Living with type 1 diabetes may make it tricky to enjoy a sweet treat. If you or your child has type 1 diabetes, you may wonder how to still enjoy desserts while managing your condition.

Living with type 1 diabetes means following your doctor’s advice and managing blood glucose (blood sugar) levels — but it doesn’t mean always passing on dessert. By making simple ingredient swaps and balancing meals, you or your kid can enjoy a variety of sweet treats while maintaining health.

With careful planning and the right recipes, you or your kid can eat desserts that are both satisfying and appropriate for your type 1 diabetes needs. The recipes below are dietitian-reviewed and designed to be lower in added sugar, helping to manage blood sugar levels without compromising on flavor.

Whether you’re looking for something fruity, creamy, or chocolaty, these four options should offer something to please the palate. Consult with your health care provider to ensure they fit into your personal meal plan, then go ahead and dig into dessert as part of a balanced diet.

1. Pick-Me-Up Ice Pops

Healthy popsicles are perfect for an after-dinner dessert or a midday pick-me-up. These zesty Raspberry Popsicles are made from Greek yogurt and nutritious berries. One 7-ounce portion of Greek yogurt contains about 20 grams of protein, which is important for maintaining muscle. Some studies have shown that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of muscle loss.

These popsicles contain some added sugar in the form of honey, so if you need to limit your own or your child’s daily carb count, simply omit it. Feel free to swap the raspberries for blueberries or another berry.

2. Crunchy Cookies

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh offers a recipe for naturally sweetened Banana Raisin Cookies. Nuts add a bit of crunch and provide healthy fats that improve heart health — a bonus that’s important for people with diabetes, who are two to four times more likely to get cardiovascular disease than those without the condition.

3. Brownies With a Secret

Black beans may not be a go-to ingredient for dessert, but they create a rich texture with lots of health benefits. Beans can help control blood sugar, and you can sneak them into brownies — in this recipe, almond extract and cocoa powder mask the beans’ flavor. If you’re trying to limit added sugar, replace it with applesauce.

4. Peanutty Low-Carb Bars

A member of myT1Dteam shared this sweet-and-savory snack. Peanuts and peanut butter can help manage blood sugar because their low glycemic index means they don’t cause a steep rise in blood sugar.

If you’re trying to minimize artificial sweeteners, try swapping peanut butter chips for crushed peanuts. You can also use dark chocolate chips (which contain some regular sugar) instead of the sugar-free maple syrup for a version with the classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate.

Diabetes Dessert Tips

Creating desserts for yourself or kids with type 1 diabetes involves balancing sweetness with healthfulness to keep blood sugar levels stable. It’s best to work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to figure out which foods work best for your health and your preferences, but here are some general tips regarding diabetes-friendly desserts.

1. Swap Added Sugars

Although more research is needed, some artificial sweeteners may be linked to health issues, so you may want to have them in moderation. Some sugar substitutes also don’t work well with baking. Swap added sugars for natural forms of sweetness, such as from fresh fruit, applesauce, or even dried fruit.

2. Go for Whole Grains

Use whole-grain or whole-wheat flour instead of white whenever possible. Whole-grain flour is higher in fiber, which is important for heart health and overall well-being. You can also replace white flour with oat flour, which is beneficial for blood glucose management.

3. Remember, Everything in Moderation

It’s important for you or your child to be social and enjoy desserts like ice cream and cake. However, try to keep portions small, and serve sweets after meals to prevent blood sugar spikes.

For store-bought desserts, check the labels for the carbohydrate content and all ingredients. Your doctor or dietitian can guide you on specifics. Always consult your medical care team before making changes so they can adjust medication or insulin if needed.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myT1Dteam, the social network for people and their family members who have type 1 diabetes, more than 3,400 members come together to ask questions and share their personal or family experiences of their stories of life with type 1 diabetes.

Have you tried any of the recipes above? What are your favorite diabetes-friendly desserts and treats? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.