The Diabetes Food Pyramid is a general guide of what and how much to eat each day. It is similar to the Food Pyramid you see on many food packages.The pyramid is divided into six groups. You should eat more foods from the largest group at the base of the pyramid and less from the smaller groups at the top of the pyramid. The number of servings needed every day is not the same for everyone, so a range of servings is given to ensure you get the foods you need for good health. The food groups and suggested servings per day are listed below.

Grains, Beans, and Starchy Vegetables: (good source of B vitamins and fiber) 6 or more servings/day
Fruits: (contain vitamins C, A, potassium, folate, and fiber) 3-4 servings/day
Vegetables: (provide vitamins A, C, folate, and fiber) 3-5 servings/day
Milk: (source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and D) 2-3 servings/day
Meats and Others: (good source of iron, zinc, B vitamins, and protein) 2-3 servings/day
Fats, Sweets, and Alcohol: The foods at the tip of the pyramid should be eaten in small amounts. Fats and oils should be limited because they are high in calories. Sweets are high in sugar and should only be eaten once in a while.

What is the right number of servings for you-

The Diabetes Food Pyramid gives a range of servings for each group, but it is only a guide. If you have diabetes, a dietitian can design a specific meal plan for you.

Remember that the number of servings listed is for the entire day. Since food raises blood sugar levels, it is bst to space servings throughout the day. For example, 4 servings of fruit might be divided between 3 meals and 1 snack. 

Follow a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy foods, and keep physically active to help control diabetes. If you have diabetes, be an active member of your diabetes care team: you, your doctor, dietitian, and other health care providers. This meal planner gives you only general information. Consult with your diabetes care team.

What is a serving size in the Food Pyramid-

Each of the following represents one serving from each of the food groups in the Diabetes Food Pyramid:

Grains, Beans, and Starchy Vegetables: 1 slice of bread; 1/2 small bagel, English muffin, or bun; 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, rice; 3/4 cup ready-to-eat cereal; 1/2 cup cooked dried beans, corn, peas

Vegetable Group: 1 cup raw vegetable; 1/2 cup vegetable juice

Fruit Group: 1 medium-size fresh fruit; 1/2 cup canned fruit; 1/2 cup fruit juice

Milk Group: 1 cup (8 ounces) milk or yogurt

Meat Group: 2-3 ounces cooked lean meat, skinless poultry, or fish; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons peanut butter; 2-3 ounces cheese

Fats, Sweets, and Alcohol: 1 teaspoon butter, margarine, or mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon cream cheese or salad dressing; 1 tablespoon cream cheese; 1/2 cup ice cream.

Source ndep.nih.gov