Pizza and Diabetes: Carbs, Glycemic Index and Portions
One serving of cheese pizza (per the package label) has about 23 g of carbohydrate (22 g net). Glycemic index: no value in the tables we use. Yes, occasionally and in measured portions. Pizza is a mix of carbohydrate, fat and protein, so its effect can look different from other foods.
The crust is where most of the carbohydrate is, and slices vary enormously: a thin slice from a counter shop and a deep-dish slice are very different amounts. The fat and protein in cheese can slow digestion, and some people see a later, longer rise in glucose after pizza than after other carbohydrate foods, so it can help to check again a few hours later.
You can make it easier to fit by choosing thin crust, loading up on vegetable toppings, and pairing a slice or two with a large salad.
Carbs in pizza by portion
| Portion | Grams | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Net carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (per package label) | 81 | 23 | 1.8 | 22 | 8.4 |
| 1 large serving (per package label) | 151 | 44 | 3.3 | 40 | 16 |
| 100 g (for comparing foods) | 100 | 29 | 2.2 | 27 | 10 |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, FDC ID 170317 (Cheese pizza, regular crust). Net carbs here means carbohydrate minus fiber. “Net carbs” is not an FDA-defined term, so total carbs are shown too. Values are estimates for a typical item; brands, ripeness and size vary.
Glycemic index and glycemic load
Glycemic index: no value shown. No cheese pizza entry in the tables we use. We do not estimate values that are not published.
Glycemic index is only one piece of the picture. The same food can give a different response depending on ripeness, cooking, what you eat it with and your own body, so your meter or CGM is the best guide.
How pizza fit the plate method
Pizza count toward the carbohydrate quarter of the plate in the plate method, along with grains, starchy vegetables, fruit and milk. The CDC describes the plate method as half non-starchy vegetables, a quarter protein and a quarter carbohydrate foods. See the diabetic meal plan guide for how it works, or drop pizza onto a meal in the meal planner to watch the plate fill.
Portion ideas and pairings
- One or two thin-crust slices with a salad.
- Pick a vegetable-topped slice over a stuffed crust.
- Frozen pizza labels list a “serving” that is often smaller than people eat.
Pairs well with: a large green salad, grilled vegetables on top, water or unsweetened tea.
Related foods
Sweet potato
cup, cubes: 27 g carbs
Potato
Potato medium: 37 g carbs
White rice, cooked
cup: 45 g carbs
Quinoa, cooked
cup: 39 g carbs
See all foods and the low glycemic foods list
Frequently asked questions
Why does my glucose rise hours after pizza?
Fat and protein slow how quickly carbohydrate is absorbed, so the rise can come later and last longer. If you see this, talk to your care team about what it means for your plan.
How many carbs are in one serving of cheese pizza (per the package label)?
About 23 g of carbohydrate, of which about 1.8 g is fiber, so roughly 22 g net carbs. Values are from USDA FoodData Central for 81 g and are estimates; brands and sizes vary.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central: Cheese pizza, regular crust (FDC ID 170317)
- Atkinson FS et al. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021. Am J Clin Nutr 2021;114(5):1625-1632
- CDC: Diabetes Meal Planning (plate method and carbohydrate counting)
- ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Section 5: Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
