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[sean03]

Hi, I wondered if anyone could recommend any snack bars, or other ideas that are good for the following:
- Before Bedtime to keep your level stable without raising it too much
- To take out on a run or long walk if your level is starting to dip
- Any ideas at all on the snack front would be helpful
I have just found out I am intolerant to gluten and eggs and dairy so any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you - Sean.

 

[cameron]

Hi Sean, welcome to the forum! 🙂

Fruit is a good option for exercise. I usually pack an assortment of fruit with me for long walks and they keep my sugar levels stable. Healthy too!

Do you like nuts? Nuts are my guilty pleasure and I snack on a lot of walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds etc. They're great with salads or just on their own. I'm not intolerant to dairy, but I also actually prefer plant-based yoghurt and milk.

 

[Cherrelle DUK]

Hi Sean03, great questions.

It's a bit tricky giving advice like this as what works for one may spike another but there's a great ongoing thread with meal plan ideas that may be of use https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/what-did-you-eat-yesterday.30349/page-449#post-1043682.

 

[sean03]

Hi Sean, welcome to the forum! 🙂

Fruit is a good option for exercise. I usually pack an assortment of fruit with me for long walks and they keep my sugar levels stable. Healthy too!

Do you like nuts? Nuts are my guilty pleasure and I snack on a lot of walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds etc. They're great with salads or just on their own. I'm not intolerant to dairy, but I also actually prefer plant-based yoghurt and milk.

Hi thanks very much Cameron. I do like nuts actually so I shall give these a try and fruit of course seems a good choice too so thanks for the advice - Sean.

 

[sean03]

Hi Sean03, great questions.

It's a bit tricky giving advice like this as what works for one may spike another but there's a great ongoing thread with meal plan ideas that may be of use https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/what-did-you-eat-yesterday.30349/page-449#post-1043682.

Thank you very much Cherrelle, I shall look forward to reading through this and hopefully find some new ideas. Thanks again - Sean A.

 

[Inka]

Can you tolerate gluten-free oats @sean03 ? If so, oatcakes and peanut butter are a good bedtime snack, and gluten-free flapjacks are good for exercise. I usually take mint cake and flapjacks for extended exercise. They work very well and are very easy to carry as they’re small and don’t get crushed.

For a bedtime snack I used to have a small bowl of cereal, adding up to around 15g carbs. I had puffed wheat but there are gluten-free options like buckwheat flakes, Rice Krispies, corn flakes, etc.

There are also a number of gluten and dairy-free cereal bars available. Check out Holland and Barrett or similar shops. Some of them are also available from supermarkets. Trek, Eat Natural, Nine bars and lots more. There are some really tasty ones. Also, you could have rice cakes plus your favourite topping or corn tortillas, etc.

How long have you had a Type 1? With insulin, you don’t need to worry so much about spikes as your insulin is what helps control those. Also, sometimes we need a ‘spike’ eg during exercise as you’ve said.

 

[sean03]

Can you tolerate gluten-free oats @sean03 ? If so, oatcakes and peanut butter are a good bedtime snack, and gluten-free flapjacks are good for exercise. I usually take mint cake and flapjacks for extended exercise. They work very well and are very easy to carry as they’re small and don’t get crushed.

For a bedtime snack I used to have a small bowl of cereal, adding up to around 15g carbs. I had puffed wheat but there are gluten-free options like buckwheat flakes, Rice Krispies, corn flakes, etc.

There are also a number of gluten and dairy-free cereal bars available. Check out Holland and Barrett or similar shops. Some of them are also available from supermarkets. Trek, Eat Natural, Nine bars and lots more. There are some really tasty ones. Also, you could have rice cakes plus your favourite topping or corn tortillas, etc.

How long have you had a Type 1? With insulin, you don’t need to worry so much about spikes as your insulin is what helps control those. Also, sometimes we need a ‘spike’ eg during exercise as you’ve said.

Hi Inka, thank you very much for these ideas. I have had Type 1 diabetes for quite a few years now although I would say I have not been the most conscientious person. Whilst I have kept myself fit on the one side my diet has not been well regulated overall. However I have turned a corner and am now trying to get myself organised and know exactly what to have especially at key times such as bedtime and when you are out and about which help me to keep my level stable without spikes as much as I can. I did suffer in the early years with one or two quite bad attacks of low sugar whilst asleep and this had the effect of making me fearful of switching off and my sleep has suffered because of it somewhat. Because of these food intolerances which have come upon me all of a sudden I have had to make changes to my diet too which I am still working on but I have made significant changes which seem to be going well.

I have never been part of a community like this so its great to get other people's ideas and I do appreciate your comments - so thanks again - hope you have a great day - just been on a run and its lovely out there today ! Sean.

 

[sean03]

Hi Inka, thank you very much for these ideas. I have had Type 1 diabetes for quite a few years now although I would say I have not been the most conscientious person. Whilst I have kept myself fit on the one side my diet has not been well regulated overall. However I have turned a corner and am now trying to get myself organised and know exactly what to have especially at key times such as bedtime and when you are out and about which help me to keep my level stable without spikes as much as I can. I did suffer in the early years with one or two quite bad attacks of low sugar whilst asleep and this had the effect of making me fearful of switching off and my sleep has suffered because of it somewhat. Because of these food intolerances which have come upon me all of a sudden I have had to make changes to my diet too which I am still working on but I have made significant changes which seem to be going well.

I have never been part of a community like this so its great to get other people's ideas and I do appreciate your comments - so thanks again - hope you have a great day - just been on a run and its lovely out there today ! Sean.

Oh I can tolerate oatcakes so will try your suggestion - just looking at some dairy free peanut butters online

 

[Inka]

Oh I can tolerate oatcakes so will try your suggestion - just looking at some dairy free peanut butters online

Most peanut butters are dairy-free, I think. Well, quality ones at least. I use Pic’s and Meridian and Whole Earth. Pic’s is more expensive but delicious and apparently has better fats

 

[Inka]

And yes, it’s a beautiful day today 🙂

 

[sean03]

Most peanut butters are dairy-free, I think. Well, quality ones at least. I use Pic’s and Meridian and Whole Earth. Pic’s is more expensive but delicious and apparently has better fats

I have ordered the Pic's on your advice - looking forward to trying it - Thanks 🙂

 

[danielmg]

Hi @sean03, welcome to the forum 🙂

I agree with all of the suggestions from other members here - I've asked this question myself on the forum and the recommendations that were given all work very well.

For snacks when out and about (i.e. work, walking) - I enjoy wholefood bars (gluten-free and vegan) such as Nakd or Primal Pantry. I currently have a large amount of Primal Pantry Coconut and Macadamia bars to get through that I got for a very good deal. There is a good balance I find with these types of bars between fast and medium-slow acting carbohydrates. The dates (one of the main ingredients) provide the initial fast(ish) increase in glucose that may be needed, whilst the nuts and seeds have a lower GI. Fruits such as Banana, Pears, Apples are also on my list.

Before sleep - Oatcakes with some dairy-free spread are my favourite to have before bed. Provides a long, sustained source of low GI carbohydrates to (hopefully) avoid the risk of low glucose during sleep.

Obviously the amounts everyone will need and time taken to take effect with vary between individuals, so can also be a little bit of trial and error to find out which options will work best for you.

 

[sean03]

Hi @sean03, welcome to the forum 🙂

I agree with all of the suggestions from other members here - I've asked this question myself on the forum and the recommendations that were given all work very well.

For snacks when out and about (i.e. work, walking) - I enjoy wholefood bars (gluten-free and vegan) such as Nakd or Primal Pantry. I currently have a large amount of Primal Pantry Coconut and Macadamia bars to get through that I got for a very good deal. There is a good balance I find with these types of bars between fast and medium-slow acting carbohydrates. The dates (one of the main ingredients) provide the initial fast(ish) increase in glucose that may be needed, whilst the nuts and seeds have a lower GI. Fruits such as Banana, Pears, Apples are also on my list.

Before sleep - Oatcakes with some dairy-free spread are my favourite to have before bed. Provides a long, sustained source of low GI carbohydrates to (hopefully) avoid the risk of low glucose during sleep.

Obviously the amounts everyone will need and time taken to take effect with vary between individuals, so can also be a little bit of trial and error to find out which options will work best for you.

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for these suggestions. The oatcakes are something I shall start using for definite. Had a look at the Primal Pantry which look good so I have ordered some of these to start with and will see how level reacts but am sure they will work very well - many thanks for your advice, enjoy the rest of your Sunday - Sean A.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hello @sean03

Hope some of the suggestions help you when you need a gentle top-up. Sometimes I find something liks a smaller quantity of fast acting (eg just one jelly baby) has been helpful in correcting a slight drift. Which has the benefit that I can also go for another a little later on should I still seem to be wandering downwards. One JB=5-6g of carbs which in theory should raise my BG by about 1-2mmol/L.

I have been able to be using continuous glucose sensors for the past few years, which has given me lots of extra information about the direction of travel of my BG ‘between the dots’ and removed many of the surprises!

One question about the evening snack - are you intentionally snacking at night the ‘keep your levels up’? This was the old school advice I was given back when basal insulins were less reliable and way more peaky than modern analogues, but these days there should be far less need to do that if your basal is adjusted properly.

Doing a systematic fasting basal check (overnight, and also through the rest of the 24 hours in ‘chunks’) can really help - there’s a guide to how to do it here:

Basal Testing in Diabetes - Diabetes Support

Managing diabetes effectively requires constant monitoring and adjustments to ensure blood sugar levels remain stable. One key aspect of this management process is basal testing, which focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of basal insulin in the body. In this blog article, we’ll explore the...

www.diabetes-support.org.uk

Let us know how you get in with the snack ideas 🙂

 

[sean03]

I have ordered the Pic's on your advice - looking forward to trying it - Thanks 🙂

Hi Inka - I just wanted to let you know my peanut butter arrived and the one i ordered is absolutely huge! anyway I have tried it and it really is as good as you said just a fantastic taste and lovely and crunchy, I had it on an oatcake with a touch of jam on top 🙂

 

[sean03]

Hello @sean03

Hope some of the suggestions help you when you need a gentle top-up. Sometimes I find something liks a smaller quantity of fast acting (eg just one jelly baby) has been helpful in correcting a slight drift. Which has the benefit that I can also go for another a little later on should I still seem to be wandering downwards. One JB=5-6g of carbs which in theory should raise my BG by about 1-2mmol/L.

I have been able to be using continuous glucose sensors for the past few years, which has given me lots of extra information about the direction of travel of my BG ‘between the dots’ and removed many of the surprises!

One question about the evening snack - are you intentionally snacking at night the ‘keep your levels up’? This was the old school advice I was given back when basal insulins were less reliable and way more peaky than modern analogues, but these days there should be far less need to do that if your basal is adjusted properly.

Doing a systematic fasting basal check (overnight, and also through the rest of the 24 hours in ‘chunks’) can really help - there’s a guide to how to do it here:

Basal Testing in Diabetes - Diabetes Support

Managing diabetes effectively requires constant monitoring and adjustments to ensure blood sugar levels remain stable. One key aspect of this management process is basal testing, which focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of basal insulin in the body. In this blog article, we’ll explore the...

www.diabetes-support.org.uk

Let us know how you get in with the snack ideas 🙂

Hi,

Jelly babies are sorted just hope I can resist them !

When I check my level sometimes if I feel it is not stable i.e. edging towards going low I just top up with something so I feel secure enough to go to sleep without worrying. So all of these ideas have been useful and I have acted upon most of them already so I now have the stuff I need. From peanut butter to oatcakes to jelly babies to primal bars. I will let you know how I get on after trying them in different situations. I will also look at the fasting basal check over the next few days. Many thanks for your support - Sean.