Myth #1
If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop Type 2 diabetes.
While being overweight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, there are other factors that figure into the equation. Also the ADA states that most overweight people do not become diabetic, and a good number of thin people have diabetes.
Myth #2
If you eat too much sugar, you will eventually become diabetic.
This is probably the most prevalent myth there is about diabetes. There are genetic factors, as well as some unknown anomalies that all contribute to a greater risk of the disease. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness that causes the pancreas to either develop too much, or not enough insulin. Although being overweight is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, whether or not a person’s excess calories are comprised of sugar or not is irrelevant.
Myth #3
People with diabetes can’t eat sugar or starchy foods.
This isn’t true; sugar can be eaten in moderation as long as a person eats a well balanced diet. A diabetic’s diet needn’t be anymore restrictive than anyone else’s.
