People with diabetes don't need to eat special foods -- but they should have a meal plan.

As a diabetic, your meal plan should emphasize foods that are low in fat, salt, and sugar and high in fiber such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and grains. Eating right will help you

• Reach and stay at a weight that's good for your body.
• Keep your blood glucose in a desirable range.
• Prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Ask your doctor to give you the name of a dietitian who can work with you to develop a meal plan.

Your dietitian can help you plan meals to include foods that you and your family like to eat and that are good for you too. Ask your dietitian to include foods that are heart-healthy to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Don't skip meals, especially if you take insulin or diabetes medicine, because your blood glucose may go too low. It may be better to eat several small meals during the day instead of one or two big meals.