I am a new diabetic and am worried about my diet. I do not have money to see a dietician. Can you help me with what I should eat?

Sure, a common sense attitude to food is all that is needed. Try and reduce the intake of total fat, mainly saturated fat, which is known to worsen diabetes and make control of blood glucose difficult. Except for the omega 3 fatty acids, most fats have an adverse effect on insulin action. Some dieticians recommend that intake of unsaturated fatty acids is beneficial in the long term management of diabetes. Recent studies also indicate that there is a decreased risk of diabetes with increased intake of whole grains and dietary fiber. Although few micronutrients may affect glucose and insulin metabolism, data to document their role in the development of diabetes are scant. Infact moderate amount of alcohol intake has recently been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and improve glucose control. However, recommending alcohol consumption as therapy may lead to worsening of the social problems related to alcoholism, not to mention its damaging effects on the liver.