Can People With Diabetes Have Dessert? (2024)

The dessert dilemma

You've heard the saying, "Life's too short, eat dessert first." With so many delicious options out there, it can be tempting. But living with diabetes can make indulging in your favorite sweet treat a little more complicated.

If you have diabetes, too many carbohydrates (carbs), found in sugary and starchy foods can spike your blood sugar. This may make it harder to manage diabetes, and increase your risk of developing complications. Many people believe that desserts are off limits if you're living with diabetes. But that's simply not true. With a few considerations, people with diabetes can have dessert.

Diabetes-friendly dessert tips

One thing most sweets have in common is their high carbohydrate content from sugar, flour, and dairy. But these diabetes-friendly tips can help:

Count your carbs.

Carb counting helps you keep track of your food and drinks throughout the day. This way, you can keep track of the carbs in your desserts and adjust the rest of your carbohydrate intake accordingly. For example, if you know you want a dessert, you can cut back on your carbs in other ways at lunch and dinner. When you plan ahead, you can avoid eating more than is healthy.

Portion yourself.

When you do enjoy desserts or sweets, do it in moderation. Eat slowly to savor and appreciate what you're eating. Having dessert with or right after a meal can help you eat a smaller amount without feeling deprived.

Try substitutions.

Some sugary treats will impact your blood sugar more than others. For example, dark chocolate is a richer, less sweet alternative to white or milk chocolate. Some people with diabetes enjoy fruit as a filling and nutritious substitute to satisfy a sweet craving. Fruits like mashed banana or applesauce can also be used to naturally sweeten baked goods. Just remember, all of these options still contain natural sugars that will impact your blood sugar, but they offer a healthier alternative.

Keep Reading:Carb counting

Can People With Diabetes Have Dessert? (2024)

FAQs

Can People With Diabetes Have Dessert? ›

If you have diabetes, too many carbohydrates (carbs), found in sugary and starchy foods can spike your blood sugar. This may make it harder to manage diabetes, and increase your risk of developing complications. Many people believe that desserts are off limits if you're living with diabetes. But that's simply not true.

Can diabetics have desserts? ›

Takeaway. People with diabetes can have sweets and other sugary foods as part of a healthful meal plan or when combined with exercise. However, it is best to enjoy sweets in small portions as an occasional treat.

Can you still eat sweets if you're diabetic? ›

Myth 5: You can't eat any sweets if you have diabetes

This doesn't mean that you have to exclude all sweet treats from your diet, but keep them to every now and then rather than every day.

What 10 foods should diabetics avoid? ›

13 Foods to Avoid if You Have Diabetes
  • Full-Fat Dairy. Full-fat dairy products include rich cheese, cream, and whole milk. ...
  • Trans Fat. Trans fat is another food to avoid if you have diabetes. ...
  • White Carbohydrates. ...
  • Fried Foods. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Processed Meats. ...
  • High-Fat Cuts of Meat. ...
  • Packaged Cookies and Pastries.
Sep 28, 2023

Can people with diabetes eat sugar why not explain your answer? ›

We all enjoy eating sugary foods occasionally, and there's no problem including them as a treat occasionally as part of a healthy, balanced diet. And, for some people with diabetes, sugary drinks or glucose tablets are essential to treat a hypo, when your blood glucose levels get too low.

What dessert won't spike my blood sugar? ›

"Dark chocolate covered berries and nuts [are a great choice] for both [types of diabetes] because the nuts have omega-3s. The dark chocolate has antioxidants and the berries are lower glycemic types of foods. They have more fiber, so they're friendly for both [types of diabetes]," she says.

Can diabetics have ice cream? ›

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.

Can diabetics eat pizza? ›

If you have diabetes, following a nutrient-dense diet is essential for optimal health and blood sugar management. However, this doesn't mean you have to give up pizza. Instead, enjoy a slice or two of your favorite pizza occasionally as part of a balanced diet.

What happens if you stop eating sugar for 30 days? ›

*Weight loss: Sugar is a major contributor to excess calorie intake. By eliminating it, you may experience weight loss, especially if you were consuming a significant amount of sugary foods and beverages. *Reduced cravings: Sugar can be addictive, and eliminating it from your diet can help reduce cravings over time.

What food can diabetics eat freely? ›

Here are some examples of free foods for diabetics, as outlined by a committee of the American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
  • Carbonated water.
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Coffee or tea.
  • 1 cup raw cabbage.
  • Hard, sugar-free candy.
  • 1 cup raw cucumber.
  • 2 tablespoons whipped topping.
Jul 13, 2007

How do you feel when your blood sugar is too high? ›

increased thirst and a dry mouth. needing to pee frequently. tiredness. blurred vision.

What should diabetics drink first thing in the morning? ›

Water is the best all-round drink. If your family likes flavoured waters, make your own by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or strawberries.

Why should diabetics avoid eggs? ›

In addition, a diet enriched with egg yolk was associated with elevated plasma glucose compared with a control diet in rats (9). Data from the Zutphen Study (10) have indicated a positive association between egg consumption or dietary cholesterol and fasting glucose.

Can diabetics have a donut? ›

Skip the Doughnuts Due to Their Sugar and Fat Content

If you're craving something that's more obviously sweet, reach for half a banana with a tablespoon of peanut butter. This powerful combo contains potassium, magnesium, and healthy fat, helping fuel you throughout your day.

What raises A1c the most? ›

It's true that carbohydrates affect your blood sugar more than other nutrients you eat. Chances are that if you overdo starchy carbs on a regular basis, your A1c number will start to creep up. But remember, all carbs aren't a problem.

What foods lower blood sugar immediately? ›

5 Superfoods to Lower Your Blood Sugar
  • Berries. Don't make your trip to the store fruitless. ...
  • Go nuts. That's right—go ahead and snack on almonds, cashews or even pistachios. ...
  • Leafy greens. ...
  • Non-starchy vegetables. ...
  • Whole grains.

Can I eat pizza as a diabetic? ›

If you have diabetes, pizza can be incorporated into a balanced diet, but consider the following options to better manage your blood sugar levels: pair your pizza slice with a fiber- and protein-rich side dish. be mindful of portion sizes. try out some healthy homemade pizza recipes.

What sweets and chocolate can diabetics eat? ›

Instead of 'diabetic' chocolate, try choosing good-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa is best). It has a stronger taste than milk chocolate, so you are likely to eat a bit less. Decide how much you are going to eat and put the rest of the chocolate away, out of reach.

Is cheesecake ok for diabetics? ›

Yes, cheesecakes are okay for diabetes as cheese has a low glycemic index. It means that when eaten, it slowly releases glucose. Hence, there is no sharp rise in blood sugar levels after eating cheese. But if you are eating cheesecakes, make sure that you take small servings to make the carbohydrate intake manageable.

Can diabetics eat donuts? ›

“Patients with reason to be concerned about their blood sugar usually understand that sugary foods like doughnuts are poor choices,” said Dr. Devries. “In an effort to lower their sugar, they may swap a breakfast doughnut for something less sweet, like a bagel.

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