How does pizza affect blood sugar levels in diabetics. What are the best pizza options for people with diabetes. Can diabetics safely enjoy pepperoni pizza. How to make diabetes-friendly pizza at home. What are the nutritional considerations for diabetics eating pizza.

Understanding the Impact of Pizza on Blood Sugar Levels

For individuals managing diabetes, the question of whether they can enjoy popular foods like pizza often arises. While it’s true that people with diabetes need to be mindful of their carbohydrate intake, it doesn’t mean they have to completely eliminate pizza from their diet. The key is understanding how different components of pizza can affect blood sugar levels and making informed choices.

Pizza typically contains three main elements that can impact blood glucose: the crust, sauce, and toppings. The crust, usually made from refined flour, is the primary source of carbohydrates. The sauce may contain added sugars, and toppings can vary in their carbohydrate, fat, and protein content.

How do carbohydrates in pizza affect blood sugar?

Carbohydrates have the most significant effect on blood sugar levels. When consumed, they break down into glucose, causing blood sugar to rise. For diabetics, managing this rise is crucial. A typical slice of cheese pizza can contain around 30 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to two servings of carbs for many diabetic meal plans.

Does the glycemic index of pizza matter for diabetics?

The glycemic index (GI) of pizza can vary depending on its ingredients. Traditional pizza crusts made with refined flour have a higher GI, meaning they can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Opting for whole grain or cauliflower crusts can lower the GI, resulting in a more gradual increase in blood glucose levels.

Pepperoni and Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Pepperoni is a popular pizza topping that many diabetics wonder about. On its own, pepperoni is low in carbohydrates and doesn’t significantly impact blood sugar levels. However, it’s high in saturated fat and sodium, which can have other health implications for people with diabetes.

Is pepperoni a diabetes-friendly pizza topping?

While pepperoni won’t directly raise blood sugar, its high fat content can contribute to insulin resistance over time if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, the sodium in pepperoni can be a concern for diabetics who may also be managing hypertension.

What are healthier alternatives to pepperoni for diabetics?

For those looking for more diabetes-friendly toppings, consider options like:

• Grilled chicken
• Turkey sausage
• Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms
• Lean ham

These alternatives provide protein and nutrients with less saturated fat and sodium than traditional pepperoni.

Crafting a Diabetes-Friendly Pizza

Creating a pizza that aligns with diabetes management goals is entirely possible. By making thoughtful choices about the crust, sauce, and toppings, you can enjoy a delicious pizza while minimizing its impact on your blood sugar levels.

What are the best crust options for diabetics?

When it comes to pizza crust, consider these diabetes-friendly alternatives:

1. Whole grain crust: Higher in fiber and nutrients, which can help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates.
2. Cauliflower crust: Lower in carbs and calories compared to traditional crusts.
3. Almond flour crust: High in protein and healthy fats, with fewer carbs than wheat-based crusts.
4. Zucchini crust: Another low-carb option that incorporates vegetables.

These alternatives can significantly reduce the carbohydrate content of your pizza while adding nutritional value.

How can diabetics make healthier sauce choices?

Traditional pizza sauce often contains added sugars. Opt for sugar-free tomato sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes and herbs. Alternatively, consider using a drizzle of olive oil and garlic as a base instead of sauce.

Balancing Pizza in a Diabetes-Friendly Diet

Incorporating pizza into a diabetes-friendly diet is about balance and moderation. It’s essential to consider how pizza fits into your overall meal plan and daily nutrient intake.

How often can diabetics eat pizza?

The frequency of pizza consumption for diabetics should be individualized based on factors such as blood sugar control, overall diet quality, and personal health goals. As a general guideline, limiting pizza to once or twice a month and focusing on healthier preparations can be a reasonable approach for many people with diabetes.

What’s the best way to include pizza in a diabetic meal plan?

When including pizza in your meal plan:

• Plan ahead: Adjust your carbohydrate intake for the day to accommodate the pizza.
• Portion control: Stick to one or two slices, paired with a large salad or non-starchy vegetables.
• Timing: Consider eating pizza earlier in the day to allow more time for physical activity, which can help manage blood sugar levels.
• Monitor blood glucose: Check your blood sugar before and after eating pizza to understand how it affects you personally.

Nutritional Considerations for Diabetics Eating Pizza

While carbohydrates are the primary concern for blood sugar management, other nutritional factors are important for overall health in diabetes management.

Why should diabetics be mindful of sodium intake in pizza?

Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, making sodium intake a concern. Pizza can be high in sodium, especially when topped with cured meats like pepperoni. Opt for vegetable toppings and use less cheese to reduce sodium content.

How does the fat content in pizza affect diabetes management?

While fat doesn’t directly raise blood sugar, a high intake of saturated fats can contribute to insulin resistance over time. Choose leaner protein toppings and use cheese sparingly to manage fat intake.

Cooking Class: Making Diabetes-Friendly Pizza at Home

Creating your own pizza at home allows for complete control over ingredients and portion sizes, making it an excellent option for diabetes management.

What’s a simple recipe for a low-carb pizza crust?

Try this easy cauliflower crust recipe:

1. Rice 1 head of cauliflower in a food processor.
2. Microwave for 4-5 minutes and let cool.
3. Mix with 1 egg, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, and seasonings.
4. Shape into a crust on a baking sheet.
5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding toppings.

This crust significantly reduces carbohydrate content compared to traditional pizza dough.

What are some diabetes-friendly pizza topping combinations?

Experiment with these topping ideas:

• Mediterranean: Olive oil base, feta cheese, grilled chicken, spinach, and olives.
• Veggie supreme: Tomato sauce, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of low-fat mozzarella.
• BBQ chicken: Sugar-free BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, red onions, and a small amount of cheese.

These combinations offer flavor without excessive carbs or unhealthy fats.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Response to Pizza

Understanding how your body responds to pizza is crucial for effective diabetes management. Each person’s response can be different, so personalized monitoring is key.

How should diabetics track their blood sugar after eating pizza?

To understand your body’s response to pizza:

1. Check blood sugar before eating.
2. Test again 2 hours after the meal.
3. Consider checking again 4 hours post-meal to see how long the effect lasts.
4. Keep a log of different pizza types and their effects on your blood sugar.

This information can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about including pizza in your diet.

What signs indicate that pizza might be affecting blood sugar too much?

Watch for these indicators:

• A blood sugar spike of more than 50 mg/dL two hours after eating.
• Feeling unusually thirsty or experiencing frequent urination.
• Fatigue or mood swings several hours after the meal.

If you notice these signs consistently, it may be necessary to adjust your approach to eating pizza.

In conclusion, diabetics can indeed enjoy pizza, including pepperoni, with proper planning and moderation. By making informed choices about crust, toppings, and portion sizes, and monitoring blood sugar responses, pizza can be part of a balanced diabetes-friendly diet. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice on incorporating pizza into your meal plan.

Is Pizza Safe to Eat with Diabetes?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

If you have diabetes, you’ve probably heard that you should avoid or reduce your consumption of certain foods and drinks, including sugary beverages, refined grains, and candy.

Of course, it’s best for everyone, not just those with diabetes, to follow a nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet that contains plenty of protein, healthy fat, and fiber.

That said, on occasion, people with diabetes can enjoy foods that are often viewed as “unhealthy,” including pizza.

This article explains how people with diabetes can safely eat pizza and provides tips for healthy eating habits for those with diabetes.

The short answer to this question is yes, people with diabetes can enjoy all types of pizza.

However, it’s a good idea for all people, not just those with diabetes, to limit their intake of pizza. Here’s why.

High in refined and total carbs

Regardless of whether you have diabetes, healthcare professionals generally recommend limiting your intake of refined carbs, including the white flour used to make pizza crust.

But people with blood sugar management issues, such as those with diabetes, need to be particularly mindful of the amounts of refined and total carbs they’re consuming.

Refined grains are stripped of certain nutrients like protein and fiber, and they have a greater effect on blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, whole, unrefined grains or other nutrient-dense carb sources, such as fiber-rich fruits and starchy vegetables, tend to affect blood sugar levels less (1, 2).

What’s more, research has linked diets high in refined carbs and ultra-processed foods like frozen pizzas with the following (2, 3, 4):

• an increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• higher fasting blood sugar levels
• higher hemoglobin A1c — a marker of long-term blood sugar management

In general, if you have diabetes, it’s a good idea to monitor your total carb intake, including the types of carbs you’re consuming. This is because carbs are the macronutrient that has the greatest effect on your blood sugar levels.

Depending on the type, a 100-gram slice of cheese pizza can pack around 30 grams, or two servings, of carbs, while providing a relatively small amount of protein and minimal fiber (5).

Keep in mind that the carb content of a pizza slice can be much higher depending on the thickness of the crust, the size of the slice, and the toppings.

So, if you were to eat two slices of cheese pizza, you could be consuming around four servings, or 60 grams, of carbs, which is a significant amount.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Daily Value (DV) for carbs for someone who eats 2,000 calories per day is 275 grams (6).

High in sodium

Pizza can be very high in sodium, which can be problematic for some people, especially those with diabetes.

For example, two slices (200 grams) of Pizza Hut cheese pizza contain 1,248 mg of sodium, which is more than 50% of the recommended daily sodium limit of 2,300 mg (5, 7).

This is a concern because people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure, which can be affected by a high salt intake (8).

High in saturated fat

The same two slices (200 grams) of Pizza Hut cheese pizza deliver 10 grams of saturated fat, or half of the current DV (5, 9).

A diet high in saturated fat may also worsen diabetes by contributing to insulin resistance, which negatively affects blood sugar management (10, 11).

However, this doesn’t mean that people with diabetes have to avoid pizza altogether.

It simply means you should consider moderating your intake of pizza, as well as other foods rich in refined carbs, and that the majority of your diet should comprise whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Summary

People with diabetes don’t have to avoid pizza. However, it’s a good idea to moderate your pizza intake as part of a nutrient-dense, balanced diet.

To be clear, a person with diabetes can safely have any type of pizza they want on occasion, even if it’s not the most nutritious option.

However, in general, it’s best for people with diabetes (and everyone else) to consume mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, fruits, protein sources like fish and chicken, as well as beans, nuts, and seeds.

When choosing carbs, it’s best to go for nutrient-dense carb sources most of the time. These include fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, and buckwheat.

If you order pizza, there are some ways to make your slice a bit more nutritious and blood-sugar-friendly.

Ingredients to choose

When deciding on a slice, opt for toppings like these:

• For fiber: grilled veggies, including zucchini, peppers, olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes
• For protein: roasted chicken, fresh mozzarella
• For healthy fats: olives, pine nuts

Choosing a whole grain crust or a crust made with almond flour or cauliflower can also boost your fiber intake.

Plus, a crust made with almond flour or vegetables like cauliflower tends to be much lower in carbs than regular pizza, and it will affect your blood sugar less significantly than crusts made with white or whole wheat flour.

Just keep in mind that certain low carb pizzas, such as those advertised to people on keto diets, can be very high in calories because they’re typically much higher in fat than regular pizza.

Ingredients to limit

It’s perfectly healthy to enjoy a slice of your favorite pizza on occasion, even if it contains ingredients like extra cheese or pepperoni.

That said, if you want to make your slice healthier, it’s best to limit certain ingredients.

Here are some ingredients to watch out for:

• processed meats like bacon, ham, and sausage
• fried chicken and fried vegetables like fried eggplant
• extra cheese topping and cheese-stuffed pizza crusts
• sweet toppings like barbecue sauce and sweetened pineapple chunks
• extra-thick crusts and deep-dish-style pizzas
• creamy, high calorie sauces like Alfredo sauce and ranch dressing

Many specialty pizzas contain one or more of these ingredients, which can significantly increase the carb content and overall calorie load of your slice.

For example, two large slices of Papa John’s Super Hawaiian Pizza contain 80 grams of carbs and 680 calories. Plus, at 1,840 mg of sodium, this meal packs 80% of the recommended daily sodium limit.

Also, be mindful of the size of your pizza slice. Even though frozen pizzas and chain restaurants have set slice sizes, independently owned pizzerias may cut very large slices, which contain more carbs and calories per slice.

Summary

To make your slice a bit more nutritious, limit ingredients like processed meats, stuffed crusts, and creamy sauces. Instead, add nutrient-dense toppings like vegetables and grilled chicken.

If you’re a pizza lover and have diabetes, you don’t have to give up your favorite cheesy food.

Here are a few tips on how to incorporate pizza into an overall healthy diet.

• Let go of the guilt. If you love pizza, there’s no reason to completely avoid it. It’s OK to enjoy a slice occasionally. In fact, studies show that in the short term, restricting your favorite foods can cause you to crave them even more (12).
• Pair pizza with healthy sides. Enjoying a slice of pizza alongside a large salad with a protein source like grilled chicken or salmon is a smart way to cover all of your nutrient needs and make the meal more filling (13).
• Go for nutrient-dense toppings that are high in fiber and protein. When ordering your pizza, choose toppings like mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes for fiber, and add a protein source, such as grilled chicken.
• Make your own pizza at home. Making your own pizza at home is not only a fun experience but also allows you to control the ingredients. Check out the recipes below for ideas.
• Be mindful of portion sizes. When ordering pizza, be aware of the slice sizes available. You can also choose thin crust pizzas at certain restaurants, which typically contain fewer calories and carbs.

If you break pizza down into its simplest ingredients, it’s really just flour, oil, cheese, and marinara sauce. Nothing to fear!

If you take a balanced approach to diet and nutrition, you can enjoy your favorite foods, including pizza, from time to time and not think twice about it.

Instead of fixating on one meal or one particular food, your focus should be on the overall quality of your diet.

Summary

You can incorporate pizza into an overall healthy diet, regardless of whether you have diabetes. Try pairing your slice with a fiber- and protein-rich side dish, being mindful of your portion size, and trying out some healthy homemade pizza recipes.

Making a pizza at home is a perfect way to try out new ingredients and create nutritious pizza recipes that are just as delicious as the slices you get from your favorite local pizzeria.

Here are a few ideas for homemade pizza recipes. These are a good choice for people with diabetes because they’re lower in carbs and higher in protein and fiber.

• Zucchini pizza crust. This zucchini pizza crust is made with almond flour, zucchini, and eggs and topped with mini bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, jalapeño, and mozzarella.
• Cauliflower pizza crust. Top this low carb cauliflower pizza crust with shredded chicken, pesto, mozzarella, and spinach for a delicious and low carb pesto chicken pizza that’s packed with protein.
• Almond flour pizza crust. This low carb almond flour pizza crust is easy to make. Top it with your choice of cheese, sauce, and veggies.

If you aren’t a fan of making pizza from scratch, there are plenty of options for making pizza at home that require minimal work in the kitchen.

Frozen pizza crust options from Cappello’s and Califlour Foods make great options for those who don’t want to make their own crust.

Simple Mills offers nutritious boxed pizza mix crust made with minimal ingredients that can be whipped up in no time with just a few simple ingredients.

Shop for Cappello’s, Califlour Foods, and Simple Mills pizza crust online.

If you have diabetes, lower carb crusts and toppings that are higher in fiber and protein are a good choice. These will affect your blood sugar levels less significantly.

Summary

Making your own pizza at home allows you to control its ingredients. Lower carb crusts, such as those made with almond flour or cauliflower, will affect your blood sugar levels less significantly than traditional crusts.

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.

Also, you can try making your own pizza at home using lower carb ingredients, such as almond flour and veggies, to make a diabetes-friendly pie that’s delicious and nutritious.

Just one thing

Like most New Yorkers, I am a big fan of pizza. However, I follow a mostly gluten-free diet, so I like to make pizza at home using simple ingredients. My favorite crust mix is from Simple Mills, and I also love Cappello’s frozen pizzas. Their White Pizza is my favorite!

Shop for Simple Mills crust mix and Cappelllo’s White Pizza online.

Was this helpful?

Is Pizza Safe to Eat with Diabetes?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

If you have diabetes, you’ve probably heard that you should avoid or reduce your consumption of certain foods and drinks, including sugary beverages, refined grains, and candy.

Of course, it’s best for everyone, not just those with diabetes, to follow a nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet that contains plenty of protein, healthy fat, and fiber.

That said, on occasion, people with diabetes can enjoy foods that are often viewed as “unhealthy,” including pizza.

This article explains how people with diabetes can safely eat pizza and provides tips for healthy eating habits for those with diabetes.

The short answer to this question is yes, people with diabetes can enjoy all types of pizza.

However, it’s a good idea for all people, not just those with diabetes, to limit their intake of pizza. Here’s why.

High in refined and total carbs

Regardless of whether you have diabetes, healthcare professionals generally recommend limiting your intake of refined carbs, including the white flour used to make pizza crust.

But people with blood sugar management issues, such as those with diabetes, need to be particularly mindful of the amounts of refined and total carbs they’re consuming.

Refined grains are stripped of certain nutrients like protein and fiber, and they have a greater effect on blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, whole, unrefined grains or other nutrient-dense carb sources, such as fiber-rich fruits and starchy vegetables, tend to affect blood sugar levels less (1, 2).

What’s more, research has linked diets high in refined carbs and ultra-processed foods like frozen pizzas with the following (2, 3, 4):

• an increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• higher fasting blood sugar levels
• higher hemoglobin A1c — a marker of long-term blood sugar management

In general, if you have diabetes, it’s a good idea to monitor your total carb intake, including the types of carbs you’re consuming. This is because carbs are the macronutrient that has the greatest effect on your blood sugar levels.

Depending on the type, a 100-gram slice of cheese pizza can pack around 30 grams, or two servings, of carbs, while providing a relatively small amount of protein and minimal fiber (5).

Keep in mind that the carb content of a pizza slice can be much higher depending on the thickness of the crust, the size of the slice, and the toppings.

So, if you were to eat two slices of cheese pizza, you could be consuming around four servings, or 60 grams, of carbs, which is a significant amount.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Daily Value (DV) for carbs for someone who eats 2,000 calories per day is 275 grams (6).

High in sodium

Pizza can be very high in sodium, which can be problematic for some people, especially those with diabetes.

For example, two slices (200 grams) of Pizza Hut cheese pizza contain 1,248 mg of sodium, which is more than 50% of the recommended daily sodium limit of 2,300 mg (5, 7).

This is a concern because people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure, which can be affected by a high salt intake (8).

High in saturated fat

The same two slices (200 grams) of Pizza Hut cheese pizza deliver 10 grams of saturated fat, or half of the current DV (5, 9).

A diet high in saturated fat may also worsen diabetes by contributing to insulin resistance, which negatively affects blood sugar management (10, 11).

However, this doesn’t mean that people with diabetes have to avoid pizza altogether.

It simply means you should consider moderating your intake of pizza, as well as other foods rich in refined carbs, and that the majority of your diet should comprise whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Summary

People with diabetes don’t have to avoid pizza. However, it’s a good idea to moderate your pizza intake as part of a nutrient-dense, balanced diet.

To be clear, a person with diabetes can safely have any type of pizza they want on occasion, even if it’s not the most nutritious option.

However, in general, it’s best for people with diabetes (and everyone else) to consume mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, fruits, protein sources like fish and chicken, as well as beans, nuts, and seeds.

When choosing carbs, it’s best to go for nutrient-dense carb sources most of the time. These include fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, and buckwheat.

If you order pizza, there are some ways to make your slice a bit more nutritious and blood-sugar-friendly.

Ingredients to choose

When deciding on a slice, opt for toppings like these:

• For fiber: grilled veggies, including zucchini, peppers, olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes
• For protein: roasted chicken, fresh mozzarella
• For healthy fats: olives, pine nuts

Choosing a whole grain crust or a crust made with almond flour or cauliflower can also boost your fiber intake.

Plus, a crust made with almond flour or vegetables like cauliflower tends to be much lower in carbs than regular pizza, and it will affect your blood sugar less significantly than crusts made with white or whole wheat flour.

Just keep in mind that certain low carb pizzas, such as those advertised to people on keto diets, can be very high in calories because they’re typically much higher in fat than regular pizza.

Ingredients to limit

It’s perfectly healthy to enjoy a slice of your favorite pizza on occasion, even if it contains ingredients like extra cheese or pepperoni.

That said, if you want to make your slice healthier, it’s best to limit certain ingredients.

Here are some ingredients to watch out for:

• processed meats like bacon, ham, and sausage
• fried chicken and fried vegetables like fried eggplant
• extra cheese topping and cheese-stuffed pizza crusts
• sweet toppings like barbecue sauce and sweetened pineapple chunks
• extra-thick crusts and deep-dish-style pizzas
• creamy, high calorie sauces like Alfredo sauce and ranch dressing

Many specialty pizzas contain one or more of these ingredients, which can significantly increase the carb content and overall calorie load of your slice.

For example, two large slices of Papa John’s Super Hawaiian Pizza contain 80 grams of carbs and 680 calories. Plus, at 1,840 mg of sodium, this meal packs 80% of the recommended daily sodium limit.

Also, be mindful of the size of your pizza slice. Even though frozen pizzas and chain restaurants have set slice sizes, independently owned pizzerias may cut very large slices, which contain more carbs and calories per slice.

Summary

To make your slice a bit more nutritious, limit ingredients like processed meats, stuffed crusts, and creamy sauces. Instead, add nutrient-dense toppings like vegetables and grilled chicken.

If you’re a pizza lover and have diabetes, you don’t have to give up your favorite cheesy food.

Here are a few tips on how to incorporate pizza into an overall healthy diet.

• Let go of the guilt. If you love pizza, there’s no reason to completely avoid it. It’s OK to enjoy a slice occasionally. In fact, studies show that in the short term, restricting your favorite foods can cause you to crave them even more (12).
• Pair pizza with healthy sides. Enjoying a slice of pizza alongside a large salad with a protein source like grilled chicken or salmon is a smart way to cover all of your nutrient needs and make the meal more filling (13).
• Go for nutrient-dense toppings that are high in fiber and protein. When ordering your pizza, choose toppings like mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes for fiber, and add a protein source, such as grilled chicken.
• Make your own pizza at home. Making your own pizza at home is not only a fun experience but also allows you to control the ingredients. Check out the recipes below for ideas.
• Be mindful of portion sizes. When ordering pizza, be aware of the slice sizes available. You can also choose thin crust pizzas at certain restaurants, which typically contain fewer calories and carbs.

If you break pizza down into its simplest ingredients, it’s really just flour, oil, cheese, and marinara sauce. Nothing to fear!

If you take a balanced approach to diet and nutrition, you can enjoy your favorite foods, including pizza, from time to time and not think twice about it.

Instead of fixating on one meal or one particular food, your focus should be on the overall quality of your diet.

Summary

You can incorporate pizza into an overall healthy diet, regardless of whether you have diabetes. Try pairing your slice with a fiber- and protein-rich side dish, being mindful of your portion size, and trying out some healthy homemade pizza recipes.

Making a pizza at home is a perfect way to try out new ingredients and create nutritious pizza recipes that are just as delicious as the slices you get from your favorite local pizzeria.

Here are a few ideas for homemade pizza recipes. These are a good choice for people with diabetes because they’re lower in carbs and higher in protein and fiber.

• Zucchini pizza crust. This zucchini pizza crust is made with almond flour, zucchini, and eggs and topped with mini bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, jalapeño, and mozzarella.
• Cauliflower pizza crust. Top this low carb cauliflower pizza crust with shredded chicken, pesto, mozzarella, and spinach for a delicious and low carb pesto chicken pizza that’s packed with protein.
• Almond flour pizza crust. This low carb almond flour pizza crust is easy to make. Top it with your choice of cheese, sauce, and veggies.

If you aren’t a fan of making pizza from scratch, there are plenty of options for making pizza at home that require minimal work in the kitchen.

Frozen pizza crust options from Cappello’s and Califlour Foods make great options for those who don’t want to make their own crust.

Simple Mills offers nutritious boxed pizza mix crust made with minimal ingredients that can be whipped up in no time with just a few simple ingredients.

Shop for Cappello’s, Califlour Foods, and Simple Mills pizza crust online.

If you have diabetes, lower carb crusts and toppings that are higher in fiber and protein are a good choice. These will affect your blood sugar levels less significantly.

Summary

Making your own pizza at home allows you to control its ingredients. Lower carb crusts, such as those made with almond flour or cauliflower, will affect your blood sugar levels less significantly than traditional crusts.

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.

Also, you can try making your own pizza at home using lower carb ingredients, such as almond flour and veggies, to make a diabetes-friendly pie that’s delicious and nutritious.

Just one thing

Like most New Yorkers, I am a big fan of pizza. However, I follow a mostly gluten-free diet, so I like to make pizza at home using simple ingredients. My favorite crust mix is from Simple Mills, and I also love Cappello’s frozen pizzas. Their White Pizza is my favorite!

Shop for Simple Mills crust mix and Cappelllo’s White Pizza online.

Was this helpful?

Can people with diabetes eat pizza? – Drink-Drink

07/04/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

• Is pizza safe for people with diabetes?
  • High in refined and total carbohydrates
  • High in sodium
  • High in saturated fat
• What types of pizza are best for people with diabetes?
  • Choice of ingredients
  • Limit 9 ingredients0012
• Helpful Tips for Pizza Lovers
• Nutritious Pizza Recipes
• Bottom Line
  • Just One
• Eating Healthy: Foods Good for Diabetes

We include products that we think are good for our readers. If you make a purchase through the links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here is our process.

If you have diabetes, you may have heard that you should avoid or reduce your intake of certain foods and drinks, including sugary drinks, refined grains, and candy.

Of course, it’s best for everyone, not just diabetics, to eat a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet that’s high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

However, sometimes people with diabetes may enjoy foods that are often considered “unhealthy”, including pizza.

This article explains how people with diabetes can eat pizza safely and provides healthy eating tips for people with diabetes.

Is pizza safe for people with diabetes?

The short answer to this question is yes, people with diabetes can enjoy all types of pizza.

However, all people, not just diabetics, are advised to limit their consumption of pizza. That’s why.

High in Refined and Total Carbohydrates

Whether or not you have diabetes, healthcare professionals generally recommend limiting your intake of refined carbohydrates, including white flour used to make pizza dough.

But people with blood sugar control problems, such as those with diabetes, should be especially careful about the amount of refined and total carbohydrates they consume.

Refined grains are devoid of certain nutrients such as protein and fiber and have a greater impact on blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, whole, unrefined grains or other nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources, such as fiber-rich fruits and starchy vegetables, tend to have less of an effect on blood sugar levels.1, 2).

Moreover, studies have linked diets high in refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods such as frozen pizza to the following (2, 3, 4):

• increased risk of type 2 diabetes
• higher blood sugar fasting
• higher hemoglobin A1c – a marker for long-term blood sugar control

In general, if you have diabetes, it’s a good idea to monitor your total carbohydrate intake, including the types of carbohydrates you consume. This is because carbohydrates are the macronutrient that has the biggest impact on blood sugar levels.

Depending on the type, a 100-gram slice of cheese pizza can contain about 30 grams or two servings of carbohydrates, while providing relatively little protein and minimal fiber.5).

Please note that the carbohydrate content of a pizza slice can be much higher depending on the thickness of the crust, slice size and toppings.

So if you were to eat two slices of cheese pizza, you could consume about four servings or 60 grams of carbs, which is a significant amount.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Daily Value (DV) of carbohydrates for a person who consumes 2,000 calories per day is 275 grams.6).

High sodium

Pizza can be very high in sodium, which can be a problem for some people, especially those with diabetes.

For example, two slices (200 grams) of Pizza Hut cheese pizza contain 1,248 mg of sodium, which is more than 50% of the recommended daily allowance of 2,300 mg of sodium (5, 7).

This is of concern as people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure, which can be affected by high salt intake. 8).

High Saturated Fat

The same two slices (200 grams) of Pizza Hut Cheesy Pizza have 10 grams of saturated fat, or half the current Daily Value (DV).5, 9).

A diet high in saturated fat may also exacerbate diabetes by promoting insulin resistance, which negatively affects blood sugar control.10,11).

However, this does not mean that people with diabetes should avoid pizza entirely.

This simply means that you should consider eating pizza in moderation, as well as other foods rich in refined carbohydrates, and that the majority of your diet should consist of whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Conclusion

People with diabetes should not avoid pizza. However, it is recommended to moderate pizza consumption as part of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

What types of pizza are best for people with diabetes?

To be clear, a person with diabetes can safely eat any type of pizza they want, even if it’s not the most nutritious option.

However, in general, people with diabetes (and everyone else) are best off eating mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables, fruits, protein sources like fish and chicken, and beans, nuts, and seeds.

When choosing carbohydrates, most of the time it is best to choose nutrient-rich carbohydrate sources. These include fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and buckwheat.

If you order pizza, there are several ways to make it a little more nutritious and without blood sugar.

Ingredients of your choice

When choosing cuts, choose these toppings:

• For fiber: grilled vegetables, including zucchini, peppers, olives, artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes
• 90 106 For protein: fried chicken, fresh mozzarella
• For healthy fats: olives, pine nuts

Choosing a whole grain crust or a crust made from almond flour or cauliflower can also increase your fiber intake.

In addition, a crust made with almond flour or vegetables such as cauliflower contains far fewer carbohydrates than regular pizza and has less effect on blood sugar than a crust made with white or whole grain flour.

Just be aware that some low carb pizzas, such as those advertised for people on a keto diet, can be very high in calories because they usually contain a lot more fat than regular pizza.

Ingredients to limit

It is perfectly healthy to enjoy a slice of your favorite pizza from time to time, even if it contains ingredients such as extra cheese or pepperoni.

However, if you want to make your slice healthier, it’s best to limit certain ingredients.

Here are some ingredients to watch out for:

• processed meats such as bacon, ham and sausage
• fried chicken and fried vegetables such as fried eggplant
• extra cheese toppings and cheese pizza crusts
• sweet toppings such as barbecue sauce and sweetened pineapple chunks
• extra thick crusts and deep shaped pizza
• creamy , high-calorie sauces such as Alfredo Sauce and Ranch Sauce

Many specialty pizzas contain one or more of these ingredients, which can greatly increase the carbohydrate content and overall calorie content of your slice.

For example, two large slices of Papa John’s Super Hawaiian Pizza has 80 grams of carbs and 680 calories. In addition, at 1,840 mg of sodium, this meal contains 80% of the recommended daily allowance for sodium.

Also note the size of the pizza slice. Even though frozen pizzas and chain restaurants have set slice sizes, independent pizzerias can cut very large slices that contain more carbs and calories per slice.

Conclusion

To make your slice a little more nutritious, limit ingredients such as processed meats, stuffed crusts, and creamy sauces. Instead, add nutrient-dense toppings like vegetables and grilled chicken.

Tips for Pizza Lovers

If you’re a pizza lover and diabetic, you don’t have to give up your favorite cheese food.

Here are some tips on how to include pizza in your overall healthy diet.

• Let go of guilt. If you love pizza, there’s no reason to avoid it completely. From time to time you can enjoy a piece. In fact, research shows that in the short term, limiting your favorite foods can cause you to crave them even more (12).
• Pair pizza with healthy sides. Enjoying a slice of pizza along with a big salad with a protein source like fried chicken or salmon is a smart way to meet all your nutritional needs and make your meal more satisfying (13).
• Choose nutritious toppings that are high in fiber and protein. When ordering pizza, choose toppings such as mushrooms, spinach and artichokes that contain fiber and add a protein source such as grilled chicken.
• Make pizza at home. Making your own pizza at home is not only a fun activity, but also the ability to control the ingredients. Check out the recipes below for ideas.
• Be mindful of portion sizes. When ordering a pizza, pay attention to the available slice sizes. You can also opt for thin-crust pizza at some restaurants, which is usually lower in calories and carbohydrates.

When broken down into the simplest ingredients, pizza is really just flour, butter, cheese and marinara sauce. Nothing to fear!

If you take a balanced approach to diet and nutrition, you can enjoy your favorite foods, including pizza, from time to time without thinking about it.

Instead of focusing on one meal or one particular food, you should focus on the overall quality of your diet.

Conclusion

You can include pizza in your overall healthy diet, whether or not you have diabetes. Try pairing your slice with a side dish rich in fiber and protein, keep your serving size in mind, and try some healthy homemade pizza recipes.

Nutritious Pizza Recipes

Making pizza at home is the perfect way to try out new ingredients and create nutritious pizza recipes that are just as delicious as the slices you get at your favorite local pizzeria.

Here are some homemade pizza recipe ideas. They are a good choice for people with diabetes because they are lower in carbs and higher in protein and fiber.

• Zucchini pizza crust. This zucchini pizza crust is made with almond flour, zucchini and eggs and topped with mini sweet peppers, tomatoes, red onions, mushrooms, jalapenos and mozzarella.
• Cauliflower pizza crust. Top this low carb cauliflower pizza crust with shredded chicken, pesto, mozzarella and spinach for a delicious, low carb protein-rich chicken pesto pizza.
• Almond flour pizza crust. This low carb almond flour pizza crust is easy to make. Garnish with cheese, sauce and vegetables of your choice.

If you don’t like making pizza from scratch, there are plenty of pizza making options at home that require minimal work in the kitchen.

Cappello’s and Califlor Foods frozen pizza crust options are a great option for those who don’t want to make their own crust.

Simple Mills offers a nutritious boxed pizza crust made with minimal ingredients that can be made quickly with just a few simple ingredients.

Buy Cappello’s, Califlor Foods and Simple Mills pizza crusts online.

If you have diabetes, low carbohydrate crusts and high fiber and protein fillings are good choices. This will affect blood sugar levels less significantly.

Conclusion

Making your own pizza at home gives you control over the ingredients. Low-carb crusts, such as those made from almond flour or cauliflower, have less of an effect on blood sugar levels than traditional crusts.

Bottom Line

If you have diabetes, eating a nutrient-dense diet is essential for optimal health and blood sugar control. However, this does not mean that you should give up pizza.

Instead, enjoy a slice or two of your favorite pizza from time to time as part of a balanced diet.

Alternatively, you can try making pizza at home using low carb ingredients such as almond flour and vegetables to make a diabetic-friendly, tasty and nutritious cake.

Only one

Like most New Yorkers, I’m a big fan of pizza. However, I follow a mostly gluten-free diet, so I enjoy making pizza at home with simple ingredients. My favorite crust mix is ​​from Simple Mills and I also love Cappello frozen pizza. Their white pizza is my favorite!

Buy Simple Mills crust mix and Cappello white pizza online.

Proper nutrition: foods useful for diabetes

Food and Health

Can diabetics eat pizza? What You Need to Know When Eating Pizza for a Diabetic – The Diabetic and Me

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4

Author:

Eli Fornoville

Published September 13, 2021 Updated October 21, 2022

4 Min Read

Eating pizza can be a pleasant experience. But if you’re a diabetic, the question of whether you can eat pizza deserves some attention. For this reason, I have compiled this article on eating pizza as a diabetic to answer your questions and clear up any confusion about it.

In this Diabetic & Me article, you will learn about:

• Can diabetics eat pizza?
• Can pizza raise blood sugar levels?
• What is the best pizza for diabetics?

contents

Can pizza raise blood sugar levels?

How can you eat pizza and still be on a diet?

Adjust your insulin

Limit portion sizes

How bad is pizza for diabetics?

What is the best pizza for diabetics?

Choose different crusts

Cover the fat

Make your own pizza

Conclusion

Diabetes is a condition in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin—and ultimately regulate blood glucose—is reduced. There are different types of diabetes, but they can all lead to high blood sugar if left untreated. While there is no one specific cause for this disease, many researchers believe that poor diet and lack of exercise play an important role in its development.

So what does this have to do with eating pizza? Well, as it turns out, there are many different things that can affect a person’s blood sugar and limit their ability to control their glucose levels. And one of those factors is the food we eat, especially for diabetics or people with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance. When you regularly include certain foods in your diet (yes, even pizza!), they can lead to more serious health problems like obesity and diabetes if eaten too often. But don’t worry! Not all pizzas were created equally; in fact, some varieties can be a better option than regular pizza.

Can pizza raise blood sugar levels?

Pizza is mainly categorized as fast food. Pizza often contains twice as much carbohydrates, fats, proteins and has a high glycemic index (GI). Pizza stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and contains a large amount of carbohydrates and sugar, as well as little fiber, which slows down digestion. As a result, eating pizza can raise blood sugar levels. This may well explain that pizza, rich in fats and proteins, can change digestion.

Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are quickly broken down by our body when we eat them along with fat, fiber and protein. We can slow down the rate at which carbs raise blood sugar by combining carbs with fat, fiber, and protein.

How can you eat pizza and still be on a diet?

The trick here is to make sure you choose the right pizza, take your insulin at the right time to help manage your diabetes while you enjoy the pizza.

Pizza often contains more than 100 carbohydrates. If you give an injection or bolus beforehand, there is a chance that you will get hypo first. Insulin begins to work while carbohydrates are still waiting in the stomach.

Be sure to contact your healthcare provider or registered dietitian to understand how to consume carbohydrates and manage your personal diet.

Adjust your insulin

The solution may be to administer insulin after a meal, or even better: inject 50% in advance and also inject 50% 1-2 hours later. You’ll probably have to set yourself an alarm or something, because if you forget to spray that second 50%, you’re even further from home!

Your insulin pump has settings that you use to divide your insulin into the desired and desired time period.

Limit portion sizes

You can still enjoy pizza if you limit portion sizes. Eat only 4 instead of 6. Add a salad with a bit of olive oil instead of eating an extra slice of pizza.

How bad is pizza for diabetics?

In general, pizza can be divided into two broad categories: thin crust and deep dish. The main difference between these types of pizza is the amount of dough used in making them, which ultimately results in different serving sizes.

Thin-crust pizzas usually have less dough than, for example, thicker or deep-dish style pizzas. In addition to this main difference between different styles of pizza, there are other factors that can lead to a change in blood sugar after eating pizza, for example:

• whether it was homemade or takeaway/delivery slices you eat at one meal
• what toppings were added (extra cheese has been found to raise glucose levels faster)
• if it is a fresh or frozen pizza
• and whether you add sugar to your pizza (no-no for diabetics).

What is the best pizza for diabetics?

So what makes certain types of pizza better than others when it comes to blood glucose levels? Well, according to a 2010 study by researchers at the Charles Perkins Center at the University of Sydney titled The Effects of a High-Protein-Low-Carb Diet on Glucose Control, eating fewer carbohydrates may help prevent post-blood sugar spikes. food.

And that’s why many health experts recommend a low-carbohydrate diet if you want to reduce your risk of developing diabetes and insulin resistance.

Choose different crusts

For example, you choose a whole grain pizza crust or a cauliflower crust rather than a regular pastry crust.

Cover the fat

Try to stay away from high fat pizza, don’t use too much cheese and choose low fat options. If you’re making your own pizza, you can use chicken, fish, or extra vegetables as toppings instead of cheese or fatty meats.