Having Type 11 diabetes means eating small meals throughout the day to avoid blood sugar spikes and lows. Meal planning should include low sugars and low carbohydrates. Diabetes for many people is a genetic disease, but for some the cause can be environmental and lifestyle choices. Diabetes is a serious disorder that affects over 29 million people in the United States alone. It can be managed with insulin and proper dieting.

Diabetes inhibits the production of insulin which the body needs to break down glucose so it can enter the cells in the body, and be converted to the energy needed to run all systems of the body. However, several foods and dietary tips have shown promise in helping manage blood glucose levels, such as:

1. What is a diabetic diet?

A good diabetic diet is essential to keep blood sugar levels even, and to avoid constant hunger. A diabetic snack is just as important as the meal itself because it helps the body’s blood glucose level remain at a low level throughout the day and night. Diabetics should have five small meals per day, and a great snack to have during the mid morning, midday, or just before bedtime is one that contains protein, fat, and fiber. Eating a snack of string cheese with whole wheat crackers are ideal for the blood sugar.

2. Low sugar snacks
Diabetics will sometimes grave sweet treats, but this is what they do not need. Keeping the diet low in sugar is most beneficial when planning meals or snacks. A snack of almonds and dried cranberries is a good substitute for sweet cravings. Almonds will limit the blood glucose spikes that normally come after eating. Any dried fruit makes this combination perfect for diabetics.

3. Vegetable dips for healthy snacking
Having vegetables with hummus can be a tasty snack treat for any time of day. Use the hummus as a dip, and serve it with carrots, celery, cucumber, or any other raw vegetable of choice. People who take insulin shots would love to have their blood sugar levels well within range for the possibility of lowering the amount of insulin that they take. Healthy snacking is the key to achieving perfect numbers on the glucose testing meter.

4. Soup is not just for colds
A good hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup is a great snack for the diabetic who wants something warm, and that feels good going down. Great at anytime, it is low in trans fat, and it has just the right amount of good carbs in the vegetables and noodles.

5. Small, heart smart snacking
Many diabetics enjoy eating small meals that include their snacks everyday. It keeps them from being too full so that they can engage in physical activity which is also important for diabetics. The low carbohydrate and sugar snacks are heart smart, and low in calories. Fruit is always a good snack that contain natural sugar which is better for insulin dependent diabetics. A fruit snack can be eaten many times during the day. They are tastiest when paired with Greek yogurt.