With type 1 diabetes we never let our guard down- especially in the middle of the night. One of the most vulnerable times people may encounter is during sleep which brings about the importance of a bedtime snack.
Safety with type 1 diabetes is always paramount. When we are at rest, our awake clues of hypoglycemia become dampened. Lets look at the importance of a solid bedtime snack with recommendations from Sara Pinson, Registered Dietician (RD).
Important food qualities to look for in a bedtime snack with type 1 diabetes
According to Sara Pinson, RD there are differences in the food choices we make at bedtime to help stabilize our blood sugars overnight. She suggests combining foods that include both a carbohydrate and a protein to help sustain blood sugars overnight.
Sara states: “Carbohydrates that are fiber rich will also keep kids feeling full and decrease the speed at which the sugar travels into the blood stream, helping to combat swings in those in the middle of the night blood sugars.”
Top suggestions for a bedtime snack with type 1 diabetes (these are also gluten-free)
- 1 Cup of homemade trail mix (Kix cereal, rice or corn Chex cereal, unsalted almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and a few raisins on top)
- Cheese (cubed, string) with apple or cucumber slices
- Boiled egg with a handful of popcorn
- 1/2 cup of edamame
- Celery or apple with 1 tbsp of peanut butter or almond butter on top
- 1/4 cup of hummus and veggies
- Lowfat or plain greek yogurt
- 1 whole wheat gluten free waffle with fresh fruit
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with a tbsp of walnuts and fresh sliced berries
- 1-2 slices of gluten free deli meat with a handful of grapes or get famcy and make lettuce wraps with sliced bell peppers in between
- Whole grain gluten free crackers with cream cheese on top
Do fats in bedtime snacks help to hold a blood sugar overnight?
“Fat can be looked at as a positive addition to a snack when discussing blood sugar control during the night. Fat helps to delay glucose absorption into the blood stream and a combination of both healthy fats, fiber rich carbohydrates and protein can contribute to the success of blood sugar control while kids are sleeping. I would encourage intake of the heart healthy fats such as avocados, olives, natural peanut butter, almonds and walnuts.” ~According to Sara Pinson, RD