In general, snacking spreads out food intake over the course of a day, helping to stabilize blood glucose for people withtype 2 diabetes. But as you begin to plan your diabetes diet routine, check with your doctor or dietitian regarding snacking. Snacking patterns should be tailored to an individual’s preferences, schedule, and medication. If you are using insulin, grabbing a quick snack can help prevent a drop in blood glucose between meals. Or it might be a good idea to have a snack while you’re cooking dinner to keep from overeating when the meal is ready.
Since weight control is often a primary concern for people with type 2 diabetes, snacking carefully and strategically is very important. Plan your snacks and account for them in your food diary: Indiscriminate noshing can pack on pounds. Choose small amounts of quality snacks, such as three crackers with one slice of low-fat cheese or a small handful of roasted almonds. Stay away from foods with loads of carbs, like candy bars and sugary desserts.
So that you always have a safe snack at the ready, here are five quick-and-easy diabetes-friendly picks to master.