Snacking and diabetes

Snacking during the day helps to regulate your blood sugar so it will be more consistent throughout the day.

Why are snacks important?

Snacking during the day helps to regulate your blood sugar so it will be more consistent throughout the day. This is especially important if you’re on insulin, although how much you eat depends on your insulin schedule. Always check with your healthcare provider first.

What makes a diabetes-friendly snack?

A good snack for someone with diabetes has carbohydrates, some protein, and a little bit of fat. This combination helps slow the absorption of food and keep sugar levels steady. This tip is particularly helpful for those who have problems with their blood sugar dipping too low in the middle of the night.

Examples of good snacks*

• Slice of whole grain toast with a tablespoon of peanut butter
• Bean burrito
• Celery with peanut butter
• Cheese and whole grain crackers
• Cottage cheese with a piece of fruit
• Tuna salad and whole grain crackers
• ½ Tuna salad sandwich
• Mini pizza: ½ English muffin with a spoonful of tomato sauce and low-fat cheese, baked in the oven
• Plain yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit
• Ants on a log: ½ of a banana covered with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, topped with raisins
• Low-sugar cereal (with fiber greater than 3 grams per serving) and skim milk

*Make sure you read all nutrition labels so you’re not consuming additional sugar you don’t need.  Remember that sugar can be hidden in things you’d least expect. 

Examples of not-so-good snacks:

• Fruit punch or fruit drinks (essentially just sugar, water and coloring)
• Cookies, cake or other baked goods
• Candy
• Chips and pretzels
• Marshmallows

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