Snacking in between meals is common among diabetics if the glucose doesn’t reach the cells or the cells resist the insulin in the body, making them feel hungry and tired. Choosing the right snacks is necessary as they should not increase blood sugar levels. It is difficult to make a snack when you are hungry, working, or traveling. At such times, you can opt to choose from the various natural ready-to-eat snacks available.

They are simple everyday foods available over the counter. They can be kept in your snack cupboard, in your travel bag, car, or on the bedside table. Here are some healthy snacks for diabetes:

1. Sunflower seeds
They are packed with various nutrients and plant compounds that help fight type 2 diabetes. However, they are high in calories, so the intake should be limited. Eat them slowly so that they ease hunger pangs, and deshell the seeds before you eat them. These snacks are good for you if you have diabetes as they are rich in vitamin B-1, vitamin E, and copper.

2. Pumpkin seeds
If you are diabetic and constantly feeling hungry, keep a pack of pumpkin seeds with you to avoid binging on unhealthy snacks. Pumpkin seeds suppress appetite and control hunger pangs. They also regulate insulin levels and lower oxidative stress in the body.

3. Almonds
Almonds help reduce fasting and post-meal blood glucose and insulin levels. They also help reduce oxidative stress, which is one of the underlying factors of diabetes. Eat almonds raw, instead of roasted or salted, as beneficial snacks for diabetes.

4. Walnuts
High blood sugar levels reduce the antioxidant activity of cells, which is called oxidative stress. This can be reversed by the consumption of walnuts as they have healthy oil. Consuming walnuts regularly protects the body against oxidative stress and also aids weight loss and reduces fasting blood insulin levels. It is best to consume walnuts raw. Although it may taste bitter, it is best to have them with their skin as the skin has antioxidants. The shelf life of walnuts is not high, so smell them before buying. Walnut with a rancid smell should be avoided.

5. Pistachios
Pistachios help reduce fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels. They also help reduce post-meal blood glucose levels, which makes them healthy snacks for diabetes.

6. Strawberries
Strawberries are a fantastic source of antioxidants and are tasty as well. They contain fisetin, which helps prevent brain and kidney complications that are probable with diabetes. Some studies have found diabetics to have lower levels of vitamin C, and strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, which can reduce the risks of complications.

7. Avocado
Avocado is a popular ingredient for a balanced diet. It is also considered a superfood with plenty of minerals and nutrients that prevent diseases and illnesses. Avocado is a good source of healthy fats and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Eating foods that contain healthy fats help feel full after a snack and slows the digestion of carbohydrates, which is good for diabetes as it keeps blood sugar levels stable.