Have a few questions everyone. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes about a year ago. I am not on insulin, but I am taking Metformin. I have changed my diet drastically, cut out all processed foods, eat low carbs, avoid candy, cakes, etc, eat fresh vegetables, lean meats, just perfectly trying to eat healhy. My sugar levels are doing amazing and I have lost weight and exercise. I know that fruits do have sugar in them, but I cosidered it was okay to eat fresh fruits because from what I have been told that is a "natural sugar". What is a "natural sugar" anyway? I have recently been told that I should not eat fresh fruits (was not told this by a doctor by the way). Is it okay to have fresh fruits? Also should I avoid diet soda with diabetes? Fresh fruits are like a treat to me now. Please help, I am confused and want to learn more. Any tips to aid me out are appreciated. I thank you in advance for your answers.

sugar is sugar no matter how "natural" it is. You can have fresh fruit, but as in everything else, in moderation. I'm not certainly about the diet soda. It used to be recommended, but I am not so certainly now.

Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Try picking from the rainbow of colors obtainable to maximize variety. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals.

Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products. Try brown rice with your stir fry or whole wheat spaghetti with your favorite pasta sauce.

Include dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils into your meals.

Include fish in your meals 2-3 periods a week.

Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in "loin" such as pork loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.

Choose non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese.

Choose water and calorie-free "diet" beverages instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks.

Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Remember that fats are high in calories. If you're trying to lose weight, watch your portion sizes of added fats.

Cut back on high calorie snack foods and desserts like chips, cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream.

Eating too much of even healthful foods can lead to weight gain. Watch your portion sizes.

natural sugar as in fruits is called frutose

as opposed to refined sugar from the sugar beet

I also was diagnosed with diabetes various years ago, was put on avandia and took it for six months, but I also lost weight, and have not taken anything now, for over 2 years and my A1c is fine. Visit www.diabetes.com, which has lots of information for you. They sent me DVD's, booklets, etc. to aid me comprehend the disease. I hope I don't have to go back on medication, I could not tolerate the metformin, which I was prescribed first. Hopefully, being informed, and taking control you could be off the medication also.

I also have diabetes since last six months weight bearing execrcises like brisk walking are best . As regards fruits I have been told to avoid sweet fruits like bananas and not more than half a apple a day is recommended . Papaya in the morning is best or any other fruit which is not too sweet



best of luck