Practicing good dietary habits is a cornerstone of diabetes treatment. (Consistent exercise is another.) Let’s take a closer look at what constitutes a healthy diet regimen for the diabetic.

First of all, smart eating habits for diabetics closely resemble the eating guidelines for the non-diabetic. Obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease are the side-effects of the modern American diet, and controlling for those afflictions entails the same dietary concerns as would controlling for diabetes.

First, eating a wide variety of foods is important. Fruits, nuts, whole grains, and green vegetables aren’t found often enough in the typical American diet. Increasing the proportion of these foods in your diet, if you eat like most Americans, will lead to a host of health benefits. A simple rule of thumb is to make your dinner plate look like a rainbow of colors.

Second, make sure you’re taking in the right amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight for your body type. Substituting fruits and whole grains for the high-caloric processed foods is a good way to lose weight. Dumping the soda and beer is also a great way to cut calories.

Third, add more fiber to your diet. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. Eating insoluble fiber, in particular, reduces your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Good sources for fiber include wheat bran, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and citrus fruits.

Modify your diet with these suggestions and you’ll realize a more comfortable, healthier life with diabetes.