Diet plays a main role in control of your diabetes. Most people with diabetes never realize this and so, end up with serious health problems at a later point in their lives. Irrespective of whether you are on oral medication or insulin dependent, diet control in diabetes is a major factor that must be understood and acknowledged. For your benefit, we list here the various do's and don'ts for the ideal diabetes diet.

The most ideal diet for diabetes varies according to height, weight, age, sex, level of activity, and, most importantly, on the extent of the disorder. It is always better that you approach a diabetic specialist, who will prescribe the best diet for you, taking into consideration certain other health problems you might face, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and so on. He will be able to tell you how much carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fiber you can consume on a daily basis.

Though there is nothing like one constant ideal diet for diabetes, there are a few things you can take care of, during your meals:

* Have at least 1.4 oz of fiber-rich foods each day

* Cut down heavy meals and have more number of smaller meals each day

* Reduce fat-rich foods and switch to whole cooked cereals

* Try not to eat carbohydrate-rich foods a couple of hours before bedtime

* Consume a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables every day

Diabetics have to be extra careful about their diet. Do try to include all food categories in your diet, but with control. Also, never make your food bland and tasteless. Your diet will end up boring you too soon!

Here are the detailed do's and don'ts of your diabetic diet:

Do

1. Eat a low-cholesterol oatmeal breakfast.

2. Consume nuts such as walnuts, almonds and pecans - they contain mono unsaturated fats, which are good for you!

3. Eat plenty of salads, pasta, leafy vegetables and stew. Chick peas, beans, dry beans and navy beans contain 'good' cholesterol.

4. Consume skimmed milk, yogurt and cheese.

5. You can do well with egg whites.

6. Chicken, fish and white meat will be good for you.

7. Onions and garlic are great for health. Try and have about 20 grams each day.

8. In order to include fiber, add wheat bran to your wheat flour.

9. Flaxseed, cinnamon and fenugreek are also known to be equally beneficial.

10. Bitter melon and Guar Gum is known to reduce blood sugar considerably.

Don't

1. Eat fried foods. Instead, boil, poach or bake them.

2. Consume red meat and organ meats. These are fat-rich foods!

3. Use too much ketchup, mustard sauce and salad dressing. These are high in both sugar and salt.

4. Eat canned or processed foods.

5. Eat salty foods, such as brine, MSG or soy sauce containing foods.

6. Consume junk food. Go for fresh foods instead.

7. Smoke or drink - these can prove to be dangerous to you!

8. Skip meals and medicines. Make sure you have both on time.

So you see, eating a healthy, balanced diet is most vital to maintaining good health and high spirits in spite of your diabetes. Analyze your lifestyle habits and get into the best diabetes diet for you. Rest assured, you will soon be bursting with energy and joie de vivre!