Panel Five and Six: One important way to control your diabetes is learning to eat healthy foods in the right amounts and at the right time. Learning to do this will help you maintain a healthy weight and have better control of your blood sugar levels. Talk to your Physician and other healthcare professional about designing a meal plan that is right for you. You will be surprised because the fact is, you do not have to give up your favorite foods or even prepare special meals. It’s all in learning what to eat, how much to eat and when to eat it. Take the time to learn about carbohydrates and fats and how they affect your body when you eat them. Learn how to read food labels and count the number of calories you eat every day. If you take medication, talk to your Physician and other healthcare professional about how to time your medication around your meals. Learning to do these things will help you feel better, maintain a healthy weight and avoid or postpone the complications of diabetes.