23 Healthy Snacks That Can Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

Who doesn't love a good snack? Whether you're team sweet or savory, reaching for a nutritious snack can help you combat midmorning hunger or power through that afternoon slump. And if you're living with diabetes, choosing the right snacks can also help you manage your blood-sugar levels.

While refined and highly processed snacks like sugary candy, chips, or pretzels can be satisfying in their own way, these foods don't have the staying power of healthier snacks — and they can also cause your blood sugar to spike. Instead, choose complex carbs like whole-grain crackers and popcorn to help keep your blood sugar steady and get a healthy dose of antioxidants and other key nutrients. Fruit can also be a healthy snack for those with diabetes, as long as you're mindful of your portion sizes. When you can, choose fruits that are lower on the glycemic index and ones that have skin, because the skin is rich in nutrients like fiber.

Additionally, including protein, healthy fats, and fiber in snacks can promote satiety and help reduce the risk of hyperglycemia. Of course, your best bet is to meet with a registered dietitian to learn exactly what you should be looking for in snacks in order to meet your unique nutritional needs.

While homemade snacks like apple slices and peanut butter or avocado toast made with whole-grain bread can be excellent choices for people with diabetes, sometimes you need prepackaged snacks you can grab as you're running out the door. For those busy days when convenience is the highest priority, keep these healthy, grab-and-go snacks on hand.