Diabetes Myths vs. Facts

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Photo: Pallbo via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain). Image credits

Last reviewed: October 9, 2026 · Sources: CDC, NIH/NIDDK, American Diabetes Association

There is a lot of misinformation about diabetes. Myths can lead to unnecessary fear, blame, or poor decisions about health. Some myths cause people to delay getting tested; others lead people to avoid helpful treatments. This guide separates common diabetes myths from the facts, using information from the CDC, NIH, and the American Diabetes Association.

Myth: Diabetes isn't a serious disease.

Fact: Diabetes is serious, but it can be managed. The CDC reports that diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the No. 1 cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness. The good news is that keeping blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol in target ranges, not smoking, and getting regular checkups can greatly lower the risk of complications.

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

Fact: The causes are more complex. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction, and sugar does not cause it. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of factors, including genes, overweight, and physical inactivity, according to NIDDK. However, regularly drinking sugary drinks is linked with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, likely through effects on weight and metabolism. Limiting sugary drinks is a smart choice for everyone. See what is diabetes.

Myth: Only people with overweight get type 2 diabetes.

Fact: Overweight is a major risk factor, but it is not the only one. People at any weight can develop type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors listed by the CDC include being 45 or older, having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, being physically active less than three times a week, having had gestational diabetes, and having polycystic ovary syndrome. Many people with overweight never develop diabetes. See type 2 diabetes.

Myth: You would know if you had diabetes.

Fact: Many people don't. The CDC reports that more than 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don't know they have it, and that about 8 in 10 people with prediabetes don't know they have it. Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes often have no symptoms for years. If you have risk factors, ask your provider about testing. See early signs and symptoms and prediabetes.

Myth: Prediabetes isn't a big deal.

Fact: Prediabetes raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, according to the CDC. But it is also an opportunity: the CDC states that the National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60).

Myth: People with diabetes can't eat sweets or carbohydrates.

Fact: People with diabetes can include carbohydrates and occasional sweets in a healthy eating plan, with attention to portions and overall balance. Carbohydrates from vegetables, whole grains, beans, fruit, and dairy provide important nutrients. The key is planning and portion control. See diabetes-friendly eating basics and carb counting.

Myth: People with diabetes need special "diabetic" foods.

Fact: Special diabetic foods are not necessary. Products labeled "sugar-free" or "diabetic" may still contain carbohydrates, calories, and fat, and sugar alcohols can cause digestive upset. A healthy eating plan for people with diabetes is generally the same healthy eating recommended for everyone.

Myth: Fruit is bad for people with diabetes.

Fact: Whole fruit contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can be part of a diabetes-friendly diet. Fruit does contain carbohydrate, so count it as part of your meal plan. Whole fruit is a better choice than juice, which raises glucose faster. See the glycemic index explained.

Myth: If you need insulin, you've failed at managing your diabetes.

Fact: People with type 1 diabetes need insulin to survive. For type 2 diabetes, the body's ability to make insulin often declines over time, and many people eventually need insulin or additional medicines. Needing insulin reflects the nature of the condition, not a personal failure. See insulin basics.

Myth: Insulin causes complications like blindness or amputation.

Fact: Insulin does not cause these complications. High blood glucose over time is what damages blood vessels and nerves. Insulin helps lower glucose and can help prevent complications. People sometimes start insulin after years of high glucose, which may be why the myth persists.

Myth: Diabetes medicines are only for people who don't try hard enough.

Fact: Medicines are a normal, evidence-based part of treatment for many people. Some diabetes medicines also protect the heart and kidneys. See metformin and common diabetes medications.

Myth: Type 2 diabetes is "mild" diabetes.

Fact: There is no mild form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can cause serious complications if not well managed. Every type deserves attention and care.

Myth: People with diabetes can't exercise or play sports.

Fact: Physical activity is strongly recommended for most people with diabetes and helps the body use insulin. People with diabetes compete at every level of sport. Those who take insulin or medicines that can cause lows can learn to plan ahead. See exercise and diabetes.

Myth: Diabetes is contagious.

Fact: You can't catch diabetes from someone else. It is not spread through contact, saliva, or blood.

Myth: People with diabetes get sick more often than other people.

Fact: People with diabetes are not necessarily more likely to catch colds or flu, but illness can make diabetes harder to manage and raise the risk of serious complications. That's why vaccines and a sick-day plan are recommended. See managing diabetes when you're sick.

Myth: Gestational diabetes means the baby will have diabetes.

Fact: Gestational diabetes does not mean the baby is born with diabetes. However, according to the CDC, the child is more likely to have obesity as a child or teen and to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, and the parent has a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. See gestational diabetes.

Myth: Natural supplements can cure diabetes.

Fact: There is currently no cure for diabetes. Some supplements are marketed with big claims but have little evidence, and some can interact with medicines or cause harm. The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has information on diabetes and dietary supplements. Never stop prescribed medicines in favor of supplements, and talk with your provider before trying any.

Myth: Type 2 diabetes can't be prevented.

Fact: In many cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. The CDC notes that losing a small amount of weight, around 5% to 7% of body weight if you have overweight, and getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week can lower the risk for people with prediabetes.

Myth: Once your blood sugar is under control, you can stop treatment.

Fact: Diabetes is a long-term condition. Good numbers usually mean your treatment plan is working. Stopping medicines or healthy habits without guidance can cause glucose to rise again. Some people with type 2 diabetes who lose significant weight may reach glucose levels below the diabetes range without medicines, but ongoing monitoring is still needed. See how to lower A1C.

Myth: Low blood sugar isn't dangerous.

Fact: Severe low blood glucose can cause confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and accidents. People who take insulin or certain pills should know how to recognize and treat lows. See hypoglycemia.

Key takeaways

Sources

Links to the sources cited above appear in the text. We rely on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

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