AIMS: The aim was to determine food cravings and associated variables in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: 204 type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled in the cross-sectional study between February 16, 2024 and June 16, 2024. Data were collected face-to-face using personal information form, Food Cravings Scale and Diabetes Awareness and Acceptance Scale. Number, percentage, mean, standard deviation and minimum-maximum values, hierarchical regression analysis and pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data. The statistical significance level was assumed to be p <
0.05. RESULTS: The mean score on the food cravings scale was found to be 23.52 ± 19.44. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that living alone, increased body mass index, alcohol consumption and hospitalization increased the food cravings in patients with type 2 diabetes. It was also found that the use of a diabetes-specific diet by participants, regular check-ups and high diabetes awareness and acceptance reduced the food cravings. CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that managing type 2 diabetes is a dynamic and multidimensional process that is influenced by the desire to eat, awareness of diabetes, knowledge and practices related to diabetes.