Key Facts About Diabetic Snacks

Snacks can help people of all ages reduce hunger between meals and give them a boost of energy during the day. However, choosing between healthy snacks versus junk food can be hard. Now imagine dealing with diabetes, and you understand the problem that elderly adults with diabetes have daily.

Senior Care Concord NC – Key Facts About Diabetic Snacks

Family caregivers that help their aging relative need to learn all they can about diabetic snacks so they can ensure they have access to what they need to stay healthy.

Diabetes is so common in seniors that more than 25 percent of the US population over the age of 60 has some type of the disease. There is no cure for diabetes, but a healthy diet can provide lots of opportunities to manage it well enough. Snacks can help keep blood glucose levels stable and fill in the gaps between meals.

Some of the most common and healthiest snacks for elderly adults with diabetes include options that are low in sugar, carbohydrates and fats. Top choices for diabetic snacks include a serving of fruits or vegetables, whole wheat toast, hard boiled egg, string cheese, hummus and carrots, vegetable chips, peanut butter whole wheat toast, plain yogurt and beef sticks. Of course, portion sizes make a difference in keeping the blood sugar levels regulated. Even healthy snacks can be detrimental if they are eaten in huge portions.

The types of snacks that seniors with diabetes should avoid are unfortunately some of the easiest to get their hands on. They should avoid foods like potato chips, candy bars, pastries, fried meat, lots of cheese, fruit drinks, sweetened yogurt, french fries, and processed grains. Family caregivers and senior care providers can reduce the temptation for elderly diabetics to reach for these kinds of snacks by avoiding them at the grocery store in the first place.

If elderly adults can’t keep their blood sugar regulated through diet, they could be starting down a long road toward more serious health problems. Serious complications that can result from diabetes include kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, foot sores and hearing loss. When combined with a doctor-approved exercise program, a diabetes-friendly diet is the most effective way to control the disease in the elderly.

For seniors living with diabetes who are also dependent on family caregivers and senior care providers, snacks are an essential part of their day. More than just a way to pass the time or till the tummy is full, diabetes-friendly snacks are an important part of successfully controlling this disease. When they eat the right food in the right portions, exercise, check their blood regularly, take medicine as prescribed and stay educated about their own health, seniors can live a full and healthy life despite the diagnosis of diabetes.

Source: https://www.thedailymeal.com/15-best-snack-foods-diabetics

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Concord NC, please contact the caring staff at TenderHearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.