Despite popular belief, diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar, and people don’t “give themselves” diabetes. Popular media often shows people with diabetes in an inaccurate, negative and judgmental way, sometimes suggesting that having diabetes is that person’s fault.
The truth is, there are several different reasons why someone may develop diabetes, including genes, family history, ethnic background, and other environmental and lifestyle factors. The reason someone may develop type 1 diabetes is very different from why another person may develop type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes doesn’t turn into type 2, and vice versa – they are different conditions. There is no single cause of diabetes, and it is often a combination of multiple factors.
1. Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Reality:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the cells that make insulin no longer work. Type 2 diabetes develops from a complex combination of genes, family history, ethnic background, and other environmental and lifestyle factors. Neither type 1 nor type 2 diabetes are caused by eating too much sugar.
Key message:
Avoid oversimplifying diabetes to a 'sugar problem.' Diabetes develops for many different reasons, most of which are beyond an individual's control. Reducing diabetes to being caused by one single factor can lead to inaccurate assumptions, blame and shame.
2. Myth: Only people who are overweight get type 2 diabetes.
Reality:
Excess weight is an important risk factor, but many people with type 2 diabetes are not overweight, and many people who are overweight never develop diabetes. Family history, ethnicity, age, and physical activity levels also play significant roles.
Key message:
Diabetes risk is influenced by many factors. Avoid making assumptions about a person's health or diabetes status based on body size alone.
3. Myth: There is one ‘diet’ for diabetes.
Reality:
There is no single eating pattern that works for everyone. Current guidance emphasizes individualized nutrition that considers culture, preferences, budget, health goals, and lifestyle.
Key message:
The best diet is the one a person can enjoy and stick with over time. Having a consistent pattern most days matters most.
4. Myth: People with diabetes can't eat sugar.
Reality:
People with diabetes do not have to avoid sugar completely. What matters most is the total amount of carbohydrate (which includes sugar and carbohydrate-containing foods), the overall quality of the diet, portion sizes, and how foods fit into a person's healthy eating plan. Occasional sweets can be included thoughtfully depending on your personal goals for blood sugar management.
Key message:
Focus on balance, not perfection. No single food determines how well diabetes is managed.
5. Myth: If no one in my family has diabetes, I won't get it.
Reality:
Family history increases risk, but many people diagnosed with diabetes have no close relatives with the condition. Lifestyle and other risk factors matter too.
Key message:
Family history is only one piece of the puzzle. Everyone can benefit from healthy lifestyle habits and regular screening when appropriate.
6. Myth: Type 1 diabetes only happens in children.
Reality:
Although type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood, it can develop at any age, including adulthood.
Key message:
Type 1 diabetes is not just a childhood condition. Awareness of symptoms is important for people of all ages.
7. Myth: People with diabetes must give up their favourite foods.
Reality:
A healthy eating pattern is important for managing diabetes. It does not mean you can’t have your favourite foods. One food item, one meal or even one day does not make or break a healthy eating pattern. It’s the pattern of healthy choices over time that make the most difference. For those times where you want something sweet or a special snack or favourite food, choose a moderate portion and enjoy every bite.
Key message:
Most of the time, build meals around whole, minimally processed foods but enjoy your favourite foods in small quantities too.
8. Myth: Starting insulin means you've failed.
Reality:
Diabetes is a progressive condition. For many people with type 2 diabetes, insulin eventually becomes the most effective treatment option. Needing insulin is not a sign of failure.
Key message:
Insulin is a treatment tool, not a punishment. Starting insulin can be a positive step toward improving blood glucose management and protecting long-term health.
9. Myth: People with diabetes should avoid all carbohydrates.
Reality:
Carbohydrates (carbs) are the main source of energy for our body. They are absolutely a part of a healthy diabetes eating pattern. Carb containing foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and dairy foods provide valuable nutrients and fibre. The key is paying attention to quality (simple carbs=fast blood sugar rise, complex, fibre carbs=slower sugar rise), quantity (1/4 of your meal, combined with protein + fibre), and timing (spaced out throughout the day).
Key message:
Being carb conscious, not carb fearful, supports a healthy and sustainable eating pattern.
10. Myth: Diabetes can be 'cured' with a special diet, supplement, or cleanse.
Reality:
There is currently no cure for type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes go into remission through significant lifestyle changes or surgery, but ongoing monitoring is still needed. Claims of quick cures are not supported by research.
Key message:
Be cautious of products or programs that promise a "cure." Effective diabetes management is based on evidence-based care and ongoing support.