Your meal plan tells you when to eat your meals and snacks, what kinds of foods to eat, and how much of each food to eat. You don't have to give up all the foods you like when you have diabetes. But you do need to follow some guidelines.
To keep your energy level up, your body needs food that has carbohydrates. But carbs also raise blood sugar levels higher and faster than other foods. Learn which foods contain carbohydrates, and the importance of carb counting.
Monitoring the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood is the key to controlling your diabetes. To be sure your glucose and insulin are in balance, check your blood sugar regularly. You can check your blood sugar level by using a blood glucose meter. Here's how.
Living with diabetes means making many changes in your life, and these changes may seem overwhelming. When you feel down, reach out to your family and friends, and to your healthcare team. Here is a list of other resources.