Enjoying Candy With Diabetes - Tips and Best Options

Enjoying Sweet Treats With Diabetes

For those living with diabetes, enjoying occasional sweet treats is still possible, though moderation and wise choices are key. When planned for appropriately, small servings of low glycemic candies like sugar heart candy can be worked into a healthy diet.

Know Your Blood Sugar Targets

The first step to determining if and how much candy you can eat is understanding your personal blood sugar goals as set by your doctor. Targets differ among individuals depending on factors like:

• Type of diabetes (type 1 vs type 2)
• Age
• Any diabetes-related complications present
• Medications and overall treatment plan

Checking your blood sugar before and about 1-2 hours after eating candy will show you how well your body handles sugar heart candy or any sweeter treat. Keeping a food log can also help you learn your limits.

Choose Quality Candy Ingredients

Look for candy made predominantly with real sugar rather than alternative sweeteners which can still affect blood sugar but make limits harder to determine. Quality chocolate and candy ingredients like:

• Pure cane sugar
• Cocoa butter
• Full cream milk
• Natural flavors and colors

Research favorably reviewed brands focused on responsible sourcing and sustainable production methods.

Portion Out Servings

Read nutrition labels closely and measure candy servings carefully to stay within personal carbohydrate limits at each meal or snack:

• Count sugar heart candy pieces or break chocolate into small pieces
• Weigh out a 1-2 ounce portion
• Pair with protein & fiber rich foods

Slowly savoring candy can satisfy a craving with less volume. Pre-portioning and stashing treats out of sight can prevent overindulging.

Choosing the Best Candies

While individual blood sugar responses vary, some types of candy and ingredients tend to have less effect on blood sugar. Knowing the best options makes occasional sweet treats more feasible.

Dark Chocolate

Rich dark chocolate generally has less sugar per serving than milk chocolate, especially at 70% cocoa content and above. The natural bitterness helps satisfy in smaller servings. Dark chocolate also provides other nutrients like iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and more antioxidants.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

As an unsweetened product, plain cocoa powder offers chocolate flavor and nutrients without spiking blood sugar levels. Cocoa powder works great in recipes, mixed into yogurt or oatmeal, or heated into sugar-free beverages for hot chocolate flavor.

Sugar Heart Candy

Long-favored for Valentine's Day and anniversaries, these iconic candies are usually fairly small in size. Avoid giant heart options, and chocolate covered hearts which can be bigger carb-bombs. Each 15 gram pastel-colored sugar heart packs about 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Jelly Beans

Small, chewy jelly beans are low on the glycemic index, releasing sugar more slowly into the bloodstream. However, portion control is still key. Resealable snack baggies work perfectly for pre-measuring jelly bean servings.

Nutrition Facts for Popular Candies

Use nutrition facts panels to compare candy options, especially sugar and carbohydrate content per serving. Better yet, do your own blood sugar test comparison after eating equal amounts of different candies over several days.

Chocolate Bars (1.5 oz)

• Hershey's milk chocolate: 24g carbs
• Scharffen Berger dark chocolate: 16g carbs
• Divine 70% dark chocolate: 17g carbs

Jelly Beans (10 beans)

• Starburst: 14g carbs
• Jelly Belly: 9g carbs

Hard Candies (4 pieces)

• Lifesavers: 22g carbs
• Jolly Ranchers: 24g carbs

Compare nutrition numbers to what fits your healthy carb allowance for each meal and snack. Having diabetes means being an informed consumer and advocate for your own health.

Tips For Healthy Candy Consumption

If living with diabetes has you giving up all candy and feeling deprived, try these tips for working sweets back in:

Eat With Protein & Fiber

Consuming candy alongside protein and fiber slows digestion keeping blood sugar steadier. Pair chocolate with nuts, or enjoy jelly beans after a fiber-rich fruit and yogurt parfait.

Mind Portions at Special Occasions

It’s okay to indulge moderately for celebrations or holidays. Just be extra diligent with portions, check blood sugar more often, and balance out carbs for the day. Get right back on your regular meal plan after the special event.

Skip Candy Mindlessly

Choose candy purposefully when a craving strikes or celebrating, then stop after 1-2 small servings. Don’t nibble endlessly from candy dishes or giant bags which are easy to overeat.

Work In Daily Treats

Adding a small treat, like one fun-sized candy bar or mini bag of Skittles can satisfy a sweet tooth daily. Just account for the carbs in meal plans. Know exactly what and how much candy you plan to eat.

The Bottom Line

If candy is handled responsibly and accounted for, people with diabetes can still enjoy sweet treats in moderation. Pay attention to portion sizes, ingredients, and how your own body responds. Check blood sugar, carb count, and balance intake throughout each day. While diabetes requires diligence, you still deserve some joyful indulgences.

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.