One of the corstones of diabetes management is medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The primary goal of MNT is to maintain a blood glucose level as near to normal as possible. There is no longer a “diabetic” or “ADA” diet, instead The American Dietetic Association and The American Diabetes Association state that diets need to be individualized for patients. Ideally, each patient with diabetes should be seen by a dietitian in an individualized nutrition therapy session. In practice, however, many patients receive information on nutrition in group sessions. In order to address different needs of patients in such a setting, a class was developed in which patients are familiarized with two different meal planning approaches: The Plate Method and Level One Carbohydrate Counting. To practice the Plate Method, patients use plates and food models to build a balanced meal with appropriate portion sizes. The dietitian who teaches the class evaluates each meal. Patients enjoy this activity since it allows them to be actively involved Using the Carbohydrate Counting Method, patients determine their healthy weight based on their height and age by using a weight table. Using a simple formula, which considers level of physical activity, patients calculate their individual caloric needs and receive a meal plan with the corresponding calorie level. The dietitian explains how to use exchange lists and food labels as tools to determine carbohydrate choices or grams. Patients are asked to share with the class which foods they consumed with their previous meals. After the meals are recorded by the dietitian on the transparency, class participants are asked to look up the carbohydrate content in the exchange lists and on food labels. The number of grams are counted and compared to the carbohydrate allotments given on the meal plans. According to the positive responses on class evaluations, patients like this class concept, and many patients schedule appointments with the dietitian for more in depth nutrition therapy after class.