Non-perishable foods can play a significant role for people with diabetes. Since these items don’t lose their taste or get bad outside the refrigerator, they can easily be carried around. If a diabetic person is experiencing a low blood sugar level, they can quickly eat something which won’t raise the sugar levels a lot.
List of Foods for Diabetic Patients
While there is a long list of non-perishable items that diabetic patients can consume, here are some essential and healthy ones:
Chickpeas
Chickpeas can be dried or stored in cans for at least 3 years. While they do have carbs, the proteins, fiber, and fat they contain decrease the effect on blood sugar levels. Chickpeas are versatile, so they can be eaten as is or added to salads, soups, and stir-fries. Hummus and falafels are also made from chickpeas.
Canned tomatoes
Tomatoes can be added to various dishes and since they’re very low in carbs, they have little effect on blood sugar levels. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene which promote heart health. Canned tomatoes can be stored in a cool and dry place for several years. [1]
Canned Tuna or Salmon
Rich in proteins and Omega-3, these fish are a great non-perishable item for people with diabetes. Unlike raw or cooked fish, they stay intact in the pantry and can be eaten as is or added to sandwiches or dips.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter and other kinds of nut butter are beneficial for those with type-2 diabetes. While low in carbs and rich in protein, fats, and fiber, peanut butter (and other kinds of nut butter) is an excellent snack for diabetic patients. Once opened, they can easily last a year and be used with crackers or bread. When buying these kinds of butter, buy the most natural form with the lowest amount of sugar and salt. [2]
Dark Chocolate
Good dark chocolate uses more cocoa and less sugar which is highly beneficial for health. Cocoa beans are rich sources of antioxidants while also containing healthy fats, which are good for the heart. Dark chocolate can last easily in the pantry for 4 months and even longer if kept in the freezer.
Seed crackers
These crackers are made from various seeds, including chia, flax, and sesame seeds. Seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them the perfect snack for diabetic patients. They can be paired with cheese or nut butter to make a fulfilling yet healthy snack.
The list of non-perishable foods continues and contains items such as frozen berries, frozen spinach, jerky, quinoa, canned mushrooms, and other vegetables.
Best Foods for Diabetes Control
Rather than relying on medication for the rest of their lives, diabetic patients can control their blood sugar levels through diet.
Non-starchy vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, greens, and carrots are great for controlling sugar levels. Starch is broken down into sugar in the body and causes a rise in blood sugar levels. These non-starchy veggies control this increase and improve health.
Fruits
While not all fruits may be friendly for diabetic patients, oranges, melons, berries, apples, bananas, and grapes are good for those with diabetes. They don’t have a high sugar content which can fluctuate the blood sugar levels and may be consumed easily by diabetic patients.
Non-fat or low-fat dairy items
Diabetic patients should consume low-fat or lactose-free milk while consuming yogurt and cheese. These forms of dairy have little to no sugars present in them and can help control diabetes.
What are Non-Perishables?
Non-perishables are items that don’t need to be stored in refrigerators or freezers and can be placed in the pantry. They have a long-lasting shelf life and may also be carried around by people like snacks. Non-perishable foods are normally canned or sealed, so they may last longer without going bad once opened. [3]
Non-perishables are highly preferred by campers and travelers who can’t take fresh meat and vegetables along with them. They are also handy for emergencies as they can easily be provided instantly to those who need food. Dried fruit, canned fish, nut butter, crackers, and grains are some of the healthiest non-perishable items.
How are Non-Perishables Good for Diabetes?
Diabetics need to maintain their blood sugar level, but it also doesn’t mean skipping meals. When not at home, to stop the blood sugar levels from dropping too low, quick snacks are important for diabetic patients. In such instances, non-perishables are the best and healthiest option.
Since people with diabetes are more likely to develop heart diseases than others, they need to be extra careful about their health. While there are many options in non-perishables, healthy items such as fruits, whole grains, and vegetables keep the blood sugar stable, provide proteins and fiber, and keep the stomach full. [4]
Food Plans with Non-Perishables
Maintaining blood sugar levels is important for diabetic patients; hence meal planning plays an important role. Since carbs affect blood sugar levels the most, they need to be kept in a minimum amount throughout the day. Moreover, the effects of carbs on the body also depend on various factors such as insulin sensitivity, body size, activity level, and caloric needs of the body.
The meal plan should consist of a stable and consistent amount of carbs throughout the day with more focus on foods high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. A single serving of carbs-rich foods should be small with a higher quantity of fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy items. [5]
The Bottomline
People with diabetes shouldn’t feel like they can’t snack or enjoy certain foods. However, it is necessary to maintain a balance to stabilize blood sugar levels in the body. Certain non-perishable foods can be healthy and an excellent alternative to unhealthy snacks, even for those without diabetes.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Costa-Rodrigues, J., Pinho, O., & Monteiro, P. (2018). Can lycopene be considered an effective protection against cardiovascular disease?. Food chemistry, 245, 1148–1153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.11.055
- FoodData Central. (n.d.-c). Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2262072/nutrients
- U.S. Department Of Agriculture. (2022). Shelf-Stable Food Safety. USDA. Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/shelf-stable-food
- Diabetes and Your Heart. (2022, June 20). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-heart.html
- Samkani, A., Skytte, M. J., Kandel, D., Kjaer, S., Astrup, A., Deacon, C. F., Holst, J. J., Madsbad, S., Rehfeld, J. F., Haugaard, S. B., & Krarup, T. (2018). A carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet acutely decreases postprandial and diurnal glucose excursions in type 2 diabetes patients. The British journal of nutrition, 119(8), 910–917. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114518000521