5 common type 2 diabetes myths debunked

Type 2 diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic health condition in the world. Already some 1.4 million Australians are known to have diabetes, with an additional 500,000 estimated to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes¹.

With numbers like that, it's little wonder there's so much disinformation surrounding diabetes. Here are some of the biggest myths about type 2 diabetes.

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

Fact: Despite what many people think, sugar consumption has very little to do with developing diabetes, and sugar is by no means off the menu for someone managing diabetes. The real lifestyle risk factors for developing the most common form of diabetes – type 2 – are unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity and excess weight, especially around the waist. However, consuming too much sugar can mean lots of kilojoules, which can result in weight gain – and being overweight is the biggest risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. If someone with diabetes generally has a healthy diet and exercises regularly, there’s no reason they can’t indulge in sweets, chocolate and dessert now and then.

Myth: People with diabetes need to eat special diabetic foods

Fact: Foods labelled as ‘diabetic’ or ‘diabetes-friendly’ are not only often expensive, they’re likely to contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol, which can have a laxative effect. In truth, a ‘diabetic diet’ is just a good way of eating that would be recommended for anyone. A healthy diet for diabetics should include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, minimally processed grains and cereals, and lean protein such as meat and fish.

Myth: Needing to take insulin means you have ‘failed’

Fact: For someone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a combination of healthier eating and exercise can be enough to initially manage the disease. However, over time, many people need to start taking oral diabetes medication to help keep their blood sugar levels within the right range. And some of them will go on to require insulin. This in no way should be considered a failure: diabetes is a progressive condition and your body might eventually need insulin injections to compensate for your pancreas producing less insulin.

Myth: Type 1 diabetes is more serious than type 2

Fact: No matter what the cause, a person with any form of diabetes has blood glucose levels that are too high. Left uncontrolled, both types of diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage and limb amputation.

Myth: Only older people get diabetes

Fact: A couple of decades ago, that would have true (young people diagnosed with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes being the exception). Nowadays, young children are being diagnosed with what used to be called ‘adult-onset’, or type 2, diabetes. The children at most risk are those who are overweight, do little physical activity and have poor eating habits (although genetics play a role, too).

Parents can do a lot to help. Try and encourage good eating and lifestyle habits for the entire family, more physical activity and less junk food, cutback on sugar (including soft drinks and fruit juices), serve smaller portions and limit screen time.