October 4, 2026, 7 a.m. ET
For most people, satisfying a sweet tooth can be as simple as choosing your favorite treat. For people with diabetes, choosing a sweet treat can be a little trickier, but experts say there’s no need to say goodbye to candy just yet.
“An occasional candy can definitely fit into a healthy, balanced lifestyle for someone living with diabetes,” said Sarah Hormachea, a diabetes care and education specialist.
When a person eats or drinks carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. In people with diabetes, the body cannot handle glucose effectively, so it is important to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy target range.
Candy contains carbohydrates, mainly added sugar, and can cause blood sugar spikes. This doesn’t mean that candy can’t be a part of your diet, but it does mean that a person with diabetes needs to be more mindful of how candy fits into their overall diet.
“The biggest risk of consuming excessive amounts of candy is that it can replace more nourishing foods that support energy and metabolic health, including foods rich in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals,” Hormachea said.
When sweets replace quality carbohydrates like starches, beans, lentils, fruit, whole grains, milk and yogurt, glucose management can be difficult.
Toby Smithson, senior nutrition and wellness manager at the American Diabetes Association, said it’s critical to pay attention to how often you eat candy and how much you eat — especially how many carbs are in a serving.
What type of candy is best?
Not all candy is equal.
The amount and type of candy—whether it contains nuts, chocolate, protein, or other sources of fat—can determine how quickly the body digests and absorbs it.
Hard candies and candies without nuts or chocolate are digested and absorbed very quickly, often raising blood sugar levels within about 15 minutes. Because of this rapid effect, certain candies can be used to treat hypoglycemia.
On the other hand, candies containing chocolate, nuts or other sources of fat are digested more slowly. These candies may not raise blood sugar as quickly, Smithson said, but they can still have a “significant impact” on blood sugar levels.
“If you want to eat candy, I’d rather see something that has protein or fat next to sugar,” Hormachea said. A cup of peanut butter or Snickers, she said, is better than sugar-based candies like Smarties, Life Savers, Pixy Stix or Jolly Ranchers.
Are there any substitutes for candy?
There are many alternatives to traditional candy, including sugar-free options and fruits, which contain carbohydrates but also provide fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Still, experts caution that no sugar doesn’t necessarily mean better. Some of these options still contain carbs and other ingredients that can lead to an uncomfortable experience after eating.
“Many use sugar alcohols like sorbitol, which can cause bloating, gas or diarrhea when consumed in large quantities,” Hormachea said, adding that some sugar alcohols pose potential health risks. “I would much rather have someone enjoy their favorite candy every once in a while and in a small portion, or choose something sweet that brings more nutritional value to the table, like fruit, nuts or a combination of fruit with sugar. dark chocolate or cocoa.”
Gn Health
