# Diabetic Meal Planner (ADA-Aligned) — Product Summary

**Price:** $15 (standalone)  
**Type:** Google Sheets / Excel Template  
**Category:** Health & Wellness — niche diabetes product  
**Status:** ✅ Built

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## What It Is

A 7-sheet diabetes management system combining ADA-aligned meal planning, carb counting, blood sugar tracking, glycemic index reference, and the Plate Method guide. Built for people with Type 1, Type 2, or prediabetes who want to manage their condition through nutrition.

## Key Features

- **ADA-Aligned Weekly Meal Planner:** 7-day × 6-meal grid (Breakfast, AM Snack, Lunch, PM Snack, Dinner, Evening Snack) with carbs, fiber, and net carbs per recipe
- **Blood Sugar Log:** Color-coded readings (green = in range, amber = borderline, red = alert) with before/after meal context, 7-day summary with averages
- **Carb Counter & Grocery List:** Grocery list with carb counts per ingredient, total weekly carb estimate, organized by store category
- **Recipe Library:** 16 diabetes-friendly recipes — all low-GI, high-fiber, under 45g net carbs per serving
- **Glycemic Index Reference:** 36 common foods with GI, GL, and Low/Medium/High ratings
- **Plate Method Guide:** ADA's simple visual approach to balanced meals (1/2 veggies, 1/4 protein, 1/4 complex carbs)
- **ADA Targets Reference:** Built into the blood sugar log and instructions

## Sheets

| Sheet | Contents |
|-------|----------|
| Weekly Meal Planner | 7-day × 6-meal grid, 42 pre-filled meals, carb/fiber/net carbs per meal, daily averages |
| Carb Counter & Grocery | Aggregated grocery list with carb counts, 8 store categories |
| Recipe Library | 16 recipes × 14 columns (carbs, fiber, net carbs, protein, fat, calories, glycemic load, ingredients) |
| Blood Sugar Log | Date/time/reading/context log, color-coded, 7-day summary stats |
| Glycemic Index Reference | 36 foods across 6 categories with GI/GL values and ratings |
| Plate Method Guide | Full ADA Plate Method explanation, carb counting reference, foods to limit |
| Instructions | Setup guide, ADA targets, customization tips, medical disclaimer |

## Design

- **Calming medical blue:** Navy (#1B4F72) headers, medium blue (#2E86C1) accents, light blue (#D4E6F1) backgrounds
- **Traffic-light blood sugar coding:** Green (#27AE60) for in range, Amber (#F39C12) for borderline, Red (#E74C3C) for alerts
- **Meal-type colors:** Distinct pastels for each meal slot
- **Clean white data cells** for readability

## Target Customer

- Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- People with prediabetes looking to prevent progression
- Caregivers managing meals for diabetic family members
- Anyone prescribed carb-counting by their healthcare provider

## Competitive Advantage

Most diabetes apps require subscriptions ($10-30/month). This one-time $15 spreadsheet gives you full control — no recurring fees, no data lock-in, and you can share it with your doctor or dietitian. Combines meal planning, carb counting, blood sugar logging, AND educational references in one file.

## Important Disclaimer

This template is an educational and planning tool. It is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. The product summary and instructions include a clear disclaimer directing users to consult their healthcare provider.

## Packaging

- `Diabetic_Meal_Planner.xlsx` — the template (30 KB)
- `thumbnail.png` — Gumroad product image (1024×1024)
- `showcase-diabetic.png` — product page hero (1536×1024)
- `build_diabetic_planner.py` — reproducible build script
- `PRODUCT_SUMMARY.md` — this file
