5 diabetes myths: The 5 diabetes myths wrecking your health — dietitians reveal the truth
Let’s take a closer look at five myths that continue to mislead people, with opinions from registered dietitians and diabetes experts.
Despite advances in research and treatment, long-standing myths still shape how people understand diabetes and, in many cases, how they manage it. These misunderstandings can fuel stigma, delay appropriate care, and undermine the confidence of those living with the condition. With opinions from diabetes dietitians, it’s time to debunk five myths that experts want to dispel once and for all, according to EatingWell’s report.
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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 whole picture is much more complex. According to EatingWell’s report, type 1 and type 2 diabetes develop for completely different reasons, and neither is caused solely by sugar.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leaving the body with little or no ability to produce insulin. Diet has nothing to do with its development. Type 2 diabetes develops through the interaction of genetics, insulin resistance, body composition and lifestyle habits; But sugar isn’t the only culprit.
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As registered dietitian Ina Flores explains, “There is no single cause of type 2 diabetes, especially sugar alone. Diets high in ultra-processed foods, which often contain added sugar, fat, and refined carbohydrates, have been associated with insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation.” He adds that too much added sugar can contribute to health problems, but focusing on a single ingredient misses the whole picture. “It’s not about one food or ingredient. It’s about overall diet and metabolic health,” says Flores, according to a report by EatingWell.
In other words, sugar may play a role when consumed in excess, but it is not the reason why diabetes develops. According to a report by EatingWell, understanding this distinction helps reduce stigma and shifts the conversation toward long-term habits rather than blaming any one food.
Should People With Diabetes Stay Away From Carbohydrates?
Another common misconception is that people with diabetes should completely eliminate carbohydrates from their diet. Carbohydrates are often misunderstood, but dietitians emphasize that they are not the enemy, but are actually an important part of a healthy diet.
Fiber-rich carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes, support stable blood sugar levels and provide vitamins, minerals and nutrients vital to managing diabetes. Cutting out carbs completely isn’t necessary and may even make meal planning more difficult.
Often what’s more important is how carbohydrates are paired with other foods. Registered dietitian Tamar Samuels explains: “Combining carbohydrates with protein, fat, or fiber (like pairing fruit with nuts or crackers with cheese) can help slow digestion and keep blood sugar steady.”
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Of course, not everyone will respond the same way to different portion sizes or types of carbohydrates. 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 so valuable. With the right support, carbohydrates can fit comfortably into daily meals without causing blood sugar spikes, according to EatingWell’s report.
Is Insulin a Sign of Failure?
Many people still believe that taking insulin means they are doing something wrong or that lifestyle changes are not enough. This myth can lead to shame and hesitation, preventing some from starting a treatment that could significantly improve their health.
Diabetes is a chronic, progressive condition; This means that treatment plans evolve naturally over time. In type 2 diabetes, insulin production may decrease even in people who maintain healthy habits. When the body can no longer produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise and can lead to serious complications. For some, adding insulin helps restore balance and maintain long-term health. For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is not optional; is necessary for survival.
Flores emphasizes the importance of reshaping 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 hindrance can make managing diabetes much less emotional and much more effective, EatingWell reports.
Does a “Normal” BMI Rule Out Diabetes?
Body mass index has been used to categorize weight for decades, but its limitations are well known. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat and does not take into account 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 a person in the “normal” range may have excess body fat, especially around the abdomen. And research shows that this central fat storage is a stronger predictor of diabetes risk than BMI alone, according to a report from EatingWell.
Dietitian Meredith Rofheart emphasizes that strict reliance on BMI can be misleading: “It would be wrong to assume that people in the normal BMI category are protected from developing type 2 diabetes. We also need to recognize other risk factors, such as blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance, to avoid missing diagnoses.”
In other words, anyone, regardless of size, can be at risk. That’s why screening and routine checkups are important for everyone, not just those outside the “normal” BMI range, according to EatingWell’s report.
Can Diabetes Really Come Back?
One of the most promising but misunderstood topics is the reversibility of diabetes. Although there is currently no cure for diabetes, type 2 diabetes can sometimes reach remission. This means blood sugar levels can stay within a healthy range without medication; but this is not a cure.
“Improvement is possible for some people with type 2 diabetes, especially after significant weight loss and early intervention, but it is not a cure,” says Flores. “Maintaining remission requires ongoing lifestyle changes, regular medical monitoring and support. Weight gain or decreased beta cell function can lead to disease relapse, so long-term support is essential.”
However, Type 1 diabetes is irreversible and requires lifelong treatment, even if advances in treatment continue.
Notes: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any medical concerns.
FAQ
Does eating sugar directly cause diabetes?
No. Experts say diabetes has multiple factors and is not caused by sugar alone.
Can people with diabetes eat carbohydrates?
Yes. Dietitians state that all carbohydrates can be harmonized with proper balance and guidance.
