These simple guidelines can get you through until your appointment with your dietitian who specializes in diabetes care.

1. Don’t panic. You do not have to avoid all foods with any sugar in them. Your dietitian can teach you how to make decisions in working in your “favorite foods”.
2. Eat. Eating is important. Eat a main meal every 4-6 hours during the day. If your meals are more than 6 hours apart, eat a snack in between.
3. Eat healthy foods. Using common sense here is a great place to start! Selecting whole grains, fresh or frozen vegetables and fruit, low-fat dairy products, smaller meat portions and less added fats are good options.
4. Eat fewer fast foods that are high in Calories, fat and salt. If you have to eat on the go, select deli-style sandwiches, low-fat chips and water or diet soda.
5. Don’t drink any fruit juice, fruit drink, regular soda, or other sweetened beverages (like iced teas or coffee drinks). Stick with water, artifically sweetened beverages- like sugar-free KoolAid® or Crystal Light®, or diet soda’s.
6. Don’t start any wacky diet plan.

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