7 Delicious Snacks That Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check
Snacks are essential parts of our diets and keep us going in between meals. That said, if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, selecting a healthy, guilt-free snack can be quite challenging. You require a healthy combination of fats, protein, fiber, and carbohydrates in your snacks to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Conventional treatments for Type 2 diabetes primarily focus on managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. Metformin is often the first-line medication prescribed. It works by reducing the amount of glucose released by the liver and improving the body’s response to insulin, thereby decreasing blood sugar levels. Besides its glucose-lowering effect, metformin has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits and can aid in weight management, which is crucial for Type 2 diabetes patients. Another important medication in the treatment arsenal is Empagliflozin, a newer class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors. Empagliflozin works by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose back into the blood, leading to its excretion through urine. This not only lowers blood sugar levels but also offers cardiovascular benefits, as demonstrated in several clinical trials. It has been particularly noted for reducing heart failure and kidney disease progression in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Both metformin and empagliflozin are usually part of a broader treatment plan that includes diet modification, regular exercise, and often other medications, depending on the individual’s needs and health status. Here’s a list of snacks that won’t increase your blood sugar levels:
- Nuts : There’s nothing better than a handful of nuts to curb your mid-meal hunger pangs. These are convenient to snack on and are loaded with fiber and healthy fats. You can opt for almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts, as they are crunchy, tasty, and also help stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Cheese : If you’re trying to pick snacks that won’t increase blood sugar, low-fat cheese varieties like mozzarella, ricotta, and cottage cheese are great options. They are rich in protein and can help keep blood sugar levels in check. To enjoy a delicious snack, you can pair up cottage cheese with fresh fruits or spread ricotta on whole-grain crackers.
- Hummus : Chickpeas are rich sources of fiber and protein and keep you feeling full for hours. Although hummus has carbs, the complex carbs are digested slowly by your body and do not spike your blood sugar levels. You can pair fresh veggies and crackers with this dip for a wholesome, flavorful snack.
- Hard-boiled egg : Among various snacks that won’t increase blood sugar are hard-boiled eggs, a popular choice for a healthy snack. One boiled egg has six grams of protein, which prevents blood sugar levels from rising. Also, it promotes a sense of fullness, which is highly beneficial for those diagnosed with type-2 diabetes.
- Avocado : Rich in fiber and monounsaturated fats, avocados keep you in good health and keep blood sugar in check. That said, you must consume them in moderation as they are high in calories. This delicious fruit can be consumed on its own, or you can prepare a flavorful dip like guacamole and pair it up with fresh veggie sticks.
- Chia pudding : You can also include chia seeds in your list of snacks that won’t increase blood sugar. They provide adequate amounts of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help regulate your blood sugar levels.
- Yogurt : Mix some fresh berries in a bowl of low-fat yogurt to enjoy a healthy, low-carb sweet treat. In addition, yogurt has probiotics that help control blood sugar levels, and the berries contain anti-inflammatory properties. You can always add the fruits of your choice to customize this tasty snack.
Diabetics must follow healthy dietary habits to keep their blood sugar levels in check. The above-mentioned snacks won’t increase blood sugar levels and can also satiate your cravings, but keep in mind that moderation is the key.