Overview: Myths about the causes of diabetes can stand in the way of prevention. With diabetes on the rise, knowing the truths has never been more important.
As diabetes rates increase in the U.S., so do the many misconceptions about this serious disease. Knowing the facts can help reduce your risk and protect your health. Let’s clear up some diabetes myths you may have heard.
Myth: I don’t need to worry about diabetes.
Truth:
Nearly one-fourth of the 38.4 million people in the U.S. with diabetes don’t even know that they have the disease.
Discuss with your primary care provider whether you need a diabetes screening. Be alert for symptoms like excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, numb or tingling hands and feet and blurred vision. Often prediabetes might not have any symptoms.
Myth: There’s no cure for diabetes. I’m doomed.
Truth:
Type 1 diabetes can be treated and effectively managed by a team of physicians, diabetes educators, dietitians and health coaches.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed by medications and injections. However, if diagnosed early, patients with Type 2 diabetes can restore normal blood sugars and go into remission by undergoing lifestyle changes. Significant weight loss, including through bariatric surgery and weight loss medication, and ongoing dietary changes and exercise can help. Medical professionals prefer the term “remission’ to emphasize that the underlying risk factors stay, and Type 2 diabetes can return.
If you have prediabetes, lifestyle interventions can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
At risk for Type 2 diabetes? Take our quiz
Myth: All people with diabetes take insulin.
Truth:
People with Type 1 diabetes must use insulin because their body no longer produces this essential hormone. Type 2 diabetes is progressive and over time the body makes less insulin. After a while, dietary changes, exercise and medications may not be enough to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. Then you need to use insulin.
Myth: Overweight people always develop Type 2 diabetes.
Truth:
It’s true that being overweight or obese IS a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes; however, it’s not the only risk factor. Your age, family history, race/ethnicity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and if you smoke also play a role.
Myth: Sugary snacks and drinks cause diabetes.
Truth:
They increase the risk for diabetes, so it’s important to limit sugary snacks, drinks and processed foods.
So why is “sugar” often associated with diabetes? When you eat food, it’s converted into sugar called glucose. Insulin moves glucose from the blood into the cells to be used as energy. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or use it well. This extra sugar, or blood glucose, stays in the blood and increases your blood sugar level.
Myth: Only adults get Type 2 diabetes.
Truth:
Type 2 diabetes is increasing in younger people because of rising obesity rates, a lack of physical activity and a family history of the disease.
Myth: Gestational diabetes is only a problem when you’re pregnant.
Truth:
Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth. However, about 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within five to 10 years after the pregnancy.
Myth: People with diabetes can’t eat chocolate or sweets.
Truth:
You can eat sweets if it’s part of a healthy meal plan. The key is to have a very small portion. Save sweet treats for special occasions and focus your meals on healthier food A healthy eating plan for people with diabetes means including lots of non-starchy vegetables, limiting added sugars, eating whole grains and eating whole foods over highly processed foods.
Myth: People with diabetes can’t donate blood.
Truth:
If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you can definitely donate blood if your diabetes is under control. Taking insulin or other diabetes medications doesn’t prevent you from donating if you meet all eligibility requirements.
