The diabetes food pyramid is a food educational diagram aimed at simplifying the food choices that diabetics have to make. A new version of the food pyramid was released by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2005. The American Diabetics Association has commented that the diagram is useful for diabetics and can help non-diabetic people make sensible food choices that can serve to prevent further cases of the disease occurring.

The pyramid is divided into sections. Each section consists of a food group. The sections take up more surface area at the bottom of the pyramid and get less and less until the top. This relative surface area is a representation of the importance of each food group in a healthy diet.

Thus the bottom has most surface area and is most important in a healthy diet. The bottom section consists of grains and starches (or carbohydrates). These include oats, wheat, rice and rye. It also includes starchy vegetables like potatoes and peas. Dried pulses like lentils, black-eyed peas and other dried beans are also recommended.

The pyramid suggests 6 to 11 servings from this food group per day are part of a healthy diet. This of course will vary according to the size and age of the person, number of calories to be consumed each day and the individual goals set by the person.

The next sections that have equal surface areas are vegetables and fruit. Vegetables means raw or cooked from fresh ingredients. Vegetables are good for fiber, nutrients and vitamins. The pyramid guidelines for this food group are 3 to 5 serving a day for a balanced diet.

Fruit provides similar benefits as vegetables. They can also be used if a person thinks they need to supplement their vitamin intake. The pyramid recommends 2 to 4 serving of fruit a day.

Vegetables and fruit have featured in the 5-a-day campaign run by health authorities in many parts of the world, advocating 5 pieces of veg or fruit per day for a balanced diet.

The next section is diary products like milk and yogurt. Diary products are rich in calcium and other minerals that the body needs. To minimize fat intake low milk products should be used. The pyramid recommends 2 to 3 servings per day.

Meat products or meat alternatives are the next section. These products essentially provide protein to the body. Low fat protein is recommended. Lean red meat, chicken or fish are the preferred choices of the pyramid. It suggests 6 ounces of protein a day is adequate for a balanced diet.

The last section at the tip of the pyramid is the fats, sweet foods and alcohol. These include any alcoholic drinks, candy, cakes and ice cream. I know, if you have a sweet tooth that's pretty bad news. These food stuffs should be eaten occasionally or as a treat. There is no recommendation of a daily intake of these types of food.

The pyramid helps people to make the right choices of food groups to be eaten in a balanced quantity. The visual nature of the diagram helps to get the essential information across instantly. It can be found in most health food shops or on the Internet. Get a copy and stick it in your kitchen so that you can refer to it when cooking.