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I recently told a new co-worker about my diabetes. There was a little confusion, in which I clarified that I was type 1 (although I don't think that cleared things up a whole lot). Plus there was the typical response, like the number one question of "So what can you eat?"

This is where the differences of type 1 and type 2 strongly rear their heads. I replied that I can eat anything I want basically. It was followed by apple chips and an invitation to Jell-O.

I really wish that I could clarify (and prevent) the question "So what can you eat?" because it reminds me that there are still myths and rumors running around out there. I hate that people are unfamiliar with the fact that type 1's don't watch sugar intake anymore and all the other diet fallacies that exist.

So the question is...what can I eat? Well, honestly, I eat whatever the heck I feel like at the moment. BUT I also keep in mind what might happen with my blood sugars in the long run.

When it comes down to daily food choices, I usually eat healthy because of my weight or my other conditions, which just pays off in the long run with diabetes. But it isn't that I'm eating to manage my diabetes. Of course, there are some measures that I do take.

I eat a bowl of cereal almost every morning. I have adequate syrup on my waffles. I eat candy at the movie theater. I eat ice cream when I want it. I always have carbs in my meals. I eat pasta, rice, and potatoes. I really like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. And we all know I love my cheesecake and those chocolate shakes.

Most of the time, I know what my body and my blood sugars can handle. Pizza and most Asian cuisine do not agree with my blood sugars, no matter how large or extended the bolus. So I try to "splurge" on these every so often, leaving my taste buds and my A1c satisfied. I'm also careful about portion control since I know that more of specific foods lead to longer, rougher highs.

I also eat a lot of fruit, which tends to give me better control overall. I opt for diet sodas, water, or unsweetened tea instead of regular sodas (although I do allow myself regular drinks when I really feel the urge). And I try to eat foods that I've "tested" over time (like opting for certain brands of pizza or chocolate shakes instead of others).

For the first six to eight years of this disease, my life was consumed in what I could or could not eat. Sugar-free was the only way to go if you wanted control. Now that times have changed, I'm thankful for it. I'm thankful that I can eat regular, yummy chocolate instead of the disgusting sugar-free kind. I love desserts way too much!

I'm sure that cutting out some of these indulgences would make my A1c drop. I give kudos to those diabetics out there that keep their carbs to a minimum and only splurge on special occasions. But I don't think that lifestyle is for everyone. I'd much rather have my cake and eat it too. So I will constantly fight to eat whatever I want yet manage it with insulin and exercise (at least, once I decide to start back into working out again).

I know the age old question of what I can eat will always be around to some extent. But I hope that more of us explain that it isn't about sugar, it's about carbs. And it isn't about what we can't have, but what we can have in moderation. Even for those that control with low carb diets, please explain that isn't the only way to manage!