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, 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
Refined carbohydrates, such as the white flour used in pizza crust, are typically discouraged by medical specialists whether or not you have diabetes.
However, diabetics and those who have trouble controlling their blood sugar levels need to pay extra attention to the amounts of refined and total carbohydrates they consume.
Reduced in protein and fiber content, refined grains have a more dramatic impact on blood sugar levels and are less healthy overall.
Alternatively, nutrient-dense food sources like whole, unprocessed grains or fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber and starch have less impact on blood sugar levels (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
In addition, studies have found a connection between eating plenty of processed foods like frozen pizza and the following health problems:
- an increased risk of type 2 diabetes
- higher fasting blood sugar levels
- higher hemoglobin A1c — a marker of long-term blood sugar management
When managing diabetes, it’s important to be mindful not only of the total amount of carbohydrates consumed, but also the types of carbohydrates. This is because carbohydrates are the macronutrient that most heavily influences blood sugar levels.
A 100-gram slice of cheese pizza can contain around 30 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to two servings, along with some protein and fiber. However, it is important to keep in mind that the carbohydrate content of a slice of pizza can vary greatly depending on factors such as the type of dough, slice size, and toppings.
For example, two slices of cheese pizza can easily contain 60 grams of carbohydrates, or four servings.
The FDA recommends that individuals who consume 2,000 calories per day aim to consume 275 grams of carbohydrates to meet the agency’s definition of the Daily Value (DV).
High in sodium
Pizza can contain a lot of sodium, which may be detrimental to some people, particularly those who have diabetes.
For instance, two slices (200 grams) of the cheese pizza from Pizza Hut have 1,248 mg of sodium, which is more than half of the 2,300 mg daily recommended limit.
Because those who have type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure, which can be impacted by a high salt intake, this is a concern.
High in saturated fat
The same two slices of Pizza Hut cheese pizza (200 grams) contain 10 grams of saturated fat or half of the current DV.
A high-fat diet may also aggravate diabetes by promoting insulin resistance, which hurts blood sugar control.
This is not to say that people with diabetes should avoid pizza entirely.
It simply means that you should limit your intake of pizza and other foods high in refined carbohydrates and that the majority of your diet should consist of whole, nutrient-dense foods.
SUMMARY
Diabetics are not required to avoid pizza. However, as part of a nutrient-dense, balanced diet, it’s a good idea to limit your pizza consumption.
Pizza and diabetes
You can eat pizza even if you have diabetes, if you want to. But even a few pieces of pie, let alone a whole pie, can make it hard to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. You can thank the amount of carbs and fat for this.
The amount of carbs in your slice goes up as the crust gets thicker. And if your crust isn’t made of whole grains or isn’t even made of grains (like a cauliflower crust), the refined white flour can pack a pretty big glycemic punch. There might be sugar added to the tomato sauce, which would make it have even more carbs.
Additionally, the cheese, olive oil, and toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, etc., add to the fat content of the pizza. Some of the fat is saturated, which can have negative effects on your arteries. However, fat in general slows down digestion, meaning the carbohydrates will take longer to take effect. This could explain why blood sugar levels are higher the next morning.
Finally, the high sodium content of pizza can be problematic, particularly for those with high blood pressure or a tendency to retain water in their bodies.
Can pizza raise your blood sugar?
In this article, we will focus on ways to manage the rise in blood sugar levels when consuming pizza, which is a high-carbohydrate food. Our aim is to control the rate at which your blood sugar levels increase, rather than having a sudden spike or a delayed spike.
It is important to note that the rate of carbohydrate-induced blood sugar elevation can be slowed by combining them with fat, fiber, and protein. However, due to the high fat content in most pizzas, the immediate impact on blood sugar levels may not be as noticeable. The high fat content in pizza causes it to take longer to digest, which can make you feel drowsy but temporarily lower your blood sugar levels. However, your blood sugar levels may dramatically increase a few hours later.
We will explore ways to control your blood sugar after eating pizza, including methods to minimize the impact of the carbohydrates in a slice of pizza on your blood sugar levels both immediately after and in the long-term.
Healthy tips for pizza lovers
If you have diabetes yet enjoy pizza, you do not have to give up your favorite cheesy dish.
Here are some suggestions for including pizza into a healthy diet overall.
- Release your guilt. If you enjoy pizza, there is no need to forgo it entirely. It’s acceptable to consume an occasional slice. In fact, research suggest that limiting your favorite meals might increase your cravings for them in the short run (12Trusted Source).
- Combine pizza with nutritious sides. Eating a slice of pizza with a large salad with grilled chicken or salmon is an intelligent method to meet all of your dietary needs and make the meal more satisfying (13Trusted Source).
- Choose toppings that are nutrient-dense and high in fiber and protein. Choose fiber-rich toppings such as mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes when ordering pizza, and add grilled chicken for protein.
- Make pizza from scratch at home. In addition to being a pleasurable experience, making pizza at home allows you to manage the ingredients. Check out the listed recipes for inspiration.
- Consider your portion amounts. When ordering pizza, be mindful of the possible slice sizes. Some restaurants also offer thin-crust pizzas, which often include fewer calories and carbohydrates.
- Flour, oil, cheese, and marinara sauce comprise the pizza’s most basic components. There is nothing to fear!
If you follow a balanced approach to diet and nutrition, you may occasionally indulge in your favorite meals, even pizza, without feeling guilty.
Instead than focusing on a single meal or snack, you should concentrate on the overall quality of your diet.
How many slices of pizza can a diabetic eat
It is also important to consider the type of pizza you are eating and the ingredients used. Opting for a whole grain crust and limiting high-fat toppings can help reduce the impact on blood sugar levels. Additionally, incorporating plenty of vegetables as toppings can increase the fiber content, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can also help regulate blood sugar levels and support overall health. Whether it’s a brisk walk after a meal or a more intense workout, incorporating exercise into your daily routine can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
Ultimately, the key to managing diabetes and enjoying the occasional slice of pizza is to make informed choices, monitor blood sugar levels closely, and work closely with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.
Can you eat a few slices?
Even if you have diabetes, you can still eat a few slices. 8 grams of carbs can be found in one slice of pizza. Most people think that one slice of pizza has about 100 grams of carbs. So, you can eat 1.6 slices of pizza (8 grams x 5 slices = 40 grams) and still be in range. There are 28 grams of carbs in two pieces of pizza. So, you can eat 2.4 slices (28 grams x 5 slices = 140 grams) and still be in range. Diabetes patients can eat up to 24 slices of pizza a day. You need to pick a size that you can eat without getting too full.
Why pizza is bad for diabetics
Pizza is bad for everyone, but it can be especially bad for people who have diabetes. Most pizzas have a lot of cheese and bread, which is why. Your blood sugar can rise if you eat these two things. Your blood sugar will also go up because of the extra fat and carbs in the pizza. Even if you don’t want to give up pizza entirely, you should try to eat less of it. When you’re not diabetic, you can always eat pizza, but it’s best to stick to foods that are lower in fat and carbs. Try to have at least twice or three times a week for a more balanced meal.
How To Enjoy Regular Pizza As a Diabetic
Diabetics can eat traditional pizza, although it may require some dietary adjustments. You may enjoy a warm and fuzzy season if you stick to the recommended quantity of traditional pizza each meal that maintains your blood sugar increasing at a constant rate. But having your glycated hemoglobin levels checked after a substantial meal might be helpful.
Pizza can be a challenge for those with diabetes. It’s possible that, at first, a solo pizza feast won’t bother you. However, your body will cause a delayed blood sugar spike afterward. On the side, you can feel drained, weary, restless, and listless.
We’ll go into more detail on how to control the fat and carbohydrate content of pizza to avoid a slow rise in blood sugar. Let’s go further into it.
When Can a Diabetic Eat Pizza
If we’re being really honest, it doesn’t really make a difference when you eat your pizza. Having said that, the food that you had in the meal before this one is important. If you have diabetes, it is in your best interest to keep a daily log of the carbohydrates you consume so that you can determine the level of carbohydrate consumption that your body can handle.
After you have finished getting your body ready and figuring out how many carbs are in a slice of pizza, you can finally enjoy it. It is imperative that you make an appointment with your primary care physician in order to have a discussion about incorporating pizza in your diet before you do anything on your own.
If your physician gives you the green light, there’s no need to hold back. As long as you are aware of the limits your body can reach, you are free to eat pizza whenever hunger strikes and continue until you are satisfied. Remember that the dosage of your medications needs to be consistent with the amount of carbohydrates you eat as well!
Balancing Macronutrients When Eating Pizza as a Diabetic
The regular variety of pizza is notoriously rich in carbs and fat. Additionally, there are proteins that are good for you. However, we need to strike a balance between those macro and micronutrients while selecting a pizza.
When you eat pizza, you have to start with the crust, so you need to be sure you’re getting enough fiber. Be cautious to steer clear of any sauces that have added sugars, as there are many different kinds. Both the crust proteins and the topping proteins on the pizza should be on the leaner side. Your choice of cheese need to be on the drier side as well. Use cheese made from plants wherever possible to cut down on the amount of sugar and fat in the dish.
How to Eat Pizza When You Have Diabetes Type 1
People with type 1 diabetes are more susceptible to experiencing an unexpected and delayed increase in their blood sugar levels, which can lead to severe discomfort. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes patients usually experience a gradual increase in blood sugar.
While having to limit your pizza intake may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that you can still enjoy your favorite food, even with a chronic illness. If you have type 1 diabetes and want to eat traditional pizza, it’s recommended to divide your insulin doses to better manage your blood sugar levels.
The most effective way to determine the appropriate insulin dosage is to count your macros before administering the bolus. If your calculation reveals that you need a total of four units, it’s recommended to split your doses.
To find the best solution, try experimenting with different timing intervals for administering the insulin, such as before or after eating pizza, and at various intervals such as 30 minutes or an hour. However, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your insulin regimen. As you have the most personal knowledge of your body, you have the ability to personalize the timing to your needs.
How to Eat Pizza When You Have Diabetes Type 2
If you have diabetes type 2, you don’t need to worry as much about needing to have injections. Having said that, it is essential to still be concerned about maintaining a steady blood sugar level while eating pizza.
Keep tabs on your calorie intake
If you reduce the number of carbohydrates you consume throughout the meal that you have already eaten, you will have room for a great basic pizza. Before you start eating, you should sit down and figure out how many carbohydrates and how much fat you will consume for the day.
Go On A Jog
Jog about half an hour before you eat pizza so that your stomach will be ready for it. Take a pal out for a stroll after dinner if you don’t want to be caught off guard by the pizza party! Remember to include greens on your pizza in some capacity, whether as a side dish or a topping.
Can You Have Pizza If You Have Gestational Diabetes?
When a woman is battling gestational diabetes, she craves pizza more than anything else in the world and can’t wait to get her hands on some. It is very normal to have cravings for an additional slice of cheesy deliciousness, particularly during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Despite this, many people appear to avoid eating their favorite foods out of worry that they would develop gestational diabetes. The wonderful news is that we are here to inform you that it does not have to be like that in any manner, shape, or form. You can have gestational diabetes and yet enjoy a standard pizza!
How to Eat Pizza When You Have Gestational Diabetes
When you are pregnant and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your options for enjoying a pizza are quite limited.
You can, on the other hand, eat a pizza with a crust that is low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and high in fat consumption much as you would a tortilla wrap. You can bake your wrap until it takes on the appearance of pizza and yet maintains a healthy quantity of protein! Your gestational diabetes won’t become any worse if you do it this way.
Even if the crust looks to be on the healthier side, you should still discuss the possibility with your dietitian or gynecologist before you make the decision to consume regular pizza.
Gluten-Free Pizza: A Good Choice For Diabetics?
A lot of companies say that pizzas made without gluten are better for diabetics because they are healthier. On the other hand, we want to let you know that just because a pizza doesn’t have gluten on it doesn’t mean it’s better for your blood sugar.
There isn’t much evidence from scientific studies to back up the idea that cutting out gluten can help improve the symptoms of diabetes. Even so, a number of new studies show that doctors shouldn’t tell people with type 2 diabetes to avoid gluten because it may hurt their condition more than help it.
On the other hand, gluten-free pizzas seem to have a higher percentage of both protein and fiber than regular pizzas. So, if you find a pizza option that works for you and your diabetes, talk to your nutritionist about it before you start to eat it.
Suitable Pizza Crust and Topping Options for Diabetics
It’s crucial for individuals with diabetes to monitor their daily sugar intake and keep track of the amount of carbohydrates and sugars they consume. To ensure you are making the best choices for your health, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor and discuss a recommended daily limit for your specific needs.
When making healthier choices, it’s important to consider the ingredients in the crust and toppings. For example, while a cauliflower crust may seem like a healthier option, it may contain rice flour which can be harmful for individuals with diabetes. It’s recommended to opt for a whole wheat crust, which provides more fiber and nutrients.
When it comes to toppings, try to include plenty of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, olives, and more. For a healthier and tastier option, consider ordering a pizza made with plant-based ingredients from a place like Pizza PTC, which specializes in real Neapolitan frozen pizza with healthier and more flavorful options.
Will one slice of pizza raise blood sugar?
Can pizza cause blood sugar to rise? Yes, pizza raises blood sugar levels because it frequently contains a lot of carbohydrates.
Can diabetics eat pizza?
Thin-crust pizza topped with veggies rather than high-fat meats and additional cheese may be a healthy option for those with type 2 diabetes. In addition, it’s wise to be mindful of serving sizes.
What is the best pizza for a diabetic to eat?
Here are some additional tips to make your pizza healthier, especially if you live with diabetes:
- Opt for thin crust pizza (this cuts down on total carbohydrates and total sodium)
- Avoid stuffed crusts and deep-dish pizzas that have many extra carbohydrates.
Why can’t diabetics eat pizza?
After a poor meal, the heart needs to work harder, especially in people with type 2 diabetes. Fast food is linked to diabetes because of the high levels of sugar and fat it often includes. But what’s worse is that it drives up both glucose and fat (triglyceride) levels in the blood.
Can a diabetic eat a burger?
If you have diabetes, you may still eat at Burger King, but you need to be careful about how many carbs and fats you get. To cut back on carbohydrates, simply remove half of the bread from sandwiches and burgers.
Can diabetics eat Little Caesar’s pizza?
Diabetics may make healthier meal combinations by combining different things from Little Caesars’ menu. If you want a Little Caesars pizza that’s good for your diabetes, load it up with vegetables and order it with a thin crust and cheese.
Is KFC OK for diabetics?
Poultry is generally recommended as part of a diabetes-friendly diet, except when it is breaded, coated in flour, and deep-fried. Restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Popeye’s) have updated their menus to include a new version that is higher in carbohydrates, saturated fat, and calories.
How many times a day should diabetics eat?
The cornerstone of a diabetic diet is sticking to a strict three-meal-a-day schedule. This improves how your body utilizes insulin, whether it is insulin you make naturally or insulin you take. A trained dietician can help you create a nutrition plan that takes into account your individual needs, preferences, and way of life.
How can I lower my blood sugar after eating pizza?
Increasing the amount of protein in your pizza can help your body absorb the carbs more slowly from the crust. Some pizza toppings, such as arugula or other vegetables, might increase the meal’s fiber content and so slow down the digestion rate, making it easier for your body to absorb the sugars released during carbohydrate digestion.
Is pepperoni OK for diabetics?
Ultra-processed meat items like pepperoni, pastrami, and lunch meat can contain considerable salt and saturated fat, adding to high blood pressure and heart disease risks, according to Melissa Halas, M.A., R.D.N., C.D.E., private practice nutritionist at Melissa’s Healthy Living.
Is cheese good for diabetics?
Send to Pinterest Diabetics may enjoy cheese in moderation without worry. Cheese may be part of a healthy diet for those with diabetes. Like any other food, cheese may be toxic in large quantities, thus a diet heavy in cheese would be risky for persons with or without diabetes.
How late can diabetics eat dinner?
One person who also took part in follow-up research lasting 8 weeks and who agreed to schedule all of his meals between 9:30 and 7:30 says he has benefited from the experiment.
What time should diabetics stop eating at night?
Try to go 10 to 12 hours each night without eating, Sheth advises. For instance, if you eat breakfast at 8:30 a.m. every morning, that means capping your nighttime meals and snacks between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. each night.
What is the best thing for diabetes to eat before bed?
A high-fiber, low-fat snack eaten just before night will help you avoid the “morning after” feeling. You may have some cheese on some whole wheat crackers or some peanut butter on an apple. Consuming these items regularly will keep your blood sugar level constant and prevent the liver from producing excess glucose.
Can you eat Mcdonald’s with diabetes?
Diabetics can choose from chicken or meatless salads among McDonald’s healthier alternatives. Chicken that has been grilled, as opposed to deep-fried, is a better choice for those watching their carbohydrate and calorie intake. For instance, there are 16 grams of carbohydrates and 440 calories in the Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad, for instance.
Conclusion
On the off chance that you have diabetes, following a supplement thick eating regimen is fundamental for ideal well-being and glucose the board. Be that as it may, this doesn’t mean you need to surrender pizza.
All things being equal, partake in a cut or two of your #1 pizza once in a while as a component of a fair eating regimen.
Likewise, you can take a stab at making your own pizza at home utilizing lower carb fixings, for example, almond flour and veggies, to make a diabetes-accommodating pie that is flavorful and nutritious.