Having diabetes does not change the kinds of foods that SHOULD be eaten. Nutritious foods can improve everyone's health. Choose foods that keep glucose levels in good control and that provide enough calories to maintain a healthy weight. If you monitor blood glucose consistently, you will learn how different foods effect blood glucose level.

The amount of each type of food you or your child eats depends on factors like physical activity level, eating habits, health risks, and weight. Everyone has individual needs, which is why you should work with your doctor and/or a dietician to develop a meal plan that works for your situation.

However, there are some solid, general recommendations to guide you. The following food pyramid indicates the number of daily servings a person with diabetes should get in each food group. This diet will help keep your heart and body systems healthy.

Foods like bread, grains, beans, rice, pasta, and starchy vegetables are at the bottom of the pyramid because they should serve as the foundation of your diet -- together as a group, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates. When possible, choose whole grains with plenty of fiber.

Here are a few other basic take-home points:

• Eat a well-balanced variety of food.
• Eat 2-4 daily servings of fruit.
• Eat 3-5 daily servings of vegetables.
• Limit salty foods and alcohol.
• Limit saturated fat and cholesterol. Know how to interpret food labels and consult them when making food decisions.