Cindy Moore, MS, RD Responds:

Cindy Moore, MS, RD, director of nutrition therapy at the Cleveland Clinic, responds: People with diabetes don't have to avoid sugar, as once believed. Experts now say it's the total amount of carbohydrates that matters--and sugar is just one type of carbohydrate, along with starches and fiber. This means you can eat foods with added sugars, but you're going to have to work them into your meal plan. For example, you can have the occasional chocolate-chip cookie for dessert, but you'll have to trade it for some or all of another carbohydrate according to your Carbohydrate Choices. A registered dietitian can work with you and show you how it's done.