Afternoon Snacks for Glucose Control

A. If you are having high blood glucose levels before your evening meal, you may need some type of change in your plan. With many of the newer medications and insulins, you don't have to eat a snack anymore in the afternoon to prevent hypoglycemia. If you are taking medication, make sure you know when it works to lower blood glucose as to whether you need an afternoon snack. If you want a snack, but want to avoid the typical options that are higher in carbohydrate, you can try having a small handful of nuts, or some raw vegetables with either a tablespoon of salad dressing or hummus for dipping. You can also try a small can of tomato or vegetable juice. All of the above ideas are heart healthy. If you are looking for something sweet without calories or carbohydrate, try a sugar-free popsicles or sugar-free jello. Other foods that contain no more than 5 grams of carbohydrate are 1 cup of popcorn or 2 saltine-type crackers.