Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that affects the blood sugar levels in your body. There can be many reasons behind the development of diabetes, three of which are: the pancreas does not produce any insulin, it makes less insulin than necessary, or the body does not respond to the insulin as it typically should.

Whatever the cause of diabetes, food plays a crucial role in managing this chronic condition. So, here are a few healthy, low-sugar snack ideas that you can use if you have diabetes:

1. Avocado scrambled eggs
Both avocado and eggs are rich sources of protein. Protein slows down carbohydrate absorption and thus, plays a role in regulating blood sugar. Avocado scrambled eggs is a simple recipe. All you need are eggs, mashed avocado, butter, milk, salt, and pepper for seasoning. Beat the eggs well, and add salt and avocado to them. Put some butter in a hot skillet and add to it the mixture that you just prepared. Enjoy it warm off the stove and sprinkle some pepper on it.

2. Citrus fruits and berries
A simple and colorful fruit salad can be a great snack for diabetics. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are known to have anti-diabetic effects, thanks to the presence of flavonoids, such as hesperidin and naringin. Another advantage of such fruits is the amount of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber present in them (soluble fibers help slow down carbohydrate absorption.) Berries, too, are rich in antioxidants that have a similar effect on the body. In addition, fruits can be satiating and can help manage sugar cravings.

3. Olives and cheese
Go Greek! Cut up some fresh goat cheese or cottage cheese and throw in some olives. Olives have a compound called oleuropein that can stimulate insulin secretion, and cottage cheese is rich in protein and healthy fats. Foods containing healthy fats have blood sugar-reducing properties. So, this one is not only a tasty snack, but also a nutritious one for diabetics.

4. Celery and apple with peanut butter
All you need to do is chop some garden-fresh celery and an apple, and dip them in some unsweetened peanut butter. An excellent snack for maintaining weight, it is low in calories and full of protein. Celery is rich in flavones, a type of antioxidant that reduces blood sugar, while apples brim with vitamins B and C, magnesium, and fiber. The natural sweetness in this snack might also help reduce the craving for sugar.

5. Beef sticks and hummus
Beef jerky is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate snack for people with diabetes. Grass-fed beef has higher omega-3-fatty acid levels. Hummus is abundant in protein, fiber, and has a small amount of healthy fats. One problem, however, might be its high sodium content. So when you pick this snack, consume less salt in other meals.

Other things to include in your diet are vegetables with a low glycemic index (GI), such as broccoli, peppers, eggplant, cauliflower, asparagus, and carrots. Vegetables rich in protein, such as spinach, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, and mustard greens, should also be consumed. You can also have lean meats and seafood as a part of a healthy diet.