Diabetes is one of the most widespread chronic diseases and is often misunderstood.
To clear up common myths and support diabetes awareness, UC Health consulted Dr. Colin Carracher, a UC Health Endocrinologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, who specializes in diabetes.
Dr. Carracher has been recognized as a “top doctor” by Cincinnati Magazine in 2019 and annually from 2022 to 2024. He shared his insight on a few topics regarding possible myths about diabetes.
Myth 1: Diabetes is NOT the number one cause of kidney failure, nontraumatic lower limb amputations and blindness among adults.
Answer: FALSE.
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause several health complications, affecting nearly every organ system in the body. This includes diabetic complications, such as chronic kidney disease, limb amputations and blindess.
In the United States, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death, and the number of people with diabetes is on the rise. The key is prevention. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, getting control of your blood sugar now and maintaining that control over time will greatly reduce your risk of developing these health complications.
Myth 2: There are only two types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2.
Answer: FALSE.
There are many types of diabetes, however Type 1 and Type 2 are by far the most common and recognized. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The treatment for Type 1 diabetes will always be insulin, but there are several ways to give insulin including syringes, pens and even insulin pumps.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes still produce insulin, but their bodies don’t respond to it normally. In addition to insulin, there are several non-insulin drug classes that can treat Type 2 diabetes. Regardless of the cause or type of diabetes, they all result in high blood sugar.
Myth 3: Patients require a special diet for the rest of their lives once diagnosed with diabetes.
Answer: TRUE AND FALSE.
Dietary changes are required once someone has diabetes, but in the form of appropriate meal planning rather than eating “special” foods. Patients with diabetes should receive education about carbohydrates (sugars) in the foods they eat.
It is important to understand that not all carbohydrates are equal. With guidance from a diabetic educator or dietician, patients with diabetes will learn how to choose the amount and types of carbohydrates they consume in such a way that it improves their blood sugar control.
Myth 4: Treatment for diabetes remains relatively the same from patient to patient.
Answer: FALSE.
The medical management of diabetes should be individualized. For Type 1 diabetes, the treatment is always insulin, but the amount and timing of that insulin will vary considerably from patient to patient. For Type 2 diabetes, since there are so many medication options, your doctor should consider your pre-existing medical history in order to choose a treatment regimen that is safe for you.
Medication choices can be narrowed down further based on the specific glucose control problems a patient is experiencing. Some medications are better at controlling sugar levels all day long, while others are specifically designed to control elevations in blood sugar caused by food.
Myth 5: Sugar-free foods are typically diabetes friendly.
Answer: FALSE.
Buyer beware! It is very common for consumer food products to make claims on the front of the package to suggest it is perfectly healthy for someone with diabetes. “Sugar-free” is one of those misleading terms and may mean that the product contains zero added sugar. However, if you read the nutrition label on the back, you’ll often find that the item still contains carbohydrates—which is sugar.
Unfortunately, terms like this aren’t always standardized and can have a different meaning depending on the company or product that uses the term. This is where your diabetic educator or dietician can help you demystify your foods so that you can choose what you eat more wisely.
Myth 6: Only Older Adults Get Diabetes.
Answer: FALSE.
Diabetes can affect people at any age, not just older adults. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease often diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes, commonly seen in adults, is now more prevalent in younger age groups due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity. Children and teens consuming sugary drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages are at a higher risk of developing insulin resistance, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes, another form of diabetes, can occur during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. However, it raises the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Family history and a history of gestational diabetes can increase one's likelihood of developing diabetes. Managing blood glucose levels with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes is essential for prevention and long-term health.
Myth 7: Physical Activity Is Not Effective in Managing Diabetes.
Answer: FALSE.
Regular physical activity is highly effective for diabetic patients. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels, increases insulin sensitivity, and can assist with weight loss. Activities like walking, cycling, and strength training support better glucose metabolism and can prevent diabetes complications such as heart disease.
Contrary to the common myth that exercise isn’t impactful, it plays a vital role in diabetes management. Alongside activity, a healthy lifestyle that limits sugary foods, starchy foods, and saturated fat can contribute to better outcomes. A balanced approach that incorporates both exercise and dietary management, including moderation of sugar-sweetened beverages, supports consistent blood glucose control.
For patients who require an insulin injection, consistent physical activity can optimize insulin use and improve overall health. Combining exercise with proper dietary adjustments and healthy lifestyle habits reinforces the body’s ability to manage blood sugar effectively.
