If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, you may be thinking to yourself, "I can never eat sugar again." But that's usually not the case. The pleasure of something sweet can be yours by using moderation and creativity. 

When it comes to dessert, moderation is the name of the game. The American Diabetes Association actually recommends having a small portion of your favorite dessert in lieu of a less satisfying, ordinary dish. So when you're eating out, split a dessert with a friend, and cut back on the carbs you consume for your main course. 

Dark chocolate is another enjoyable treat that has been shown in studies to improve insulin sensitivity. Certain manufacturers produce dark chocolate products that contain as little as 60 calories per serving. The only trick is not to reach for three or four of these confections as the fat grams, sugar grams, and calories add up quickly. 

Granola bars seem more like well disguised candy bars these days. But the reality is that leading brands offer large assortments of bars under 100 calories. The same rule of thumb that applied to dark chocolate applies here as well, though. An extra bar here or there can send your blood sugar levels through the roof.

Getting creative with dessert is also a great way to make a surprisingly sweet treat. Parfaits are an excellent example. Choose non-fat yogurt, berries, and an artificial sweetener, and you've got yourself a genuine dessert you can serve to company. 

Long thought to be the main culprit in blood sugar spikes, the relationship between sugar and blood glucose levels is not as simple as you might think. While sugar can cause blood glucose levels to rise faster than other carbohydrates, research has shown that the total amount of carbohydrates affects levels more than the type. A little bit of sugar can be substituted for other carbohydrate-rich foods, thus keeping your blood glucose levels on track. 

Again, moderation and creativity are key. There are many great cookbooks available with alternatives recipes that are diabetes-friendly and delicious.