Diabetics control their blood sugar levels by exercising, eating wisely and, if necessary, taking insulin or other medication, according to Family Health. If you take insulin, you may need a bedtime snack to avoid a hypoglycemic -- low blood sugar -- episode during the night. If your bedtime blood sugar is less than 126 mg/dl, a snack containing 15 to 30 g of carbohydrates, plus about 7 g of protein can stabilize your blood sugar levels overnight, according to HealthCastle.
Cereal and Milk
Cereal and milk provide protein and carbohydrates, with the added advantage that the cereal helps the snack stay in the digestive tract longer, according to Texas Children's Pediatric Associates. For a healthy bedtime snack, top 3/4 cup of whole grain cold or hot cereal with 1 cup skim milk. Add 1/4 cup of nuts for additional protein.
Milk and Cookies
Choose a healthy version of the traditional milk-and-cookies bedtime snack to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia. Regular milk and sugary cookies provide too many calories, but a glass of skim milk and three graham crackers provide a reasonable 30 g of carbohydrates, 8 g of protein and 170 calories, according to HealthCastle. If you prefer, substitute five vanilla wafers for the graham crackers, suggests Texas Children's Pediatric Associates.
Cheese and Crackers
For a quick and nutritious bedtime snack, eat six saltine crackers, plus a stick of string cheese for protein, suggests the Texas Children's Pediatric Associates. Or substitute five whole-wheat crackers for the saltines, says the American Diabetes Association. For variety, top a warmed 6-inch wheat or corn tortilla with 1 oz. shredded cheese and 1/4 cup salsa for a satisfying snack.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats. Spread 1 tbsp. of peanut butter on a carbohydrate source such as one slice of whole wheat bread or two 4-inch rice cakes, suggests the American Diabetic Association. Avoid high-sugar jelly; instead, try sugar-free jelly or spreadable fruit. Peanut butter combines well with sliced fruit, including apples and bananas, but stick to a medium-sized fruit to avoid adding unnecessary calories and carbohydrates.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Diabetes and Nutrition
- International Diabetes Federation: Complications of Diabetes
- Diabetes Care: Impact of Bedtime Snack Composition on Prevention of Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Undergoing Intensive Insulin Management Using Lispro Insulin Before Meals
- Texas Children's Pediatrics Associates: Diabetes: Bedtime Snacks
- HealthCastle.com: Does Everyone With Diabetes Need a Bedtime Snack?
- American Diabetes Association: Snacks
