People always associate sugar with diabetes. Perhaps it is partly because of the fact that patients with diabetes are monitored with regular measurement of their blood sugar. As you know, diabetes causes one's body not to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

Oscar- winning actress Halle Berry has been living with diabetes for more than 15 years. In 1989, Miss Berry was diagnosed with diabetes and has since then been active in raising awareness about the disease. She admits that she is very strict with her diet - chicken, fish, vegetables, brown rice, and tabbouleh (a Middle Eastern salad of wheat, parsley and tomatoes). In addition, she exercises regularly, and it is this combination that really keeps her healthy. To have diabetes under control, it is also important to know what and when you eat.

Experts do suggest diabetics should control the amount of carbohydrates they eat. They must also eat regular meals to avoid fluctuations in the blood sugar levels. Eating only a meal a day is not healthy at all, instead diabetics should eat small and frequent meals.

Diabetics are advised to consult a nutritionist to work out a food plan that is balanced and nutritious. For example, substituting simple carbohydrates like white rice and bread with more complex ones such as brown rice and wholemeal bread can make a difference.

Foods with low glycemic index (GI) are better for diabetics. The GI refers to a food's ability to raise blood sugar to a particular level within a given period of time. Low GI foods include oats, barley, rye grain, dried beans, lentils, apricots, and peanuts, while potatoes have a high GI. But this does not mean that all foods with a high GI should strictly be avoided for diabetics.

There is also misconception that diabetics should avoid all sugar. In fact, carbohydrates which include sugar should account for 50 to 60 percent of their total energy intake. The carbohydrates should be eaten in 3 main meals and 3 small snacks. The amount of carbohydrate food should be consistent at each meal.

Bear in mind that keeping blood sugar under control is ultimately about balancing the diet with insulin, oral medications and exercise. If one has any difficulty in doing this should seek help from doctors, hospitals, or pharmacists where diabetes management programs are offered. Diabetics should not overlook this because they could easily become victims of heart disease if their conditions are not properly controlled.

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