Diabetics should avoid desserts high in simple sugars, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats, such as most cakes, cookies, pies (especially with sugary crusts), ice cream, brownies, pastries (croissants, danishes), candy, and sherbet, as these cause rapid blood sugar spikes. Focus instead on controlled portions of fiber-rich, lower-sugar options like fruit or desserts made with natural sweeteners and whole-grain flours when enjoyed occasionally.
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.
Chia Seed Pudding
Chia pudding is super simple to make and packed with quality nutrition. Combine your chia seeds with plant-based milk (like coconut milk), vanilla extract, and a dash of maple syrup, and put them in the fridge overnight. Then, top them with some fresh fruit, shredded coconut, and enjoy.
With the crust, butter, and sugar needed, pies are a danger to blood sugar. Limit the serving by splitting a slice at the table with a family member. Pumpkin pie is a healthier choice than pecan pie which can have triple the amount of calories.
Examples of the worst foods for diabetics include:
Fruits to avoid with diabetes
While you don't need to avoid these high glycemic fruits, you should limit or eat them in moderation: Bananas. Mangoes. Pineapple.
People with diabetes should avoid eating highly refined, low-fiber carbohydrates, such as white toast, packaged muffins, French toast and pancakes. You should also limit consuming carbohydrates without a source of protein or fat.
Another option is to choose a dessert that won't spike your blood sugar (or is safe to eat mindfully or in moderation). Our collection of diabetes-friendly desserts includes cheesecake, chocolate pudding, custard pie with fresh fruit, and cookies.
Diabetics can eat ice cream as long as their blood sugar stays stable. The key to eating ice cream with diabetes is to consume it in moderation and be mindful of its sugar content.
Thanksgiving can be challenging for people with diabetes because traditional holiday foods are often high in sugar, refined carbs, and fat, which can impact blood glucose levels. Traditional stuffing is typically made with white bread, which can spike blood sugar quickly due to refined carbs.
Chips
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.
Cholesterol-Lowering Dessert Ingredients
Here are some standout options: Fruits: Berries, apples, and bananas are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is packed with flavonoids that support heart health. Nuts & Seeds: Use unsalted walnuts, almonds or chia seeds for heart-healthy fats.
Understanding Blood Sugar and Desserts
Look for desserts that incorporate protein, healthy fats and fiber. These nutrients help slow down sugar absorption and keep you feeling satisfied longer. Natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit and erythritol can provide sweetness without the glucose impact of regular sugar.
Best Birthday Cake Alternatives for People Living With Diabetes
Half-and-half or heavy cream can be good choices in small amounts since they're low in sugar and carbs. Always check the nutrition label to avoid hidden sugars, artificial flavors, and fats.
Mayonnaise and Diabetes
Because of that, mayo won't likely affect blood glucose. That sounds like good news for people with diabetes, but people trying to manage their weight should be careful with mayonnaise consumption because of the high fat and calorie content, says Politi.
8 Simple Snacks That Won't Spike Your Blood Sugar
There's a myth that you can't eat chocolate if you have 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.
Absolutely; cheese is a great option for diabetics. It helps to keep blood sugar in check—something diabetics should be careful about. So long as you enjoy its creamy texture and it doesn't stir up tummy trouble, I suggest everyone consider including cheese in their daily diet!
10 Easy Diabetic-Friendly Dessert Recipes
To avoid hurting your skin, don't use a nail file, nail clipper or scissors on calluses, corns or warts. Don't use chemical wart removers. See your provider or foot specialist (podiatrist) to remove any of these issues. Cut your toenails carefully.
Breakfast Meats
Too much sodium and fat can lead to heart disease, which diabetic people are already at a higher risk for. While people with diabetes can enjoy bacon or ham for breakfast, it's best to enjoy these processed meats in moderation.
Capping off this list is a diabetic-friendly rendition of maybe the best breakfast food ever: French toast.
The #1 worst food for blood sugar is sugary drinks (soda, fruit juice, sweetened teas) and other highly processed sweets like candies, donuts, and baked goods, because they contain refined sugar and low-quality carbs that cause rapid, sharp blood sugar spikes with little nutritional value, leading to weight gain and insulin resistance. Fast food, processed snacks (chips), and some energy bars also rank high on the list of offenders.