At the American Diabetes Association education class I attended one of the many things I was given was a small booklet titled, "Changing Life With Diabetes." It has become invaluable to me and my wife. One day I will eat a meal and measure my blood and the level is acceptable-mine are rarely low. Another day I will eat the same thing and the level is high. What is the difference? Well, that is a question for a medical professional. I highly recommend for you is to attend a diabetes education class. Go to diabetes.org and check for a location near you.

As I was growing up my grandfather was a farmer. He had a small patch of corn which I grew to love. I have eaten a meal of just corn on the cob. Well, the little booklet tells me that corn is a "starchy vegetable." It only takes one half cob to equal a carb exchange (discussed in a different rambling). Darn! And only ? cup of corn is one exchange. A baked potato with all the fixin' is a no no also. The list shows that one fourth of a large potato or three ounces is one exchange. Can I eat more? Yes, but I will suffer the consequences of higher blood sugar levels.

What I have found is a baked sweet potato does not spike my blood levels. Bake it, peel it, and use just a little amount of a butter spread that does not have carbs on the label; it is filling. Maybe add a little spice you like. Although it is also a starchy vegetable I can eat it. You will have to experiment with what works for you as what works for me may not work for you.

You can eat the non-starchy vegetables including beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, onions, peppers, spinach, tomato's, turnips and zucchini just to name a few. I have had to learn to eat some foods I didn't like. Its part of the survival process we go through when we have diabetes.

You can eat protein. I won't say it's unlimited but you can eat a three ounce portion. You will learn to push away from the table, maybe even leave some food on the plate. No, the 14 ounce steak may not be a good idea.

Also, you need to eat a healthy snack. Eating six small meals will help you not feel as hungry but you must watch the carbs and serving sizes. I eat one half apple (it has sugar) for one snack and for another I will eat crackers with peanut butter or with a low fat cheese.

You see, part of the process of controlling your diabetes is controlling your weight. I did hear one person say that they could eat a hamburger with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes but no bread or bun. I look for bread that has a lot of fiber even one that says double fiber.

I hope this rambling of mine has helped. For other ramblings of mine go the diabetes category on Article Bank which is in my bio below.

I am not a doctor. Please consult a medical professional for treatment.