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Diabetes / Reference
What to Know About
Diabetes and Snacks
Medically Reviewed by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD
on April 04, 2022 Written by Stephanie Watson
3 min read
To manage diabetes and keep your blood
sugar under control, you may need to rethink
your diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean
meat, fish, and low-fat dairy should be on the
menu, while most fatty, sweet, and salty foods
should not.
That doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to
all your favorite snacks. In fact, a few
strategically planned ones during the day can
help keep your blood sugar levels steady
between meals. You just need to choose those
treats wisely.
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PRESCRIBING INFORMATION MEDICATION GUIDE
• swelling of your face, lips, mouth, and throat that may cause
difficulty in breathing or swallowing
If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking JARDIANCE and call
your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest hospital
emergency room.
JARDIANCE can cause serious side effects, including:
Diabetes-Friendly Snacks
The best snacks when you have diabetes are
high in fiber and protein, and low in sugar and
salt. Good options include fruit, vegetables,
whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
You'll stay full and keep your blood sugar
stable longer if your snacks combine lean
protein and healthy carbs, like:
Turkey, roasted chicken, or other lunch
meat with a slice of cheese wrapped in a
lettuce leaf
Smoked salmon and light cream cheese
on wheat toast
Low-fat turkey jerky with baby carrots
Whole wheat crackers with peanut butter
Low-fat cottage cheese with berries
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About Type 2 Diabetes
2 RSV: Why Seniors Are More at Risk
3 How Family History A!ects Your
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PRESCRIBING INFORMATION MEDICATION GUIDE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not take JARDIANCE if you are allergic to
empagliflozin or any of the ingredients in JARDIANCE.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
• rash
Snacks that are high in fiber are also filling,
like:
Light popcorn
Apples with cheese or peanut butter
Sweet peppers, celery, and carrot sticks
Dried fruit and nuts
If you're in the mood for something sweet a!er
a meal, try one of these lighter alternatives to
candy, cake, and cookies:
No added sugar frozen fruit bars
Plain yogurt topped with fresh fruit or
canned fruit packed in fruit juice
Unsweetened applesauce
Frozen grapes
Sugar-free gelatin
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How to Modify Your Favorite
Treats
You'll want to stay away from foods that are
highly processed or have lots of added salt or
sugar. That includes junk foods like potato
chips, cheese pu#s, candy, and cookies.
You don't have to banish these foods from your
diet. But when you do eat them, keep the
portions very small. Better yet, substitute
healthier versions like these:
Craving potato chips? Go for the baked
kind or some air-popped popcorn.
Want chocolate? Cover some rice cakes in
dark chocolate.
Instead of cheese pu#s, try some snack
mix made from cereal.
Pizza night? Try a whole-wheat English
mu#in with tomato sauce and mozzarella
cheese.
Cookie craving? Try a graham cracker.
If you're a fan of soda, substitute diet
soda, light lemonade, or some sparkling
water with a dash of fruit juice.
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Smarter Snacking
You don't have to deny yourself treats. Just
enjoy them in moderation. If you crave
chocolate, have a square of dark chocolate. If
you're in the mood for ice cream, order a kids'
sized cone or get a scoop of low-fat frozen
yogurt instead.
Even a healthy snack can cause you to gain
weight if you eat too much. And that could
make it harder to control your diabetes. That's
why it's important to keep your snacks small.
Don't bring a family-sized bag of popcorn or
box of cookies into the den while you watch TV.
You could eat the whole thing. Measure out
one serving and put the rest of the box or bag
away.
Make sure that each portion you give yourself
contains no more than 150 calories and 15 to
30 grams of carbs. Examples include:
15 mini pretzels
3 cups of light popcorn
1 cup of berries
1/4 cup trail mix
Before you head for the pantry or fridge,
decide if you're really hungry. Is a growling
stomach behind your desire to eat, or are you
just bored or stressed? If you're not hungry,
find something else to fill your time.
SUGGESTED QUESTIONS
When you do snack, try to do it at about the
same time each day. If you stick to a schedule
with both snacks and meals, it'll help keep
your blood sugar steady throughout the day.
If you're still not sure about portion sizes, the
types of snacks to choose, or when to have
them, ask your doctor if they can refer you to a
dietitian for help. Your doctor could also let
you know if the foods in your diet will help you
control your diabetes.
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