Written by: Sarah Lopez, Dietetics Student, Texas A&M University

Are you living with diabetes and experiencing those frustrating blood sugar crashes despite your best efforts at managing your insulin? You are not alone! While the goal is to help prevent these sudden sugar crashes and avoid the sick feeling that comes along with it, sometimes it is inevitable.

When to have a snack for low blood sugar

According to the American Diabetes Association, it is best to follow the “15-15 rule” when experiencing low blood sugar. When blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/DL, eat 15 grams of carbs and then check your blood sugar levels after 15 minutes. If they have not returned to at least 70 mg/DL, repeat the “15-15 rule” until levels improve.

Here are three convenient snacks to keep at home or in the car that will help bring your blood sugar levels back up to normal as well as links to my favorite brands for your convenience.

Option 1: Yogurt with Real Fruit

This snack must be kept cold so it is a great snack to pack in a lunch box or insulated bag to take to the office or when leaving the house. I recommend finding yogurts with real fruit in them rather than just a fruit-flavored yogurt. There are countless options, as some of my favorite brands are So Delicious (dairy-free), Chobani, or even Gerber. Yes, that’s right, the Gerber Baby brand! This is an option that does not have to be refrigerated but still contains real fruit and very simple ingredients.

• So Delicious
• Chobani
• Gerber

Option 2: Freeze-Dried Fruit

This a more travel-friendly option that will last longer in your car/bag/desk without the worry of it expiring. Freeze-dried fruit is higher in sugar and will help raise sugar levels without having to consume artificial sweeteners. There are plenty of options for freeze-dried fruit like strawberries, bananas, apples, blueberries, and many more. So, pick your favorite fruit and keep this snack on hand!

• Good and Gather
• Bare
• Nature’s Turn

Option 3: Fruit Snacks

Indulging in this nostalgic, childhood snack is another great option. Again, all of these options listed are made with real fruit and have little to no added sugars. They are also a travel-friendly option that will last a long time in whatever place you choose to store them in.

• Thats It.
• Welch’s Fruit Snacks
• Bear

As you might have noticed, all of these snacks have some form of fruit in them. This is because fruit has carbohydrates that easily break down in the body. It is a healthier way to easily raise blood sugar levels without intaking too much sugar.

While there is no cure for diabetes, there is a way to make life easier for those living with it. Food is our friend when we know how to properly use it as a tool to manage diabetes. If you have repeated hypoglycemic episodes where your blood sugar does not rise above 70 mg/dL for a long period, please seek medical help.

If you are looking for more guidance on managing your blood glucose levels and food intake, schedule an intro call with Amanda today.

Thank you for taking the time to read. I hope this article helps ease the frustration when navigating some of the struggles that come with having diabetes. Please feel free to leave a comment with your favorite hypoglycemia fighting snack!