A diabetic eating chocolate may raise eyebrows amongst some people but within reaso, chocolate need not be completely cut out of your diet. (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you eat chocolate with diabetes? ›

But you can eat chocolate, just in moderation and not too often. Try not to eat a lot in one go as it affects your blood sugar levels. If you snack on chocolate regularly it may start to increase your cholesterol levels and make it more difficult to manage your weight.

Yes, children and adults with diabetes can and do eat candy. The key is moderation and making sure to track the number of carbohydrates and calories eaten. Sugar-free candies can be better for blood sugar levels, but they still contain carbs and calories.

Also, chocolate is high in sugar and saturated fat. It is a high-energy (high calorie) food, and too much can result in excess weight, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Cocoa powder also contains polyphenols, antioxidants that help to improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Cocoa powder is rich in theobromine, which helps to reduce inflammation and can protect you from diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Yes, in fact, this snack could lower your diabetes risk according to Endocrine Abstracts. Daily consumption of dark chocolate is associated with positive effects on insulin sensitivity and blood sugar — two key factors in developing diabetes.

Takeaway. A person with diabetes should include a variety of fresh, whole foods in their diet, such as nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized eating plan.

While there are some extra things to consider, ice cream can be included in a healthy meal pattern even if you have diabetes. It's best to eat ice cream in moderation and to choose an option with lower saturated fat, lower carbs and no or low added sugar.

Here are a handful of popular miniature candies to try the next time your sweet tooth beckons: Peanut M&M'S, 1 Fun Size “Candies with nuts tend to be higher in calories but can have better blood sugar responses than other sweet treats,” says Robinson.

Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.

Leaving chocolate for a month can have several benefits. Lower chocolate consumption can lead to a decrease in overall calorie and sugar intake, according to Dr Gupta. “It can also improve dental health by reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay,” he said.

What is the healthiest chocolate to eat? ›

Dark chocolate is by far the healthiest form of the treat, containing the least sugar and, because of its cocoa content, higher levels of substances that protect the body's cells. If sugar is your number one concern, Allers recommends looking for higher percentages.

1. Chocolate. High levels of caffeine in chocolate make it a poor choice for late-night snacking. During the latter stages of sleep, caffeine consumption can cause rapid eye movement (REM) to occur more frequently, which is why you're more likely to feel groggy the morning after the night before.

With all the foods you think you need to limit to manage your diabetes, you may be excited to know that chocolate—and dark chocolate—can be part of your eating plan. So long as you manage portion sizes to fit it into your eating plan, chocolate is not off limits. And dark chocolate is a better choice.

Plain coffee does not seem to directly increase levels of blood sugar, or blood glucose. This is good news for people with diabetes who like black coffee. However, some research suggests that the caffeine in coffee could impair insulin sensitivity, which is not ideal for people with diabetes.

On world chocolate day, Dr Anam Golandaz, clinical dietician at the Masina Hospital, Mumbai, says a diabetic who keeps to a well-balanced diet and protocols, can have one ounce (20-30 gms) of dark chocolate per day.

If you have diabetes, too much sugar can lead to kidney damage. The kidneys play an important role in filtering your blood. Once blood sugar levels reach a certain amount, the kidneys start to release excess sugar into your urine.

Happily, chocolate has a low glycemic index (GI), which means it does not lead to sharp spikes in blood sugar when you eat it. This is likely because of its high amount of fat and fiber, both of which slow digestion.