Sugar is a killer, linked to obesity, heart disease, and other health conditions. But people living with diabetes need to be especially mindful of what they are putting in their bodies in order to keep blood glucose levels in a safe range.

Unfortunately, summer time poses special challenges for diabetics, with ice cream and other sweet treats are most popular.

“People with diabetes can still enjoy a sweet treat on occasion when their blood sugar levels are well controlled,” Melissa Matteo, a certified diabetes instructor and registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, tells Newsmax Health. “Try to keep portions small and limited to 15 to 30 grams of carbohydrate per serving.”

Dr. Daniel Lorber, a New York endocrinologist, notes that it’s a common myth that people with diabetes should cut out all sugar and carbs.

“Sugar in reasonable amounts as part of a mixed meal can be included in any diabetes diet,” he tells Newsmax Health.

“People, particularly with Type 1 diabetes, should assess the impact of any food or treat that contains carbohydrates by testing their blood glucose levels before and after the food. Remember that some summer time fruit can raise sugar pretty impressively — peaches for example.”

Dr. Karin Hehenberger, author of “The Everything You Need to Know About Diabetes Cookbook” and a well-known diabetes expert, tells Newsmax Health that enjoying sweets takes some planning.

“If you are on insulin you may need to increase your dose, and if you are not, you may need to modify your medication,” explains Hehenberger, who has suffered from Type 1 diabetes since the age of 16. “Remember it is also not good to gain weight as a person living with diabetes, regardless of the type, because it makes your disease more difficult to control. So for every dessert you enjoy, add a little workout that day!”

Hehenberger has a host of yummy desserts and other recipes in her best-selling cookbook along with a plethora of resources for those living with diabetes.

Here are some refreshing diabetes-friendly desert ideas:

Berries. Hehenberger recommends berries to people with diabetes. They are low in sugar, but high in fiber and anti-oxidants. They can be served as is, or with whipped cream or even frozen and pureed with water and a little sugar or sugar substitute. Or freeze the puree and make your own DIY popsicles.

Sugar-free popsicles. Cold treats, such as Popsicle’s Sugar-free Ice Pops, contain only four grams of carbohydrates per pop and come in classic flavors like cherry, orange, grape as well as tropical flavors such as pineapple and fruit punch.

Cold melon soup. Mix cantaloupe chunks with a little peeled ginger in a blender or food processor and serve cold, garnished with mint leaves. This low-calorie treat has only 11.3 grams of carbs per serving.

Apples and peanut butter. Peel, core, and slice applies, and serve with a dollop of peanut butter and a heap of walnuts in each plate. Dip an apple slice into the peanut butter and top with a walnut for about 10 grams of carbs per serving.

Low-cal ice cream. Some dietetic ice cream products lack taste and texture. But according to experts, Halo Top creamery offers a delicious low-calorie, high- protein, low-sugar product. The most calorific flavor is just 90 calories and has 16 grams of carbs. Halo Top also boasts an impressive line of flavors, from classics like chocolate and vanilla, to fun ones like birthday cake and chocolate mocha chip.

Frozen yogurt. Greek yogurt pops are the newest offering from Yasso, a company that promises “dessert with benefits.” You can enjoy a traditional style yogurt-based ice cream sandwich with only 20 grams of carbs. The flavors are mouth watering and include mint chocolate chip, s’ mores, cookies ‘n cream and chocolate sea salt caramel. All are gluten free.

“Other suggestions include dark chocolate which is a great dessert choice because it is high in antioxidants and low in sugar,” notes Hehenberger. “Creamy cheeses are another option.

“Finally, keep in mind that desserts should be enjoyed in moderation by everyone, not only people with diabetes. It’s better to have a small but delicious treat — like a piece of chocolate or biscotti with your espresso — after a healthy but satisfying lunch or dinner.”