A healthy diet is well-balanced and includes lean proteins from both animal and vegetarian sources, fruits, vegetables, and nuts,” he says. “Carbohydrates are the component of the diet which have the most significant effect on your blood sugars. Limiting or avoiding added sugars and refined flours can help to keep blood sugars controlled without cutting out healthier carbohydrates such as legumes [beans] and whole grains.

Atlanta Endocrine Associates was named a Best of 2014 winner for Atlanta endocrinologists on Kudzu.com, a leading source for local business information and consumer reviews. Atlanta Endocrine Associates has been awarded the Best of Kudzu.com award for the past three years.

Diabetes information is everywhere—blogs, online forums, small talk with friends and family, terrifying lawyer ads on TV. Keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different and some sources are more reliable than others, Dr. Isaacs says. Your diabetes care team can guide you toward the truth and help you make the best choices for your health.

When your sweet tooth is raging, don't ignore it. But don't be ruled by it, either. A few squares of good-quality dark chocolate (65% cocoa or higher) are a good pick because they have antioxidants along with theobromine, a natural appetite suppressant, Scott Isaacs, MD, writes in his book, Beat Overeating Now! If chocolate isn't your thing, he says it's OK to have a very small amount (less than 100 calories) of whatever treat you're craving as long as you pair those gummy bears or jelly beans with a healthier food, such as a piece of fruit, to curb the impact on your blood sugar and insulin levels. If it's going to be too hard to have such a tiny serving, pick something naturally sweet, like fruit.

Even if it's been a laze-around-in-your-yoga-pants day, you can still burn more fat for basically no effort by adjusting your thermostat. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that when people were exposed to cold temps for three hours, they burned an additional 250 calories. Your body has to go into overdrive to heat itself up to a cozy 98 degrees, and extra calories are zapped in the process, explains Scott Isaacs, MD, an endocrinologist and the author of Beat Overeating Now! You don't have to walk around shivering to get the benefits, he says; just lower your thermostat by two to three degrees.