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5 Diabetes-Friendly Late Night Snacks

Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body can’t use or produce enough insulin, making it difficult for the body to manage blood sugar levels. Symptoms can include fatigue, increased thirst, weight loss, and blurred vision. Treatment for type 2 diabetes often involves insulin treatment and carefully monitoring blood sugar levels to ensure they stay steady. The following late night snacks are great for maintaining consistent blood sugar levels, even late at night:

1. Spinach Salad

Spinach is a nutrient-rich, water-soluble vegetable that has almost no effect on blood sugar, making it great for when you are hungry but do not want to risk a blood sugar spike. A serving of spinach also provides approximately 10% of your daily fiber requirement and is high in calcium and iron, which can help with weight loss. It also contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, zinc oleate, and quercetin, which can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

2.  Hard Boiled Egg

Eggs are loaded with protein, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day. A single-egg serving contains only 135 calories, but can provide you with 46% of your daily vitamin B12 requirement. Vitamin B12 forms part of the critical enzymes your body needs to convert food into energy; these critical enzymes can help reduce sugar cravings and control appetite-related weight gain in people with type 2 diabetes.

3.  Mixed Nuts

Nuts are a great snack choice for people with diabetes. They contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that can help lower the body’s LDL cholesterol. Nuts also boost insulin sensitivity and can help control blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that eating nuts has been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes because they balance blood sugar levels, control appetite, and help patients maintain a healthy weight. Almonds, walnuts, and pine nuts are the easiest to digest and can give you that burst of energy you need late at night.

4. Veggies and Hummus

Hummus is a great snack for people with diabetes because it is high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. There are many variations of hummus, but most contain chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, sesame seeds, olive oil, and tahini (sesame seed paste). Chickpeas are also rich in dietary fiber—a substance that slows down digestion—and can therefore help lower blood sugar levels. A serving of hummus can provide approximately 11% of your daily fiber requirement, which can also help patients maintain a healthy weight.

5.  Guacamole

Guacamole is an excellent snack for people with diabetes. The avocado is rich in healthy fats, meaning it can help control blood sugar levels. Avocados also contain vitamin E, which can help maintain healthy cell membranes. Avocados are additionally high in potassium and low in sodium, making them a great snack choice, especially for those with diabetes. Moreover, one serving of avocado provides approximately 10% of your daily fiber requirement, which can help you maintain a healthy weight.