

“Combining protein and healthy fats with complex carbohydrates is a great way to give your snacks staying power,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, author of 2-Day Diabetes Diet, who is based in Hamburg, New Jersey.
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RELATED: How to Tell the Difference Between a Good Carb and a Bad CarbĬonsider the other macronutrients of your snack, too. Binging on carbohydrates or having too many simple carbohydrates at once can cause spikes in blood sugar, which in turn can increase the risk of diabetes complications like diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, heart disease, and stroke.īut, Kennedy points out, “This doesn’t mean that you need to avoid carbohydrates completely.” Instead, eat a healthy amount of good carbohydrates - such as those from fruits and vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy, and whole grains - including while snacking. It’s important to consider quantity and quality when it comes to carbs. Carbohydrates are the nutrient in foods that are broken down into glucose, and they can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels, Kennedy says. If you’re managing diabetes, though, an important thing to keep in mind when snacking is your carb count. RELATED: 6 Top Diabetes Exercise Mistakes and How to Avoid Them “Snacks provide another opportunity for nutrition, and with a small amount of carbohydrates (15 grams or less), can help keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day,” Kennedy adds. Eating a healthy snack when you have diabetes can also help keep hunger at bay until your next meal, which can ultimately prevent overeating and support any weight loss goals you may have.

“Sometimes, people think of snacks as an unhealthy thing, but can be quite the opposite,” says Kelly Kennedy, RD, staff nutritionist at Everyday Health. They can also be a great weight loss tool. But if you are managing type 2 diabetes, including healthy snacks in your diet can be a great way to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range and energy levels high.
