Both of these are key factors in controlling type 2 diabetes (2, 38). And I stuck with her. Yogurt with berries is an excellent diabetes-friendly snack for a variety of reasons. Thus, it is also important to focus on foods that are nutrient-dense and healthy overall. While crackers can be high in carbs, the fat in the cheese and fiber in the crackers may prevent them from spiking your blood sugar (10, 11, 44, 45). Diabetics should eat snacks and meals on a schedule because a delay of as little as half an hour can lower blood sugar, which can have catastrophic results. How Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar and Fights Diabetes, 12 Simple Tips to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes, A Beginner’s Guide to the Low Glycemic Diet, How Artificial Sweeteners Affect Blood Sugar and Insulin, Insulin and Insulin Resistance — The Ultimate Guide. And before I eat, I try to remember to drink a glass of water, because sometimes I mistake thirst for hunger, and it’s good to stay hydrated. What makes beef sticks an excellent snack for people with diabetes are their high protein and low carb contents. Tuna salad is made by combining tuna with mayonnaise and other ingredients, such as celery and onions. Melon Salad. These minimal foods don’t need to be counted in the exchange system—you can learn more about the diabetic exchange list here —but there are still a few restrictions. Keeping in mind every case of diabetes is unique, here are 30 snacks that work for me: 2. Feel better and improve their quality of life. Insulin is a very important hormone in the body. Cottage cheese tastes great plain, but you can also combine it with fruit for extra nutrients and fiber. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. In addition, the protein in turkey roll-ups may help lower your appetite, which is beneficial for preventing overeating and promoting weight management. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately. “Cracker sandwiches” are a popular snack, and you can make them on your own by topping a few whole-grain crackers with cheese slices. One medium apple combined with 1 ounce (28 grams) of peanut butter provides almost 7 grams of fiber, which is helpful for keeping your blood sugar under control (11, 27, 30). If you have type 1 diabetes, you might need to eat a small snack between meals sometimes to help keep your blood glucose levels up. There are lots of healthy choices that can be used as snack foods. There are close to 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber in a 1-cup (164-gram) serving of chickpeas, making them an excellent snack for people with diabetes (35). They taste great when roasted with olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Apples are rich in several nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin C and potassium, while peanut butter provides significant amounts of vitamin E, magnesium and manganese, all of which are known to help manage diabetes (26, 27, 28, 29). Edamame are unripe, green soybeans that are still in their pods. Greek yogurt is especially high in protein (13). WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The key is to choose snacks that are high in fiber, protein and healthy fats. Practicing yoga is not about perfectly mirroring the poses or the pace of the people around you. A half cup of low-sugar, low-fat ice cream, 12. A small stir-fry of low carb vegetables (if I’m really hungry), 20. What Can I Eat? It can also be used to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). They are also linked to weight gain and many serious diseases. Because a diabetes diet recommends generous amounts of fruits, vegetables and fiber, following it is likely to reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Apple slices and peanut butter Next on our list of snacks for diabetics is something virtually anyone can enjoy. All rights reserved. To lower its sugar content, you can reduce the amount of honey and omit the chocolate chips from the recipe. They are a very nutritious and convenient snack. In one study, men who ate 25 grams of cottage cheese with 50 grams of sugar had 38% lower blood sugar afterward, compared to those who consumed sugar alone (40). This can help you manage your weight, which helps control type 2 diabetes (68). A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of trail mix provides almost 4 grams of protein, which makes it a filling snack that may promote blood sugar control in people with diabetes (57, 63). These nutrients will help keep your blood sugar levels under control. Individuals with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of obesity and chronic illnesses, such as heart disease. Apples have been studied specifically for their potential role in diabetes management. Furthermore, yogurt is rich in protein, which is well-known for helping keep blood sugar levels under control. As with any other healthy but calorie-dense food, moderation is key. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. Here are 16 foods to get you on your way to managing diabetes. Whole grains contain high levels of fiber and more nutrients than refined white grains. The polyphenol antioxidants they contain are thought to protect pancreatic cells from damage that often worsens diabetes (30, 31). Snacking on low-calorie foods may aid weight control, which is known to promote decreased blood sugar levels and better overall management of type 2 diabetes (50, 51). And before I eat, I try to remember to drink a glass of water, because sometimes I mistake thirst … Smart Snacks When you choose to snack, think of it as a way to fit in more veggies, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. In addition, popcorn provides 1 gram of fiber per 1-cup (8-gram) serving, which is another property that makes it a diabetes-friendly food (49). This article discusses 21 excellent snacks to eat if you have diabetes. One study found that individuals who consumed at least 1 ounce of hummus at a meal had blood sugar and insulin levels that were four times lower than a group that consumed white bread at a meal (22). Here's everything you need to know. Snacking when you have diabetes doesn’t have to be difficult. The main benefits of this diabetes-friendly food are the protein from the eggs and fiber from the veggies. 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