Sweet Chaos: Managing Sugar Cravings and Lupus

I stood in my kitchen at 2 a.m. AGAIN. Wide awake, in a flare, and starving. The first thing my hands reached for was the cookie jar. Those beautiful chocolate chip cookies called my name and I answered with a smile. That began another night of lupus turning my hunger into sweet chaos.

I have lived with lupus for a few decades. Honestly, it has been a hard confusing path to walk. And, my relationship with food, especially sugary treats, has been tricky. Sugar cravings and lupus have had a strong hold on me. I never expected a chronic illness to change how I eat. But lupus turned my diet upside down. Sugar cravings became, and still is, a daily challenge I face.

Flares and Sugar Cravings

Lupus flares hit me hard sometimes. I have no appetite during those rough flares. When pain, mouth sores, and fatigue hit, food loses all its appeal.

Not eating enough creates its own problems. My sugar levels drop, leaving me weak and shaky. Therefore, I look for the fast fuel to get through basic daily tasks. Sugar feels quick and easy. Candy, juice or baked goods seem like a burst of life. In those moments, my body looks for instant energy. My mind says it doesn’t want a balanced meal. It’s a cycle that is hard to break.

Walking around like Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory isn’t a good look. Chocolate on the face, more sugary treats in my hand. I have been the star of my own sweet movie.

Steroids Change Everything

Steroids added another layer to the story. At many points on my lupus journey, I have been prescribed steroids to manage lupus. I call them the devil’s tic-tac. Because they help and hurt all at the same time. Although they helped to lower inflammation in my body, they came with side effects I didn’t expect or want.

The steroids made me hungry all the time. I could eat my full meal, reach over to my husband’s plate and eat his too. Then I would want more because, of course, I had to have something sweet after my meal. On steroids the sweet cravings were intense.

I have learned that steroids can change how the body handles sugar. It is well known that steroids may raise blood sugar levels. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), long term steroid use can also lead to steroid induced diabetes. This is what eventually happened in my body. Adding a layer of diabetes made the sugar cravings even more complex.

Finding Balance

Living with lupus has taught me many things. One lesson stands out above the rest. My body has such an intimate relationship with sugar. I had to change my relationship not only with myself but with food. I had to find some balance.

A nutritionist changed my approach to eating. She explained how protein could help my cravings. I was willing to try anything at that point. As a former athlete, I know that protein keeps blood sugar more stable than a bunch of carbs. But lupus pain gets me in a chokehold and makes me forget. The nutritionist reminded me that protein helps you feel full for longer periods. Ultimately reducing the urge for sweet snacks.

The small shift of adding more protein to my diet helped my sugar cravings. I often think I have to do something grand to make a change. However, this simple change made a huge difference.

Working Through the Sugar Cravings

I’ll be honest, I still crave sugar. However, I have learned how sugar can increase my inflammation and pain. And I’ve found ways to work with my mind and body to cooperate with one another to balance it out some.

I don’t deprive myself of all sweets. Restriction makes the cravings surge for me. So, I adapt and plan small treats mindfully. Because moderation and mindfulness are key for me.

Some days are harder than others. But understanding why I crave sugar helps me respond better. Now I keep protein close, like nuts and yogurt. And I don’t keep an abundance of sweets in the house.

Managing lupus is a full-time job. Sugar cravings are a sign of a need. They mean my body needs fuel. Learning to fuel my body in the most helpful way has been hard but it is doable.

I’m still learning balance. I’ve learned to listen to my body. In addition, I no longer shame myself for cravings. Also, I understand my body is dealing with pain, fatigue, and other lupus issues so I give myself grace.

Have you dealt with sugar cravings on your lupus journey? Let me know in the comments how you manage it.