9 Healthy Snacks for Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition in which the blood sugar levels rise above normal, and it can be of two types: Type 1, wherein the body is unable to produce insulin, and Type 2, wherein the body produces insufficient insulin. Statistics reveal that 95% of diabetics have this type. Another type, called gestational diabetes, occurs during pregnancy.
Eating healthy is important to manage the condition, and choosing the right foods can get difficult at times, especially if you’re looking for a snack. To make it easier, we’ve listed a few low-sugar snacks for diabetics.
- Low-sugar snacks for diabetics
- Almonds
Almonds are a healthy, delicious and low-sugar snack for diabetics. Studies have also shown that eating around 50 grams of almonds daily for a period of four weeks helps reduce blood sugar levels by around 9 percent. - Sweet potato
You can slice sweet potatoes and toast the slices. Then, and add a topping of your choice and relish the nutritious treat at snack time. - Barley and salad
Boiled barley mixed with a salad makes for a nutritional snack for diabetics. Barley is a whole grain, so it’s rich in complex carbohydrates, along with several other essential nutrients. - Roasted chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a healthy crunchy-munchie you can enjoy at snack time without worrying about your sugar levels spiking. - Fermented vegetables
Fermenting vegetables adds flavor to them, and they also contain probiotics after the process, which boost gut health and help in digestion. - Boiled eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are superfoods for everyone, and diabetics are no different. They are the next best low-sugar snack for diabetics and are easy to make too. Plus, they help increase the HDL cholesterol levels in the body, promoting heart health. - Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain that has high fiber content. You can go microwave popcorn and enjoy it as a perfect guilt-free, low-sugar snack for diabetics. Don’t add that dollop of butter, though! - Wheat crackers and hummus
Another low-sugar snack for diabetics is wheat crackers with a hummus dip. Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are packed with protein, and it pairs extremely well with wheat crackers or even veggie sticks. - Greek yogurt with fruits
This is an exciting combination that you can also substitute sweets with. Are you craving a sweet treat? Just add your favorite selection of fruits (or just whatever is available) to a cup of Greek yogurt and dig in! It is the perfect combination of probiotics and fiber in a snack.
- Health effects of diabetes
Opting for low-sugar snacks and meals can help diabetics prevent several complications associated with the condition:
- Nerve damage
Nerve damage can lead to numbness, a burning sensation, or a tingling sensation in the feet. - Kidney damage
Diabetics often suffer from kidney damage, which requires them to go for dialysis or even a kidney transplant. - Heart diseases
Severe diabetes can lead to heart diseases in the long run. Patients might suffer a stroke or heart attack.