The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center advises that a person with diabetes skip snacks that are high in sugar and choose healthier snack foods instead. Choosing healthy foods may help regulate blood sugar levels and provide added nutrition over snack foods that are high in sugar and fats. A registered dietitian can provide insight into complete meal planning to help diabetics achieve optimal blood sugar control.
Fruit Smoothie
Non-fat yogurt and fruit like strawberries, blueberries or bananas may be blended together into a fruit smoothie for a nutritious, diabetes-friendly snack. The Readers Digest website suggests combining yogurt, half a banana and one packet of non-nutritive sweetener in a blender until smooth.
Crackers with Peanut Butter or Hummus
Whole-grain crackers may be combined with nutritious toppings to provide protein and complex carbohydrates. Consider topping crackers with low-fat peanut butter, hummus or low-fat cheese spread. Choosing crackers in a single serving bag may help prevent overindulging, according to the Readers Digest website.
Fruits and Veggies
Fresh fruit and vegetables are a healthy snack choice. Grapes, frozen bananas or a bowl of mixed frozen fruit are good choices. Carrot and celery sticks, sliced cucumber or other in-season vegetables add variety to snacking. Low-fat vegetable or fruit dip, or adding cottage cheese to diced or cubed fruit can round out the snack.
Nuts
The University of Minnesota Medical Center recommends high-protein snacks, such as nuts, which won't cause a dramatic increase blood sugar levels. Choose natural nuts like peanuts, walnuts or almonds. One quarter cup of nuts is appropriate for most diabetic diets.
Frozen Snacks
Frozen yogurt, frozen fruit popsicles, ice cream and sugar-free frozen treats may be enjoyed as part of a healthy diabetic diet, but in moderation. A person with diabetes may consider making frozen treats at home by combining low-sugar juice with fresh diced fruit, such as strawberries, and freezing the mixture in ice pop molds.
Chips and Pretzels
Baked tortilla chips have lower fat than their fried counterparts and pair well with fresh salsa for a diabetes-friendly snack. Choose about 1 oz. of baked tortilla chips and salsa, or 15 low-fat baked potato chips. Pretzels and rice cakes may also be enjoyed as a healthy snack option.
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