Misunderstandings about diabetes still spread widely, even as awareness grows. These myths can make living with the condition more challenging, often adding shame and confusion where clarity is needed.
So, with insights from registered dietitians and diabetes specialists, here’s a closer look at five myths that continue to mislead people.
Even with advancements in research and treatment, long-standing myths still shape how people understand diabetes and, in many cases, how they manage it. These misconceptions can fuel stigma, delay proper care and undermine the confidence of those living with the condition. With insights from diabetes dietitians, it’s time to clear up the five myths experts wish would disappear for good, as per a report by EatingWell.
ALSO READ: Mixing these 5 common foods with Diabetes meds could be a big mistake, experts say avoid these
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leaving the body with little to no ability to produce insulin. Diet has nothing to do with its development. Type 2 diabetes, however, develops through an interaction of genetics, insulin resistance, body composition and lifestyle habits—but sugar isn’t the sole culprit.
ALSO READ: 5 whole grains dietitians swear by to improve Insulin resistance and balance blood sugar
As registered dietitian Ina Flores explains, “Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have a single cause, especially not sugar alone. Diets high in ultra-processed foods, which often contain added sugars, fats and refined carbs, have been linked to insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation.” She adds that while too much added sugar can contribute to health issues, focusing on one ingredient misses the full picture. “It’s not about one food or ingredient. It’s about the overall dietary pattern and metabolic health,” Flores says, as per a report by EatingWell.
In other words, sugar may play a role when consumed in excess, but it isn’t the reason diabetes develops. Understanding this distinction helps reduce stigma and shifts the conversation toward long-term habits rather than blaming any one food, as per a report by EatingWell.
Fiber-rich carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes support steady blood sugar levels and provide vitamins, minerals and nutrients vital for managing diabetes. Completely cutting out carbs isn’t necessary and can even make meal planning more challenging.
What often matters more is how carbs are paired with other foods. Registered dietitian Tamar Samuels explains, “Combining carbs with protein, fat or fiber—like pairing fruit with nuts or crackers with cheese—can help slow digestion and keep blood sugar steadier.”
ALSO READ: Essential tips to prevent fatty liver: Foods to avoid and lifestyle changes for better liver health
Of course, not everyone will respond the same way to different portion sizes or carb types. Some people may need to monitor intake more closely, especially in one sitting. That’s why personalized guidance from a registered dietitian or diabetes education specialist is invaluable. With the right support, carbs can fit comfortably into everyday meals without causing blood sugar spikes, as per a report by EatingWell.
Many people still believe that taking insulin means they’ve done something wrong—or that lifestyle changes weren’t enough. This myth can lead to shame and hesitation, preventing some from starting a therapy that could significantly improve their health.
Diabetes is a chronic, progressive condition, which means that treatment plans naturally evolve over time. In type 2 diabetes, insulin production can decline, even in people who maintain healthy habits. When the body no longer makes enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise and may lead to serious complications. For some, adding insulin helps restore balance and protect long-term health. For those with type 1 diabetes, insulin is not optional—it is essential for survival.
Flores stresses the importance of reframing the way people view insulin: “Starting an insulin regimen isn’t about giving up or failing, it’s about giving your body what it needs. It’s a powerful, life-saving therapy.”
Accepting insulin as a necessary tool rather than a setback can make diabetes management far less emotional and far more effective, as per a report by EatingWell.
Body mass index has been used for decades to categorize weight, but its limitations are well-recognized. BMI doesn’t differentiate between muscle and fat, nor does it account for age, stress levels, genetics or ethnicity—all factors that can influence diabetes risk.
A person with a higher BMI may have healthy muscle mass, while someone in the “normal” range may have excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen. And research shows that this central fat storage is a stronger predictor of diabetes risk than BMI alone, as per a report by EatingWell.
Dietitian Meredith Rofheart emphasizes that relying strictly on BMI can be misleading: “It would be wrong to assume those in the normal range BMI category are protected from developing type 2 diabetes. We need to acknowledge other risk factors of blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance to avoid missed diagnoses.”
In other words, anyone—regardless of size—can be at risk. That’s why screening and routine checkups matter for everyone, not just those outside the “normal” BMI range, as per a report by EatingWell.
“Remission is possible for some people with type 2 diabetes, especially after significant weight loss and early intervention, but it’s not a cure,” Flores says. “Maintaining remission requires ongoing lifestyle changes, regular medical follow-up and support. Weight regain or declining beta cell function can lead to relapse, so long-term support is essential.”
Type 1 diabetes, however, remains nonreversible and requires lifelong management, even as advances in treatment continue.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any medical concerns.
FAQs
Does eating sugar directly cause diabetes?
No. Experts say diabetes has multiple factors, and sugar alone isn’t the cause.
Can people with diabetes eat carbohydrates?
Yes. Dietitians note that all carbs can fit with proper balance and guidance.
So, with insights from registered dietitians and diabetes specialists, here’s a closer look at five myths that continue to mislead people.
Even with advancements in research and treatment, long-standing myths still shape how people understand diabetes and, in many cases, how they manage it. These misconceptions can fuel stigma, delay proper care and undermine the confidence of those living with the condition. With insights from diabetes dietitians, it’s time to clear up the five myths experts wish would disappear for good, as per a report by EatingWell.
ALSO READ: Mixing these 5 common foods with Diabetes meds could be a big mistake, experts say avoid these
Does Sugar Really Cause Diabetes?
One of the most persistent beliefs is that eating sugar is the direct cause of diabetes. But dietitians say the full picture is far more complex. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop for entirely different reasons, and neither is caused solely by sugar, as per a report by EatingWell.Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leaving the body with little to no ability to produce insulin. Diet has nothing to do with its development. Type 2 diabetes, however, develops through an interaction of genetics, insulin resistance, body composition and lifestyle habits—but sugar isn’t the sole culprit.
ALSO READ: 5 whole grains dietitians swear by to improve Insulin resistance and balance blood sugar
As registered dietitian Ina Flores explains, “Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have a single cause, especially not sugar alone. Diets high in ultra-processed foods, which often contain added sugars, fats and refined carbs, have been linked to insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation.” She adds that while too much added sugar can contribute to health issues, focusing on one ingredient misses the full picture. “It’s not about one food or ingredient. It’s about the overall dietary pattern and metabolic health,” Flores says, as per a report by EatingWell.
In other words, sugar may play a role when consumed in excess, but it isn’t the reason diabetes develops. Understanding this distinction helps reduce stigma and shifts the conversation toward long-term habits rather than blaming any one food, as per a report by EatingWell.
Should People With Diabetes Avoid Carbs?
Another widespread misconception is that people with diabetes must eliminate carbohydrates from their diet entirely. Carbs are often misunderstood, but dietitians emphasize that they are not the enemy—in fact, they’re an essential part of a healthy eating pattern.Fiber-rich carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes support steady blood sugar levels and provide vitamins, minerals and nutrients vital for managing diabetes. Completely cutting out carbs isn’t necessary and can even make meal planning more challenging.
What often matters more is how carbs are paired with other foods. Registered dietitian Tamar Samuels explains, “Combining carbs with protein, fat or fiber—like pairing fruit with nuts or crackers with cheese—can help slow digestion and keep blood sugar steadier.”
ALSO READ: Essential tips to prevent fatty liver: Foods to avoid and lifestyle changes for better liver health
Of course, not everyone will respond the same way to different portion sizes or carb types. Some people may need to monitor intake more closely, especially in one sitting. That’s why personalized guidance from a registered dietitian or diabetes education specialist is invaluable. With the right support, carbs can fit comfortably into everyday meals without causing blood sugar spikes, as per a report by EatingWell.
Is Insulin a Sign of Failure?
Many people still believe that taking insulin means they’ve done something wrong—or that lifestyle changes weren’t enough. This myth can lead to shame and hesitation, preventing some from starting a therapy that could significantly improve their health.
Diabetes is a chronic, progressive condition, which means that treatment plans naturally evolve over time. In type 2 diabetes, insulin production can decline, even in people who maintain healthy habits. When the body no longer makes enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise and may lead to serious complications. For some, adding insulin helps restore balance and protect long-term health. For those with type 1 diabetes, insulin is not optional—it is essential for survival.
Flores stresses the importance of reframing the way people view insulin: “Starting an insulin regimen isn’t about giving up or failing, it’s about giving your body what it needs. It’s a powerful, life-saving therapy.”
Accepting insulin as a necessary tool rather than a setback can make diabetes management far less emotional and far more effective, as per a report by EatingWell.
Does a “Normal” BMI Rule Out Diabetes?
Body mass index has been used for decades to categorize weight, but its limitations are well-recognized. BMI doesn’t differentiate between muscle and fat, nor does it account for age, stress levels, genetics or ethnicity—all factors that can influence diabetes risk.
A person with a higher BMI may have healthy muscle mass, while someone in the “normal” range may have excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen. And research shows that this central fat storage is a stronger predictor of diabetes risk than BMI alone, as per a report by EatingWell.
Dietitian Meredith Rofheart emphasizes that relying strictly on BMI can be misleading: “It would be wrong to assume those in the normal range BMI category are protected from developing type 2 diabetes. We need to acknowledge other risk factors of blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance to avoid missed diagnoses.”
In other words, anyone—regardless of size—can be at risk. That’s why screening and routine checkups matter for everyone, not just those outside the “normal” BMI range, as per a report by EatingWell.
Is Diabetes Truly Reversible?
One of the most hopeful yet misunderstood topics is diabetes reversibility. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, type 2 diabetes can sometimes reach remission. This means blood sugar levels can remain in a healthy range without medication—but it’s not a cure.“Remission is possible for some people with type 2 diabetes, especially after significant weight loss and early intervention, but it’s not a cure,” Flores says. “Maintaining remission requires ongoing lifestyle changes, regular medical follow-up and support. Weight regain or declining beta cell function can lead to relapse, so long-term support is essential.”
Type 1 diabetes, however, remains nonreversible and requires lifelong management, even as advances in treatment continue.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding any medical concerns.
FAQs
Does eating sugar directly cause diabetes?
No. Experts say diabetes has multiple factors, and sugar alone isn’t the cause.
Can people with diabetes eat carbohydrates?
Yes. Dietitians note that all carbs can fit with proper balance and guidance.
