In the amounts given, all the choices on each list are equal. Any food on a list can be exchanged or traded for any other food on the same list. Using the exchange lists and following your meal plan will provide you with a great variety of food choices, and will control the distribution of calories, carbohydrate, protein, and fat throughout the day, so that your food and your insulin will be balanced. This balance is what gives you good blood-glucose control. All people, including those with diabetes, should eat less sugar.
Sugar has lots of calories and no vitamins or minerals, and it causes dental cavities.
Most of us eat too much salt. The sodium in salt can cause the body to retain water, and in some people it may raise blood pressure. High blood pressure is made worse by eating too much salt and sodium. Try to use less salt in cooking and at the table. Foods that are high in sodium include processed and convenience foods.