[2BNTV]

I have been a type 2 diabetic for 12 years.

Think in terms of a lifestyle change in eating habits but not a diet. Diets don't work in the long run. IMHO
It's much better to eat several small meals than a big one. To eat just enough to get you to the next snack/meal. It's all about portion control.

Exercise is a very important ingredient in controlling your A1C. The A1C test is measured over a three month period and doesn't rely on just one meal. Obviously, if you keep eating too much over that three month period, it will spike the A1C reading. On the other hand, if you get crazy and cut back too much, that is a danger also. It is a balancing act.

There are so many things to know about food choices so it's best to educate yourself in that regard. Every case of diabetes is personal so you have to figure out what works for you.

Several hints are:
1. Eat slower as it takes your brain about an half an hour to tell your body that you are full.
2. Use 9" plates instead of 12" plates.
3. Don't miss breakfast as it jumpstarts your metabolism.
4, Don't miss meals as you might get over hungry and tend to eat much more than you need to.

My niece was a very overweight child and she got a book from a doctor.The psychological aspect of eating is that some people overeat because when they are a child, their mothers put a certain amount of food on a plate, so one gets conditioned to think that much food is needed to fill oneself up when in reality, it's not.

Be gentle with yourself as most diabetics cheat once in awhile. Over time you will learn how much you need to eat to keep your A1C in the proper range.

Never forget, the best exercise is pushaways from the dinner table. LOL but true!!!