Eating healthy foods can sometimes be a bit more tricky for people with diabetes. Sure, a bowl of fruit may be a great source of vitimins, minerals and fiber, but it is also a bowl full of natural sugars that must be contended with. The same goes for whole grains, which are known combatants against high cholesterol and prostate cancer, yet they do have a noticable effect on blood sugars.

Adjusting one's insulin intake can of course accomdate most any dietary choice, but avoiding the fluctuation entirely may be the better approach overall. To do that, try getting these same vitamins and minerals from foods that do not ring in so high on the GI. Here are some suggestions:

~ Plant Sterols can reduce LDL cholesterol by as much as 10 percent for some people. One of the better food sources on the market today that contains plant sterols is Premium Heart Wise orange juice. But, just as it is the case with most juices, this one too is very high in sugar. Two alternatives to 2 cups of this juice are 3 tablespoons of Smart Balance buttery spread containing Benecol, and 1/4 cup of peanuts. **On a side note, for all of you Type 1s out there, maybe the Premium Heart Wise orange juice would be a good choice as a reaction treater. This way you are getting the sugars when you need them, as well as the heart-healthy benefits of the plant sterols.

~ Selenium is an antioxidant that basically seeks and destroys cancer-causing free radicals before they damage the prostate. However, one of the best known food sources of selenium is whole-wheat bread. While whole-wheat anything is better than its refined counterpart, starches of any kind can sometimes be tricky on blood sugars. A simple alternative is to purchase selenium supplements at your local GNC or even at a supermarket. As for foods, selenium can be found in clams and sunflower seeds.

~ Calcium is important for maintining strong bones, something you've probably known since you were a kid. But, you find that the sugars in milk -- especially chocolate or other flavored milks -- put your glucose levels in motion. Again, calcium supplements or multivitamins containing calcium may be the easy fix you need. Or, if you are the brocolli type. feast on at least 5 raw spears to obtain the same benefits that you would from a glass of milk.

Like I said, these are just a few suggestions. Feel free to post any of your own, as I think that many people would love to have some ideas in mind for their next trip to the grocery store.