How Can I Manage Sugar Cravings?
I need some help. I work in an office that people bring in sugar all the time, candy, donuts, other treats. I am so addicted to sugar that I struggle with saying no. I need some guidance on this. I start a self support class at the end of the month, but I think I need more. What do others do when the sugar cravings override common sense? Please help.
Hi Sara! Thanks for joining the community, as I see you are a new member. Our website has a lot to offer in terms of recipes that you may find helpful. https://type2diabetes.com/recipes Furthermore we have a vibrant community where you will never feel silly or unheard. I'm linking the community section of our website. https://type2diabetes.com/community
We are glad to have you here with us. Wishing you the best on your journey. -Lauren (team member)
Hi
. Welcome to the community! In addition to the link Lauren supplied, I thought you might find this article helpful: https://type2diabetes.com/nutrition/avoid-sugar-craving. The article doesn't specifically address food in the office, but maybe some of the tips will help. Are you open to telling people at work you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Do you think they might support you if you do tell them? You could also start new trends by bringing in healthier snacks at times. You might find that others appreciate it as well. There are some yummy snack and dessert recipes in the link Lauren shared. If possible, another strategy is to avoid the room where the treats are kept. Sugar-free gum might help as well. You can pop in a piece when you are tempted to sneak a snack. I hope this all helps and that you are able to kick the sugar craving. It's not easy, so give yourself a break and an chance to reset if you slip up now and then. Warm wishes. - Lori (Team Member) I struggle with this mightily myself. The only trick that I've found to be effective for me is to wear a continuous glucose monitor. That way, I can see the nasty spikes in real time and remind myself that a lack of discipline will result in going blind, having a heart attack, becoming impotent, developing dementia, etc. Dietary control has been the challenge of my life. Most people take comfort and joy in partaking of calorie dense food, especially when there's a social dimension to it, and I'm no exception. Add to that the fact that the consequences of poor nutritional choices often don't manifest for yeas / decades after the poor choices, and it becomes a very difficult nut to crack.
I have problems with sugar cravings to, not sure how to handle this, it’s my biggest downfall, in my diabetes journey, I just don’t have the willpower to not give into it. 
Hello
, I agree. This is very hard. I have fallen off the wagon, more than I have been on. I have a dietitian who gives me "tips". She wants me to add berries and spinach to my diet. I'm giving it a try, but this is no substitute for a big slice of carrot cake. I just don't buy these items anymore. Have you made any small changes to try and get over this hurdle? Diane (Team Member)
This is my biggest problem as well, and one of the reasons I joined this forum. I have been T2 for about 8 years now, and although my numbers are always reasonable, I have relied too much on medication and not enough on lifestyle changes, and it's coming back to bite me. My sugar addiction is overwhelming and I don't know how to break it. I'm going to be doing a lot of browsing on this site for ideas and inspiration.
Hello
, This is not an easy road to travel, well for me it isn't. I have had T2D for years. About a year ago I was able to get off medication, which only lasted a few months. But, I found out it could be done. Everything I used to drink had tons of sugar and I was 60 pounds overweight. Losing weight was easier than giving up sugary drinks. My biggest culprit was giving up a good cup of coffee. Well, 3 to 4 cups a day with sugar and cream that was sweet. Once I changed the way I drink coffee and gave up 50% of sugary drinks. I substituted the drinks for water. I drop the pounds, and I buy sugar-free sweets. Of course, this doesn't work for everyone, but it does for me. Take baby steps. I'm 66 now and living my best life.
You can do this. Just take one step at a time. Do you do any type of exercise to take your mind off of sweets? I invested in a stationary bike, which takes my mind off of food. I would like to hear more about your journey. Diane (Team Member)Hello
, Just following up to see how you are doing. Were you able to make any changes to help with sugar addiction? I also like sugar my dietitian told me to eat berries, nuts, and spinach. Please let us know how everything is going. We would like to hear from you. Diane (Team Member)
