4 Great Snacks To Help Manage Diabetes
Because diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate glucose, many people living with this condition find it beneficial to watch their carb intake and avoid simple carbohydrates, like those found in candies, sugary drinks, and white bread. If you’re looking for snacks that will keep your blood sugar levels steady and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time, try these ideas.
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You can enjoy all four of these snacks on a daily basis to help manage your diabetes.
The food pyramid may have changed since you were in school, but we still need grains. Whole grains like whole-wheat pasta and brown rice are rich in fiber and nutrients that you don’t get from refined grains. Choose 100 percent whole-grain products whenever possible. Many cereals are also now made with whole grains—check out your label for words like whole wheat, whole oats, or bran.
Potatoes are great sources of vitamin C, potassium, folate, fiber, and B vitamins.
Fresh potatoes are a versatile and nutrient-rich food. One medium baked potato contains about 110 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 15 percent of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C, 1 percent folate, and 9 percent potassium (1). Potatoes are also a good source of B vitamins such as thiamin and riboflavin, which help release energy from carbohydrates in your body. They also contain small amounts of niacin, pantothenic acid, and pyridoxine.
Oatmeal is a good source of magnesium, selenium, zinc, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.
Oatmeal is also a source of fiber, and research shows that consuming 30 grams of fiber per day may lower your risk for diabetes by 25 percent. Oats contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that eating oatmeal regularly can help prevent heart disease. In addition, studies suggest that including whole grains like oats in your diet can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Blueberries have a lot of antioxidants (like anthocyanins) that play a role in protecting the brain against degeneration.
One study published in Annals of Neurology showed that blueberries may help protect against degeneration of an area in our brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This can be a common first step toward dementia.
Dark chocolate boasts antioxidants that protect us from getting sick as well as improve heart health.
Studies show that dark chocolate can improve blood circulation and prevent blood clotting, which means it helps lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Dark chocolate is a great snack for those with diabetes because it keeps us feeling full longer than other types of chocolate; try keeping some on your desk at work or in your car so you always have something on hand when hunger strikes. In addition, it’s delicious!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
