Gestational Diabetes and Pizza: How to Enjoy It Safely
Craving pizza but trying to maintain a healthy diet while managing gestational diabetes? You’re not alone — and yes, you can enjoy a slice or two with the right approach. It's important to manage blood sugar levels by making informed food choices. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to make smarter choices so you can satisfy your cravings without spiking your blood sugar.
Key Takeaways
Pizza is not off-limits with gestational diabetes — you just need to be mindful of ingredients and portions.
Choose whole grain or low-carb crusts, load up on non-starchy veggies, and add lean proteins.
Pair pizza with high-fiber sides (like a salad) to help balance blood sugar levels.
Can You Eat Pizza with Gestational Diabetes?
Yes — with a few tweaks. Traditional pizza can be high in carbs and saturated fat, both of which can cause blood sugar spikes. But with smarter crusts, healthy toppings, and portion control, pizza can be a part of a gestational diabetes–friendly diet.
The key is to turn pizza into a balanced meal by:
Choosing low-carb, high-fiber crusts
Adding non-starchy vegetables
Including lean proteins
Keeping portions in check
Real-Life Success Stories from HIgedi App Users
🙌 Constance’s Pizza Bowl Win
Constance raves about Hungry Howie’s pizza bowls, calling them a saving grace — helping her enjoy the flavors of pizza while keeping her blood sugar stable.
🙌 Krissy’s Low-Carb Crust Find
Krissy discovered a pizza crust made with Carbquik baking mix. It’s high in fiber and has worked well for her blood sugar, making pizza night stress-free again.
🙌 Beth’s Almond Crust Favorite
Beth has made her almond flour pizza crust three times already — and loves that she doesn’t have to stop at just one slice. Her simple go-to crust recipe includes 2 cups of almond flour, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. It’s low in carbs, super satisfying, and perfect for keeping her numbers steady.
Why Pizza Can Be Tricky for Gestational Diabetes
Pizza is often high in:
Refined carbs (from the crust)
Saturated fats
Added sugars (from sauces)
These can lead to post-meal blood sugar spikes, especially in pregnancy when insulin resistance is higher. But that doesn’t mean pizza is off-limits — it just means being strategic.
Tips for a Blood Sugar–Friendly Pizza
1. Choose a Healthier Crust
Whole wheat or ancient grain crusts offer more fiber and are made from unrefined grains, which retain essential nutrients like protein and fiber.
Cauliflower crusts are lower in carbs — just check the label for starch additives, or make your own to control what goes in.
Almond flour or flaxseed crusts offer great low-carb alternatives.
2. Load Up on Non-Starchy Veggies
Toppings like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and tomatoes add fiber and nutrients without spiking blood sugar.
3. Add Proteins
Choose:
Grilled chicken or turkey – Lean, flavorful, and high in protein
Ground turkey or lean beef – Cooked and seasoned for extra flavor
Turkey pepperoni or turkey sausage – Lower in fat and carbs than traditional versions
Eggs – Perfect for breakfast-style pizzas (try baked or fried on top!)
Cottage cheese or ricotta – Adds creaminess and extra protein
Plant-based proteins – Tofu, tempeh, or seasoned chickpeas work well
Canned tuna or salmon – Great for a Mediterranean-style twist
Shrimp – Quick-cooking and packed with lean protein
Nutritional yeast – A cheesy, vegan topping with added protein and B vitamins
These help balance carbs and keep you feeling full longer.
4. Go Easy on the Sauce
Tomato sauce, especially marinara sauce, can be sneaky — many store-bought versions contain added sugar, which can raise blood sugar levels.
Better options:
Use no-added-sugar tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes (read the label!)
Try olive oil, pesto, or even ricotta as a flavorful base
5. Load Up with Cheese (Mindfully!)
Cheese adds protein, calcium, and that delicious melty texture — but it can also be high in fat and calories, so portion control is key.
Choose:
Mozzarella – classic
Shredded cheddar, provolone, or gouda – for flavor variety
Ricotta or cottage cheese – protein-packed and creamy
Nutritional yeast – for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor boost
6. Practice Portion Control
Pizza can be carb-heavy, so managing how much you eat is key to keeping blood sugar stable. A slice of cheese pizza provides a moderate amount of protein while also being high in total carbs.
Stick to 1–2 slices per meal — depending on the crust and toppings
Pair with a fiber-rich side, like a green salad with olive oil or avocado
Eat slowly, and monitor your blood sugar 1–2 hours after eating to see how your body responds
Smart Store-Bought Pizza Options
Don’t want to cook from scratch? Try these better-for-you pizzas or pizza crusts (check labels!) instead of regular pizza:
Banza Pizza Crust (made with chickpeas for more fiber and protein)
Look for preferably:
≤ 30g total carbs per serving
High fiber (3g+)
Minimal added sugar
Store-Bought Pizza Alternatives aka Not Pizza but Tastes Like Pizza
What to Serve With Pizza
To keep your meal balanced and blood sugar-friendly, pair your pizza with other foods such as:
A large leafy green salad — Add olive oil or avocado for healthy fats and fiber
Steamed or roasted non-starchy vegetables — Think broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, or cauliflower
Avoid pairing with:
Sugary drinks — Sodas and sweetened juices can spike blood sugar quickly
Fries or chips — These high-carb sides can overload your meal
Creamy dips — Often packed with sugar, carbs, or unhealthy fats
What Research Says
Refined carbs raise blood sugar quickly. Dietary fat, on the other hand, slows gastric emptying and delays the rise in postprandial blood glucose, making blood sugar spikes more unpredictable and often leading to late postprandial hyperglycemia.
A study published in the Northern Clinics of Istanbul shows that pairing carbs with fiber, protein, and healthy fats helps keep glucose levels more stable. Managing carb intake, particularly by choosing the right type of pizza crust and toppings, is crucial.
Monitoring your blood glucose 1–2 hours after eating pizza helps you track how your body responds.
Sample Gestational Diabetes–Friendly Pizza Recipes
Quick & Easy Homemade (Tortilla or Pita) Pizza
Ingredients:
1 low-carb tortilla or whole wheat pita
2 tbsp no-sugar tomato sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella
Veggies: bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms
Protein: grilled chicken, ground meat, pepperoni or tofu
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread sauce, add cheese and toppings.
Bake for 10–12 minutes.
Serve with a side salad or veggies.
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza (Gluten-Free Option)
Base Ingredients:
1 cup cottage cheese
2 eggs
2 tbsp flour (whole wheat, oat, or almond)
Topping Ideas:
2-4 tbsp no-sugar-added tomato sauce
1 cup/4 oz shredded mozzarella
Protein: turkey pepperoni, grilled chicken, or tofu
Optional: oregano, basil, red chili flakes
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Blend cottage cheese, eggs, and flour until smooth.
Pour mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread evenly.
Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
Remove from oven, spread tomato sauce, add toppings and cheese.
Return to oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy with a leafy green salad or steamed veggies.
Almond Flour Crust Pizza (Grain-Free, Low Carb)
Base Ingredients:
1 cup almond flour
1 egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Pinch of salt
Topping Ideas:
2 tbsp no-sugar-added tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
Protein: grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or tofu
Veggies: spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers
Optional: fresh basil, chili flakes, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix almond flour, egg, shredded mozzarella, seasoning, and salt until a dough forms.
Press the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet into a thin, even crust.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Remove from oven, spread tomato sauce, add toppings and cheese.
Bake for another 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy with a side of roasted veggies or a fiber-rich salad.
Eating Tips
Test your blood sugar 1–2 hours after eating to see how pizza affects you.
Preload your meal with protein or salad to reduce the spike.
Use a CGM (if recommended) to help understand your body’s responses in real-time.
Final Thoughts: Pizza Can Still Be On the Menu
Having gestational diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods — it means learning how to enjoy them differently. By choosing healthier ingredients, managing your portions, and pairing wisely, you can enjoy pizza without the guilt or the blood sugar spike.
FAQ: Pizza & Gestational Diabetes
1. Can I eat pizza with gestational diabetes
Yes, you can! The key is making smart swaps. Choose a high-fiber or low-carb crust, add protein, load up on non-starchy veggies, and be mindful of portion size. Homemade versions give you the most control.
2. What type of crust is best?
Opt for:
Whole grain or high-fiber tortillas
Almond flour crusts
Cauliflower crusts
Cottage cheese–based crusts (high in protein and naturally low in carbs)
If you’re ordering or making traditional pizza, choose a thin crust to reduce the overall carbohydrate content.
3. Are there any toppings I should avoid?
Avoid toppings that add extra carbs without offering much protein or fiber—like sugary sauces, dried fruit, or large amounts of starchy vegetables (like corn).
4. What’s a good portion size?
1–2 slices is a good starting point for most traditional or higher-carb crusts, paired with a salad to balance blood sugar.
If you're using a low-carb tortilla or wrap as the base, your portion size can likely be larger, depending on the brand and ingredients—always read the nutrition label to guide your portion and carb count.