(HealthDay News) -- Dessert is a expected part of the holidays in many homes. And if you have diabetes, you may not have to completely avoid your favorite sweets.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that you:

• Get your doctor's okay before you indulge in anything that's high in sugar.
• Split your dessert portion with someone. If it's covered in whipped cream, frosting or another high-calorie or high-sugar topping, scrape it off.
• Offer to bring your own dessert. Opt for sugar-free pudding, plain cookies or baked apples.
• If you do indulge, scale back the carbohydrates in your pre-dessert meal.