Diabetes, Type 1 - Does anyone else have cravings for sweet things? Before I was diagnosed this?

Hi - I hope my experience helps a bit - I've had type 1 diabetes for 23 years. First of all, it's great you are testing 8 x per day, especially while you are figuring out exactly how your body responds to different types of foods, exercise, sleep, etc. I'm sure you know that keeping your blood sugar in control is so important and will be even more so years from now, especially for kidneys, eyes, limbs and heart. I still get cravings when blood sugars are low (liver also sends out glucose into bloodstream) and even when they're high (so tired that the body seems tricked into wanting more food that will drive sugars higher). What works for me and many others I've spoken to is to eat the right "treats" and always in small amounts and at an appropriate time. Depriving yourself of everything makes most people want it even more.

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For example: dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate is much easier on the blood sugars, and being satisfied with 2-3 small squares might involve savoring it very slowly after a fiber-filled meal which includes some protein to level out the sugars. Don't forget to include the chocolate when counting your carbs to calculate your dosage of fast-acting insulin. The more fiber your treats have, the better. Look up the glycemic index of foods on the internet and choose those with lower values. i.e) watermelon has a higher glycemic index than an orange or apple, meaning it will drive the sugars up faster and with a smaller amount eaten. Lastly, eat slowly, plan your meals and times you eat and get enough sleep and a little exercise every day (15 - 20 min. of walking early in the day will help control blood sugars for the next 24 or more hours). Even if a person doesn't have diabetes or any other illness to contend with, it will give you a better quality of life! Good luck to you.