Diabetes remains one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, and with it come myths that make it difficult to control the disease. Experts in nutrition and diabetes management are urging people to reject misconceptions and focus on the facts to maintain their health and quality of life.
Myth 1: Sugar causes diabetes
Sugar gets a bad rap, but it’s not the main cause of diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease in which the body stops producing insulin. Type 2 is caused by a combination of genetics, insulin resistance, body composition, and lifestyle. Eating too much sugar can be a risk factor, but overall diet and metabolic health play a major role.
Myth 2: Diabetics can't eat carbs
. It's not necessary to completely eliminate carbs. It's important to choose the right sources of carbs—legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Combining carbs with protein, fat, or fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Myth 3. Insulin is a sign of defeat
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, and over time the body can lose its ability to produce insulin. Its administration is not a defeat, but a vital way to control blood sugar. For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is a matter of survival.
Myth 4. A normal BMI protects against diabetes
Body mass index is not a guarantee of no risk. Waist circumference and visceral fat levels are much more indicative. Diabetes can occur even in people with a “normal” BMI.
Myth 5: Diabetes can be cured
There is no cure for diabetes yet. Remission — controlling blood sugar levels without medication — is possible, but it requires constant attention to diet, weight, and physical activity.
Experts advise creating a balanced plate with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, being physically active, watching portions, getting an early checkup, and working with a qualified nutritionist.
Diabetes is not a sentence, but controlling it requires knowledge, discipline, and a willingness to debunk myths that can cost your health.
