Diabetes is a serious health condition. Over thirty million people in the United States have the disease. The number of people diagnosed with the disease continues to grow at an alarming rate. The condition is serious even when controlled and fatal when it is uncontrolled. In people with diabetes, the body cannot create and use insulin correctly. Without the effective use of insulin, sufferers of the disease cannot regulate blood glucose levels.

Untreated diabetes can lead to death. Controlling diabetes requires both medication and lifestyle changes. Dietary changes are one significant way that people with diabetes control symptoms. If you have diabetes, eat a diet rich in mono and polyunsaturated fats and check your blood sugar levels daily. Here is a list of handy diabetes-friendly snacks that you can eat on the go:

1. Tuna cups

According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes should eat a high omega-3 fatty acid fish 2 times a week. Diabetes puts people at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Healthy fats, such as those found in tuna, promote heart health. Tuna cups can make a great on the go snack.

2. Popcorn

The best snack options for diabetics are low calorie and low carb. Popcorn can be both, and it is a whole-grain food, so it provides fiber. Be mindful of portion control and go light on the toppings to make popcorn a great diabetic-friendly snack.

3. Almonds

The glycemic index is a ranking that lists food based on how they impact blood glucose. Almonds have a score of 0 on the GI index. This means they have little to no impact on blood glucose levels. Almonds are low in carbs and high in fiber, this makes them a great snack for diabetics.

4. Roasted chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a GI index friendly food that diabetics can enjoy. The roasted and seasoned varieties make a great packaged snack. Roasted chickpeas are a nutty and crunchy snack that can help fend off potato chip cravings.

5. Oven-baked cheese bites

Counting carbs is a necessary part of controlling diabetes. To avoid the heavy carb count of cheese crackers, opt for oven-baked cheese bites. These tasty treats are pieces of cheese that have been oven-baked to delicious crispy morsels. They have all the calcium of cheese with none of the extra carbs of crackers.

6. Kale chips

Leafy greens are great for diabetics. Packed full of fiber, vitamin K, and omega-3 fatty acids, kale is a great choice for diabetics to eat. When baked, kale becomes a yummy crisp chip.

7. Sunflower seeds

Loaded with healthy fats and protein, but low on carbs, sunflower seeds are a great packed snack for people with diabetes. They also contain magnesium that may be beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels.

8. Black bean tortilla chips

Containing less fat and calories than traditional potato chips, black bean tortilla chips are a great way to add one of the American Diabetes Association superfoods to your diet. As a bonus, black bean tortilla chips have more protein and fiber than traditional tortilla chips.