably quite positive. However, diabetic patients may benefit from reassurances that the many approaches now advocated represent the current trend, rather than a lack of expertise on the part of their health providers.
Complex carbohydrates are starches.
These not only occur in starchy foods, as breads and pasta, but also in many vegetables. It is desired to limit simple sugars as much as possible. We also suggest that patients avoid foods high in simple sugars as much as possible, including drinks sweetened with sugar. Recently, there have been a number of diets that have become popular, which advise a limitation of all carbohydrates. The most popular of these is the Adkins Diet.