6 Myths About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes affects one in ten American adults—that's 30 million people. A quarter of these don't even realize they have the disease! And for every person with Type 2 diabetes, there are two more who are considered prediabetic, meaning their blood sugar levels are in the high-normal range. 

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with diabetes, you probably have a lot of questions. In this article, I'll clear up some of the most common misunderstandings, and answer the following questions people often ask.

1. Do all Type 2 diabetics need to take medication?
   
2. Can diabetics eat fruit?
   
3. How much carbohydrate can Type 2 diabetics eat?
   
4. If I'm on medication for diabetes, can I eat what I want?
   
5. Can you reverse Type 2 diabetes with diet?

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

In Type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. As a result, your blood sugar stays too high. 

In old medical texts, you’ll often see Type 2 diabetes referred to as Adult Onset Diabetes, because this condition usually developed in midlife. Unfortunately, as childhood obesity rates have increased, Type 2 diabetes is now routinely diagnosed in kids. The earlier someone develops diabetes, the more likely it is that they will eventually experience serious complications. 

People can live long and healthy lives with diabetes if they take proper care of themselves. In many cases, it’s even possible to reverse the disease.

Having Type 2 diabetes increases your risk for heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage—especially if your disease is poorly managed. However, people can live long and healthy lives with diabetes if they take proper care of themselves. In many cases, it’s even possible to reverse the disease.

Let’s take a look at the most common myths and misunderstandings about Type 2  Diabetes.

Myth #1: All people with Type 2 diabetes will need to take insulin or other anti-diabetic drugs for life

This is not true. Many newly...

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