MARQUETTE -- Sure, healthy eating is important for everyone, but for people with diabetes, it's vital, and changing your eating habits just a little bit can go a long way.

Marquette County Sheriff Michael Lovelace has been a Type 1 diabetic since 1996.  He's gotten used to the insulin shots and the blood sugar tests that keep his diabetes under control.

"If you're going to have a disease, this is probably the one to have because you can control diabetes," said Sheriff Lovelace.

But for diabetics, just as important as controlling your blood sugar is controlling your diet.

"Take a look at how often you're eating, cut down on your portion sizes, eat a little bit less," offered Ann Constance, Director of the Upper Peninsula Diabetes Outreach Network, or UPDON.

March is, after all, National Nutrition Month.  Diabetic or not, it's a good time to take a look at your diet and see what changes you can make to get healthy. 

Dana Stine is the mom of a ten-year-old Type 1 diabetic, and she says it's important to lead by example.

"The parents need to be the example, so if they're not eating right, they need to change their habits so their child learns how to eat right," said Stine.

So how do you know if you're at risk for diabetes?  Constance offers this advice:  if your blood pressure has been on the rise, if your cholesterol levels have gone up, if diabetes runs in your family, or if you're overweight and don't get much physical activity.

"Get tested.  If you have any risk factors, see your doctor, get tested.  It's as simple as a blood test," Constance said.

Sheriff Lovelace said this is the equation to living with diabetes, "You really just have to watch what you eat, exercise, take your meds, and you're good to go."