By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D.
Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.
If you have diabetes and a sweet tooth, managing your sugar cravings while keeping your blood sugar levels in check can be a challenge. In this article, we'll guide you through choosing the best desserts, so you can still enjoy your favorite desserts without compromising your health.
Can you eat desserts with diabetes? Can you eat sweets with diabetes?
Yes, you can still enjoy desserts if you have diabetes, but it's important to be mindful of your dessert choices. Focus on monitoring your carb intake throughout the day, choosing smaller portions, and selecting desserts with less sugar or made with sugar substitutes.
What dessert can diabetics eat? What is the best dessert for a diabetic to eat?
People with diabetes can enjoy any dessert in moderation, but some options are better suited for managing blood sugar. Desserts like angel food cake, frozen yogurt bites, and chia seed pudding are good choices. Fruit and fruit-based desserts are also great options, as they tend to have a lower glycemic index. In general, the best desserts for diabetics are those with minimal sugar or made with sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit.
What dessert won’t spike blood sugar?
Desserts that have a low or medium glycemic index are less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Foods that have a lower glycemic index are processed more slowly by the body which means a slower rise in blood sugar. Some examples of desserts with lower glycemic indices are fruit mousse, dark chocolate, and Greek yogurt ice cream.
Is ice cream ok for diabetics? Is angel food cake ok for diabetics? Are cookies ok for diabetics?
Diabetics can enjoy ice cream, angel food cake, and cookies in moderation. Angel food cake is a great option because it's fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in sugar and carbs. While ice cream and cookies can also be part of a diabetic-friendly diet, it's best to choose reduced-sugar or sugar-free versions whenever possible.
Is honey ok for diabetics? What sweeteners don’t raise blood sugar?
Yes, honey is ok for diabetics, but as with other sweets, honey should be consumed in moderation. The best choice is raw honey, which doesn't contain added sugars. Natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit won't raise blood sugar levels, and some artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, also have little to no impact on blood sugar. If you're craving something sweet, many of your favorite desserts can be made more diabetic-friendly by swapping regular sugar for a natural or artificial sweetener.
Will cutting out sweets lower blood sugar?
Yes, cutting back on sweets or reducing added sugars in your diet can help lower blood sugar levels. Desserts, which are often high in sugar and carbs, can cause blood sugar spikes. By reducing or eliminating foods that contribute to these spikes, you can better manage your blood sugar levels.
How many sweets can a diabetic eat a day?
While recommendations may vary slightly on the exact number of sweets a diabetic can consume daily, all agree that sugar intake should be minimal. Generally, it’s recommended that added sugars make up less than 6-10% of a diabetic's total daily calories. This helps manage blood sugar levels and keeps them within a healthy range.
How can I satisfy my diabetic sweet tooth?
You can satisfy your diabetic sweet tooth by choosing desserts that have little to no added sugar or are made with natural or artificial sweeteners. This can mean opting for desserts like a bowl of fruit, fruit-based desserts, or low-sugar Greek yogurt. If you're craving a dessert that's not as diabetic-friendly, try limiting your portion size and adding protein or fiber to help manage blood sugar levels. Healthy additions like nuts, chia seeds, or fruit can help balance the dessert and make it more blood sugar-friendly.
What is the best dessert for type 2 diabetes?
Ultimately, the best desserts for type 2 diabetes are those low in added sugars and use natural or artificial sweeteners. Many common desserts can be made more diabetic-friendly with a simple sugar swap. When shopping for bread, look for items labeled "no sugar added" or "unsweetened." To be sure, always check the nutritional label to verify the sugar and carb content.
Where can I buy healthy desserts online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh pastas, breads, and desserts that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, fresh pastas, and desserts. Some of our popular desserts include mango and passion fruit mousse, macarons, and mini layer cakes. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
