8 diabetes myths debunked

Diabetes is challenging enough without having to separate the facts from fiction.

To break down the stigma and better understand diabetes, we’re debunking the half-truths and misinformation you may have thought were real.

Fact: Pre-diabetes is a serious health condition.

Research suggests one in 6 Australian adults over 25 have pre-diabetes, and without intervention approximately 33% will develop type 2 diabetes within a decade.¹

Diabetes is caused by having high levels of glucose in the blood. Even a slightly higher blood glucose level than what’s considered normal shouldn’t be ignored.

Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that diabetes could develop. Talk to your GP about how to treat pre-diabetes.

Fact: There are several types of diabetes and they’re all different.

Type 1 diabetes is where the body’s immune system destroys the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, one of the main hormones responsible for keeping blood glucose levels in check.

Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as ‘lifestyle diabetes’ as it’s usually caused by lifestyle factors including obesity, a lack of exercise and poor diet.² It occurs when the body becomes progressively resistant to insulin and is unable to remove enough glucose from the blood by the body’s cells.

Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away once the baby is born, though it does increase the mother/pregnant person and child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

While all different, all types of diabetes are serious health conditions and, if left uncontrolled, could lead to serious complications.

Fact: Anyone can get diabetes.

Family history is a risk factors for diabetes, but it’s not the only one. Other factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including:

• being 45 years or older
• excess weight, a high body mass index (BMI) or obesity
• a sedentary lifestyle
• high levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood
• high blood pressure
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• gestational diabetes
• cardiovascular disease.

Fact: Type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, doing regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.³ Not smoking and avoiding alcohol can also lower your risk.

Unfortunately, not all types of diabetes are preventable. Gestational diabetes cannot always be avoided, even if you are a healthy weight and exercise regularly. The cause of type 1 diabetes and how to prevent it is still not known.

Fact: While weight is a risk factor for some types of diabetes, it’s not always the cause of the condition.

Type 1 diabetes is not linked to being overweight. It happens when the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes often develops in childhood, but it can happen at any age.  

Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1. It’s true that most people who develop type 2 diabetes are overweight, but it’s still possible that someone who’s in a healthy weight range could develop it. Some risk factors for type 2 diabetes have nothing to do with your weight, like being from certain ethnic backgrounds or having a family history of type 2 diabetes. 

Although none of us can do anything to change our genetics, we can greatly reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes being physically active and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Fact: People with diabetes need to eat a well-balanced diet that can include some sugars.

Having diabetes doesn’t mean forgoing those delicious desserts and sweet treats altogether.

The important thing is to eat sugar sparingly as part of a healthy diet, which includes a variety of the 5 food groups:

• vegetables and legumes/beans
• fruits
• wholegrain foods such as breads, cereals, rice and pasta
• lean meats, fish, poultry, tofu, tempeh and nuts
• milk, yoghurt, cheese or non-dairy, calcium-fortified plant alternatives.

Eating a well-balanced diet will help you keep your blood glucose levels within your target range and help reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related complications.

Fact: There is no cure for type 1 diabetes, however some people with type 2 diabetes can go into remission.

According to Diabetes Australia, remission has been achieved for some people with type 2 diabetes following substantial weight loss (10 to 15% of your body weight) through a period of intensive dietary change, healthy behaviour modification or by bariatric surgery.³

Research has shown that if you’re able to reduce your average glucose level to achieve an HbA1C of under 6.5% (48mmol/mol), and are able to sustain that for at least 3 months without taking glucose lowering medication, then there’s a good chance you are in remission.³

Not everyone who has type 2 diabetes is overweight or obese, so it’s important to note that achieving and sustaining remission might not be possible for everyone.

Diabetes Australia recommends those wanting to pursue diabetes remission do so in close consultation with a diabetes healthcare team, as intensive dietary and weight changes need careful management, monitoring and ongoing support.

Fact: People with diabetes can eat the same food as everyone else.

While there is evidence to support a low-carbohydrate diet as being beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes, it is not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding people or those with other medical health conditions like kidney disease.

In reality, people with type 2 diabetes need to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet to best support their health. This does not mean cutting out entire food groups.

Seek medical advice through a registered dietitian and medical professional before starting any new diet or eating plan.

Diabetes Australia offers resources on preventing and living with diabetes. Visit their website or call them on 1800 177 055.

The National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) offers online resources, advice and a dedicated helpline on 1800 637 700.