According to the diabetic exchange list, how many fat exchanges must be omitted when substituting 2% milk for skim milk?

In the context of the diabetic exchange list, understanding the nutrient composition of different milk types is crucial for managing carbohydrate and fat intake. When substituting 2% milk for skim milk, it's important to recognize that 2% milk contains more fat than skim milk.

Skim milk has minimal fat content (typically around 0.2 grams of fat per 8 ounces), while 2% milk contains about 5 grams of fat in the same serving size. This difference in fat content requires adjustments in exchanges to maintain nutritional balance for individuals with diabetes.

When you move from a lower-fat option like skim milk to a higher-fat option like 2% milk, the increase in fat content is significant enough that it necessitates omitting a certain number of fat exchanges in the meal plan to account for the additional fat. In this case, one full fat exchange, which typically equates to about 5 grams of fat, must be omitted to adjust for the higher fat intake associated with 2% milk.

This reasoning supports the choice of omitting one fat exchange when substituting 2% milk for skim milk, ensuring that overall dietary balance is maintained within the framework of exchanges utilized for diabetic meal planning.