Understanding Diabetes and Candy
For the over 37 million people living with diabetes in the United States, managing blood sugar levels is a daily necessity. Consuming too many sweets or simple carbohydrates can cause dangerous spikes in blood glucose, so many people with diabetes avoid candy and other sugary foods.
However, with careful selection and portion control, people with diabetes can still enjoy an occasional sweet treat. In moderation, certain candies - especially those made with sugar substitutes and sugar alcohols instead of plain sugar - are a better option for diabetics.
Healthiest Candy Options for Diabetics
When choosing candy with diabetes in mind, there are a few specific things to look for:
- Sugar free - Made with non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or stevia instead of sugar
- Low glycemic index - Won't cause sharp rises in blood sugar
- High fiber - Helps slow sugar absorption into the bloodstream
- No added fats - Additional fats can exacerbate insulin resistance
- Small serving sizes - Important for portion control
Many major candy brands now produce sugar-free versions that meet these criteria. Smart Sweets, Russell Stover, Jelly Belly, and Hershey's all offer sizeable sugar-free candy lines.
Popular Sugar Free Candies
Here are some of the most diabetes-friendly candy options on the market:
Sugar Free Chocolates
- Russell Stover Sugar Free Chocolates
- Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Bars
- Lily's Dark Chocolate Bars
- Endangered Species Dark Chocolate with Forest Mint
Sugar Free Fruity Candies
- SmartSweets Fruity Gummy Bears
- Skittles Wild Berry Sugar Free Gummies
- Starburst All Natural Gummies
- Brach's Sugar Free Hard Candy
Sugar Free Nutty Candies
- Russell Stover Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups
- Reese's Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures
- Hershey's Sugar Free Almond Bars
This is just a small sampling - there are many more excellent sugar free candies to discover. The key is reading nutrition labels closely and selecting options made without sugar or corn syrup.
Healthy Amounts of Candy with Diabetes
The primary concern with any candy is the effect on blood glucose levels. When blood sugar spikes too high after eating, it can cause issues like:
- Nerve damage
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Fatigue
To help prevent these complications, most health organizations recommend keeping blood sugar under 180 mg/dL after meals. Staying below 140 mg/dL may be ideal for some.
Counting Carbs
One of the best ways diabetics can enjoy the occasional treat while controlling blood sugar is by counting carbohydrates. Here's a quick guide to carb amounts in popular sugar free candy options:
- 1 fun size sugar free candy bar (like Hershey's): Around 5-8g carbs
- 5-6 miniature sugar free peanut butter cups: Around 5-7g carbs
- 10-15 sugar free gumdrops/jelly beans: Around 5-8g carbs
- 1 small bag of sugar free gummy bears: Around 9-14g carbs
Pairing candy with a source of protein, fiber or healthy fat can also help prevent spikes. For example, enjoying some sugar free chocolate along with nuts or cheese helps moderate absorption.
Considering Ingredients
Ingredient choice also plays a key role. Many sugar free candies replace sugar with sugar alcohols, which have fewer digestible carbs and don't raise blood sugar as much. Some popular sugar alcohols in candy include:
- Xylitol
- Maltitol
- Erythritol
- Isomalt
- Lactitol
- Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
Different sugar alcohols have varying glycemic and insulin responses, so checking how specific ones affect you individually can be beneficial.
Safely Enjoying Sweet Treats with Diabetes
While candy is often seen as off-limits with diabetes, sugar free varieties can be worked into an overall healthy diet when consumed judiciously. Here are some final tips for enjoying the occasional sweet snack:
- Always account for candy's carbohydrate impact within daily carb limits
- Carefully read nutrition facts and ingredients lists
- Drink water with candy to prevent dehydration
- Balance candy with low glycemic foods like nuts, cheese, vegetables, etc.
- Monitor blood glucose before and about 1-2 hours after eating to view candy's effects
Armed with knowledge of ingredients, portions, and their own body's responses, people with diabetes can satisfy sweet cravings safely. Diabetes requires diligence, but occasional candy definitely doesn't have to be completely off the table.
FAQs
Can diabetics eat any candy at all?
Yes, people with diabetes can safely enjoy some types of sugar free candy as occasional treats. The key is focusing on options made without sugar, corn syrup or other simple carbs that can spike blood glucose.
What are the best sugar free candies for diabetics?
Some of the most diabetes-friendly options include Russell Stover sugar free chocolates, SmartSweets fruit gummies, Skittles and Starburst sugar free gummies, sugar free peanut butter cups, and many other major brands of sugar free candies.
How can you manage blood sugar spikes when eating candy?
Strategies to prevent blood sugar spikes include counting carbs from candy into daily carb limits, balancing candy with protein/fiber/fat, limiting portions, choosing candy with beneficial sugar alcohols, staying hydrated, and checking blood glucose before and 1-2 hours after eating.
Should people with diabetes avoid all foods with any added sugar?
While limiting sugar is important for diabetics, occasional small amounts of added sugar candy can be safely eaten with proper management of carbs, insulin dosages, and blood sugar. Moderation and conscious nutrition choices are key.
Can sugar free candy cause unpleasant digestive side effects?
Some sugar alcohols commonly found in sugar free candy may cause issues like bloating, gas or diarrhea when overconsumed, especially for sensitive people. These effects can often be reduced by limiting portions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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