I’m not one to argue with this recommendation. When I went on Byetta, I thought that I was going on a very low-carb diet. But when I carefully calculated my daily carb intake on an Excel spreadsheet for about five weeks, it averaged about 130 grams per day.

Generally, the position statement agrees with the Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intakes that 45 to 65 percent of our calories should come from carbohydrates. Fat should provide 20 to 35 percent, and protein from 10 to 35 percent.

What I like most about the new nutrition recommendations is the much greater acceptance of the glycemic index than in any previous nutrition recommendations of the American Diabetes Association. It cites, for example Jenny Brand-Miller’s meta-analysis of low glycemic index diets that on average reduce A1C levels by 0.4 percent.

Even better, the recommendations say that “low-glycemic index foods that are rich in fiber and other important nutrients are to be encouraged.” There is some benefit, the recommendations conclude, to consider the glycemic index and glycemic load of foods as well as the total carbohydrate load.

“Foods with low glycemic indexes include oats, barley, bulgur, beans, lentils, legumes, pasta, pumpernickel (coarse rye) bread, apples, oranges, milk, yogurt, and ice cream,” the 2006 recommendations state. “Fiber, fructose, lactose, and fat are dietary constituents that tend to lower glycemic response.”

Since I have recommended low glycemic index diets for years in spite of opposition from the American Diabetes Association, these recommendations are music to my ears. So you won’t find me attacking the ADA’s 2006 nutrition recommendations.

Still, I know that followers of low-carb diets can be persistent and persuasive in their beliefs. So I expect that even if I don’t attack the new recommendations, others are more than willing to take on that task.