01/23/2026
Happy National Pie Day! 🎉
Pie has so many fans that it’s celebrated twice a year (January 23 and December 1). There's also Pi Day, observed annually on March 14, during which pie usually receives a delicious, honorable mention. 😋
As with most food-centric holidays, Pie Day can be tricky. By planning ahead and focusing on portion control, ingredient substitutions, and timing, people managing diabetes can take part in this scrumptious occasion, too. Here are some tips:
🍗 Enjoy pie after a well-balanced meal rich in protein and fiber to help slow glucose absorption.
🍽️ Practice moderation and savor your sweet treat slowly, mindful sensory experience.
🚶 Light movement after eating can help minimize the chance of post-dessert blood sugar spikes.
Some pies are naturally easier to adapt to align with diabetes management goals, including:
🍏 Apple pies and tarts: Apples are a good source of fiber and natural sweetness, and warm spices like cinnamon enhance sweetness, making it easier to reduce added sugar without losing flavor.
🫐 Berry pies (blueberry, raspberry, mixed berry): Berries are lower on the glycemic index than many fruits, and their bright, bold flavors mean you can use less sweetener without sacrificing yumminess.
🧡 Pumpkin pie: Pumpkin purée is high in fiber, and because the flavor comes largely from spices and richness rather than sweetness alone, reducing sugar is often less noticeable.
🥧 Pecan pie: Nuts add fat and protein, which can help slow glucose spikes and make smaller portions feel more filling.
🍮 Creamy custard pies: As decadent as they are, cream pies can usually be made without a crust, and full-fat dairy products can be swapped out for sugar-free, fat-free, or low-fat alternatives.
What kind of pie will you be enjoying today? Let us know in the comments!
