Medically reviewed by Tadele Worku Desalew, MD.
A 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that more than 40.1 million Americans (12% of the population) are estimated to have some form of diabetes, and 115.2 million are estimated to have prediabetes. Statistically speaking, three in four people in the United States have at least one chronic condition, and more than half have two or more. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in the country. It’s likely that you or someone you know might have to contend with this challenging disease.
Considering that this disease is so prevalent and so complex, it’s no surprise that people often have misconceptions like “You shouldn’t eat any sugar” or “You’ll definitely get diabetes if you’re overweight.”
But it’s important for all people, whether you currently have the disease or not, to understand how diabetes works. After all, when it comes to your health, knowledge is power.
Here are some of the most common diabetes myths and facts that you should know.
MYTH: People with diabetes can’t eat sugar.
FACT: Effective diabetes management doesn’t always involve avoiding sugar altogether. Instead, moderation is key. Partaking in a slice of cake or a cookie can be an occasional treat for people with diabetes. They just need to balance sweet treats like these with an overall healthy eating plan.
MYTH: Eating too much sugar is actually one of the causes of diabetes.
FACT: This is one of the most common misunderstandings about diabetes. Eating sugar doesn’t directly cause the disease. However, it does contribute to weight gain, which can be one of several risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.
MYTH: I have a family history of diabetes, so I’m pretty sure I will eventually get it.
FACT: Having a family history of diabetes does put you at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but it doesn’t have to be your destiny.
There are a lot of healthy habits you can adopt to reduce your risk. One of the most important diabetes prevention techniques is weight loss. If you have a family history of diabetes and are overweight, this greatly increases your chances of developing the disease.
Even a modest weight loss of 5 to 7 percent of your body weight can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Want to lose weight in a healthy way? Try adopting a low-fat, high-fiber, low-carbohydrate diet. Then cultivate a regular exercise routine to help you along.
Taking proactive steps to avoid developing the disease will help you and your family break the harmful cycle of diabetes and obesity.
MYTH: I have diabetes and take insulin or oral medication. This is all I need to do to manage the disease.
FACT: Today’s medications are extremely effective for treating diabetes when taken as directed. However, this doesn’t mean people with diabetes can ignore proper diet and regular physical activity. For some people, exercise can actually be all the medicine they need. It depends entirely on the individual. Regardless, lifestyle changes are crucial for treating diabetes.
MYTH: Because I have diabetes, I’m destined to develop heart disease.
FACT: There is a connection between diabetes and heart disease, but developing both isn’t a guarantee.
The connection between these two chronic conditions has to do with the blood vessels. Poorly managed diabetes damages the blood vessels. This leads to a variety of problems that affect many parts of the body, including cardiovascular disease, eye disease and kidney disease.
If you have been called prediabetic or are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, you can take measures to prevent the disease, like exercising and sticking to a heart-healthy diet.
If you already have diabetes, you can still avoid heart disease and heart attacks. Once again, weight loss through exercise and healthy eating is essential. If you are a smoker, consider quitting. It’s also recommended that you strive to achieve a blood pressure of 140/80.
Listen to Podcasts
Living Well With Diabetes
Learn how to develop healthy habits that support blood sugar control, reduce stress and fit into a busy lifestyle. Teri White, BS, RN, CDCES, a transitional nurse navigator and diabetic educator at UM Charles Regional Medical Center, shares her top strategies for sustainable diabetes care.
More to Read
- Tips for Managing Type 2 Diabetes the Healthy Way
- What’s the Best Kind of Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes?
- Living with Diabetes: Empower Yourself to Stay Healthy
- Medical Nutrition Therapy for Diabetes Management