People with diabetes have elevated blood sugars due to an inability to make or properly use insulin. Food can affect a person's blood sugar levels and diet plays an important role in the treatment and management of diabetes. Eating regularly planned meals and snacks can help control blood sugar. Healthy snack choices should contain no more than 30g of carbohydrate, according to an article in the September 2010 issue of "Today's Dietitian."
Fruits
The carbohydrates in foods raise blood sugar levels. Fruits make an easy and convenient snack for people with diabetes. Each serving of fruit contains 15g of carbohydrate. Fruit snack ideas for people with diabetes include a small apple, orange or pear, 4 oz. banana, 17 grapes, 12 cherries, 1/2 cup of unsweetened canned fruit, 1 cup of cantaloupe, 1 1/4 cup of fresh strawberries or 2 tbsp. of raisins. To make snacks more satisfying, "Today's Dietitian" suggests adding a protein to snacks, such as 1 oz. of nuts or a piece of low-fat string cheese.
Starches
Starches also make easy snacks for diabetics. A serving of starch contains about 15g of carbohydrates. Whole-grain starches make better snacks because of the fiber. Fiber in food takes longer to digest, aiding in hunger and blood sugar control. High-fiber starch snack ideas include five whole-grain crackers, a slice of whole wheat toast with 1 tsp. of peanut butter, 3 cups of air-popped popcorn, 3/4 cup of dry cereal, 1 oz. of whole-grain pretzels, two rice cakes, eight animal crackers, three graham cracker squares or a 3/4 oz. bag of baked potato chips.
Milk and Yogurt
A container of nonfat plain or sugar-free fruit yogurt is a satisfying and convenient snack with 12g of carbohydrate and 8g of protein. People with diabetes can also enjoy a cup of plain milk with some animal or graham crackers. Sugar-free chocolate or strawberry syrup can also be added to milk to add flavor without drastically increasing the carbohydrate content.
Vegetables
Vegetables are low in both calories and carbohydrates and people with diabetes can enjoy them at any time without it affecting their blood sugar. Vegetable snack ideas for diabetics include carrot and celery sticks, cucumber slices, grape or cherry tomatoes, bite-sized pieces of broccoli and cauliflower or a tossed salad with balsamic vinegar and oil.
