{"id":629788,"date":"2024-09-27T09:30:39","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T13:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629788"},"modified":"2026-04-29T11:47:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T15:47:23","slug":"pizza-for-diabetics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pizza-for-diabetics\/","title":{"rendered":"Is pizza healthy if you have diabetes?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s one of the world\u2019s most loved foods? Pizza! A favorite of kids and adults alike, the\u00a0 Italian staple is a common comfort food. From gooey cheese to crunchy pepperoni, it\u2019s no wonder the savory meal is so popular. If you have <\/span>Type 1 diabetes<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>, you might wonder if it\u2019s possible to enjoy pizza as part of a diabetes management plan. With some thoughtful choices and careful planning, pizza can be diabetes-friendly. Here\u2019s how to make the tasty treat a healthier choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can people with diabetes eat pizza?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cYes, people with diabetes can enjoy pizza, but they need to be careful with their choices,\u201d says <\/span>Raj Dasgupta<\/span>, MD, an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine<\/span>. While most traditional pizzas aren\u2019t high in sugar, they contain hefty amounts of refined carbs, meaning p<\/span>izza can easily <\/span>raise blood glucose levels<\/span>. Still, by making smart choices about the crust and toppings and controlling portion sizes, Dr. Dasgupta says pizza can be part of a balanced diet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diabetics should stick to one or two slices of pizza, says <\/span>Michael Lahey, MD<\/span>, a physician at My Weight Loss Partner. However, the exact amount depends on their <\/span>overall meal plan and how much carbohydrate they have left for the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carbohydrate counting<\/span><\/a>, or carb counting, is a common strategy for blood sugar control.\u00a0 It involves tracking the carbohydrates in meals and snacks to stay within a specific daily range. The exact number of daily carbohydrates varies by individual and should be determined with the help of a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or <\/span>certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES.)<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What\u2019s the best diabetes diet?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is pizza bad for people with diabetes?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pizza isn\u2019t inherently bad for diabetics, but it\u2019s best to enjoy it occasionally rather than as a regular meal, advises Dr. Dasgupta<\/a>. Not only can pizza lead to spikes in blood sugar due to its high carbohydrate content, but many pizzas contain high amounts of <\/span>saturated fats<\/span><\/a> from pizza toppings like mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and sausage. Saturated fats can <\/span>increase<\/span><\/a> your LDL cholesterol\u2014the \u201cbad\u201d cholesterol contributing to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. They also make it harder for the body to <\/span>use insulin<\/span><\/a> properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to a <\/span>recent systematic review and meta-analysis<\/span><\/a>, individuals with diabetes may benefit from following a diet of less than 26% carbohydrates. For someone on a 2000-calorie diet, this would be 520 total calories in carbohydrates or approximately 130 grams of carbs per day. A <\/span>100-gram portion of cheese pizza<\/span><\/a> (about one slice) from a fast food chain contains 33.4 grams of carbohydrates. That means consuming two pieces would eat up over half their total daily carb allowance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pizza can affect blood sugar within one to two hours after eating, depending on the individual\u2019s metabolism and type of pizza consumed. Keeping portion sizes in check helps manage calorie intake and blood sugar levels, advises Dr. Dasgupta.<\/span><\/p>\n

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