People with diabetes cannot convert food into fuel effectively, so the glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of moving into the cells, according to the MayoClinic website. Treatment for diabetes involves regulating the blood sugar to levels as near to normal as possible through diet, exercise and, if necessary, oral medication or insulin injections. Those who take insulin or have high energy needs may need to add healthy snacks to their daily meal plans.
Planning Snacks
Diabetic meal planning varies according to the needs of the individual. Some patients count calories and carbohydrates while others use a diabetic exchange system or a glycemic index list. Regardless of the meal-planning tools used, an appropriate snack should contain plenty of fiber, little fat and 15 g to 30 g of carbohydrates and fit into the daily allotment of calories and carbohydrates, according to the University of Minnesota Medical Center. To determine if you need snacks between meals or at bedtime, consider your energy needs and whether or not you risk hypoglycemia -- low blood sugar -- at night because of your insulin regimen. A sedentary person on a 1,200 calorie diet and no insulin probably does not need snacks, while an active adolescent on insulin may need several snacks a day.
Protein and Carbs
A satisfying snack with protein and carbohydrates works well at bedtime or between meals. For less than 5 g of carbohydrates, a hard-boiled egg or a string cheese stick makes a quick and easy snack. Each of the following snacks contains 10 g to 20 g of carbohydrates: 1/3 cup of hummus with raw vegetables; 1/4 cup of cottage cheese with 1/2 cup of fruit; two rice cakes with 1 tbsp. peanut butter; or 1/2 cup of tuna salad with four saltines, according to the American Diabetes Association. For about 30 g of carbohydrates, snack on one of the following choices: 1/2 of a peanut butter sandwich with 1 cup milk; 6 oz. light yogurt topped with 3/4 cup of berries; 3/4 cup of whole grain cold cereal with 1/2 cup skim milk; or one medium banana with 1 tbsp. peanut butter.
On-the-Go Snacks
Convenience stores and vending machines offer some quick and easy snacks for diabetics. For less than 5 g of carbohydrates, try one of the following items: a frozen sugar-free Popsicle; 1 cup of light popcorn; two saltine crackers; 10 goldfish crackers; or 2 tbsp. pumpkin or sesame seeds, recommends the American Diabetes Association. For 10 g to 20 g of carbohydrates, pick up 1/2 cup almonds or 1/4 cup of mixed dried fruit and nuts. For about 30 g of carbohydrates, snack on one of the following items: a low-fat granola bar; a 4 oz. fruit cup with 1 cup of low fat or skim milk; 1 cup of sugar-free pudding; two caramel corn rice cakes; one cereal bar; 15 baked potato chips; or 1 cup low fat or skim milk with your choice of 14 animal crackers or two fig cookies, suggests the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
Produce
Raw fruits and vegetables make quick and easy snacks. For less than 5 g of carbohydrates per serving, munch on your choice of five baby carrots; three celery sticks with 1 tbsp. peanut butter; five cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp. ranch dressing; 1 cup of cucumber slices with 1 tbsp. ranch dressing; 1 cup of salad greens with 1 tbsp. ranch dressing; or 1/4 cup of blueberries. For about 15 g of carbohydrates, snack on your choice of a medium apple; 2 tbsp. of raisins; or celery with nonfat cream cheese and 2 tbsp. of raisins or dried cranberries, recommends the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Carbohydrates and Blood Sugar Control for People with Diabetes
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetic Diet: Design Your Own Healthy Eating Plan
- American Diabetes Association: Snacks
- University of Minnesota Medical Center: Diabetes: Healthy Snacks
- Texas Children's Pediatric Associations: Diabetes: Bedtime Snacks
