Are starches and sweets off limits for people with
diabetes?
No. There are no foods that are completely forbidden
for people with diabetes. Carbohydrates, including
foods such as bread, rice, and corn, can be part of
your daily balanced meal plans. For all carbohydrate
foods, including sweets, it’s how much you eat at
one time that matters for blood sugar control.

Does my diet have to be boring and hard to follow?
No. These days, registered dietitians help people design their own meal plans to include their favorite foods while still meeting their specific nutritional goals. If you have trouble living with your meal plans, you should talk to a dietitian about what changes can be made.

Do I need to buy expensive diabetic foods because I have diabetes?
No. There’s no need to buy special foods for healthy eating if you have diabetes. People with diabetes can eat everyday foods that the whole family eats. However, it's important to watch your daily fat intake and portion sizes. For many people, it’s how much they eat that’s the problem. Also, try substituting sugar with a low-calorie sweetener whenever possible.