Know the Best Snacks For Type 1 Diabetes

Contents:

• Diabetes and Snacking 
• Type 1 Diabetes Snacks 
• Snacks to Avoid with Type 1 Diabetes 
• Don’t Have Time To Read? 
• FAQs 

Diabetes and Snacking

Type 1 Diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. It occurs when your body is unable to produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels) needed by your body.

With Type 1 Diabetes, choosing healthy snacks can be a challenging task, as anything and everything you eat can affect your blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar levels depend upon the macronutrients you consume, especially carbohydrates, so it is important to understand how many carbs you are consuming with your snack.

Your sugar levels may slightly vary throughout the day based on your diet. Usually, blood sugar levels spike up after every meal and slowly drop afterwards. A prolonged gap between your meals can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and lead to symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, irritability, rapid heartbeat and hunger. Snacking can be a solution to this. 

Type 1 Diabetes Snacks

The following is a list of some healthy snacks for Type 1 Diabetics:

1. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eggs are a super healthy snack for diabetics. You can either choose to snack on two full hard-boiled eggs or three hard-boiled egg whites. You can also add your favourite spices to the eggs to improve their taste and flavour.

Eggs are a great antidote to sudden hunger pangs. They are rich in protein and are a filling evening snack option for diabetics. They are a good source of potassium and are also rich in nutrients like choline that help in balancing your blood glucose levels.

Nutrition Facts: 2 Egg Halves – 156 calories, 4 g of total carbs.

2. Handful of Almonds

Nuts such as almonds are ready-to-eat nutritious snacks with the perfect balance of fibre, protein, and healthy fats. Regular consumption of nuts can help stabilise your blood sugar levels. Make sure to choose unsalted whole nuts as excess salt intake can lead to other health complications like high blood pressure.

You can opt for a mix of almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, and Brazil nuts for a snack. Go for raw or dry roasted nuts and also ensure that you limit the portion size to a handful as nuts are high in calories and can cause weight gain. 

Nutrition Facts: One ounce (28 g) of almonds – Roughly 180 calories, 7 g of total carbs. The exact number of calories depends on the nuts you choose.

3. Yoghurt with Berries

Yoghurt with berries is an excellent diabetic-friendly snack. Berries are rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the chances of damage to organs such as the pancreas that produce insulin.
 

Berries are also a good source of fibre that helps control a rise in your blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion. Yoghurt contains probiotics that boost metabolism and regulate blood sugar levels. 

Nutrition Facts: One serving (75 g of yoghurt with 30 g of mixed berries) – Approximately 110 calories, 7 to 9 g of total carbs.

4. Roasted Chickpeas

Chickpeas are considered one of the healthiest legumes that also form a perfect evening snack option for diabetics. Roasted chickpeas add protein to your diet and keep you full for a longer time. They are low in carbohydrates and high in dietary fibre. 

You may use a small amount (around one teaspoon) of olive oil or peanut oil for roasting chickpeas. This will help to keep your blood sugar levels steady. You should, however, always watch the portion size while snacking.

Nutrition Facts: Handful (30 g) roasted chickpea – 170 calories, 20 g of total carbs.

5. Homemade Protein Bars

Protein bars form a tasty and healthy evening snack. Homemade protein bars are always a better option compared to the ones in the market as you can modify the ingredients according to your choice. Packed protein bars may contain high amounts of added sugar or other unhealthy ingredients.

You can customise your protein bars by adding honey or dates instead of sugar and can also opt for other healthy ingredients such as rolled oats, chia seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, and cashews. They are high in fibre, healthy fats and proteins and thereby help keep your sugar levels in check.

Nutrition Facts: The nutritional value depends on the ingredients you choose. Limit your intake to 1 or 2-finger protein bars.

Snacks to Avoid with Type 1 Diabetes?

Foods to avoid with Type 1 Diabetes include:

• Refined and processed food
• Foods that are high in added sugar such as cakes, biscuits, pastries
• Fried foods and food high in saturated or unhealthy fats
• Alcohol, soda or other sugary drinks
• Refined grains, such as white bread, pasta, and rice.