Photo source: Abbott website

People who have been diagnosed with diabetes have repeatedly heard prejudices, misinformed arguments, and myths from other people.

"You have diabetes? Quit sweets!"

This familiar refrain is often heard when the truth is that managing diabetes extends beyond simply avoiding cakes and candies. Two critical components of diabetes management are nutrition and lifestyle. Regrettably, widespread misconceptions about these factors can lead to confusion and hinder effective management of the condition.

Let's dispel these common diabetes myths to help those living with diabetes manage their sugar levels in a way that benefits their health and well-being.

Myth 1: People with diabetes must avoid all sugar.

Truth: People with diabetes need to watch their sugar intake, but they do not have to cut it out completely.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA)¹⁰ assures that people with diabetes can still enjoy sweets, chocolate, or other sugary foods as long as these treats are eaten in moderation as part of a healthy meal plan and balanced with exercise.

A healthy meal plan, according to the ADA, should limit saturated fats and include moderate amounts of salt and sugar¹¹. People with diabetes can still enjoy their favorite sweet treats. The key is to eat sugar in moderation and keep a balanced diet.

Myth 2: Only overweight people get diabetes.

Truth: While being overweight can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,

it is not the only factor.

Diabetes risk is influenced by a combination of factors beyond weight⁹. Genetics⁵ plays a significant role, and having a family history of diabetes increases the likelihood of developing the condition. Age is also a key factor, as the risk of type 2 diabetes tends to rise with age.

Additionally, diet and lifestyle are crucial. Poor dietary habits, such as consuming high amounts of sugar and processed foods, along with a sedentary lifestyle, can significantly raise the risk of diabetes. These factors¹⁰ are crucial for all individuals, including those who are not overweight, to reduce their chances of developing the condition.

Myth 3: People with diabetes should avoid fruit² because of its sugar content.

Truth: While fruits contain natural sugars, they are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and

antioxidants. The fiber⁴ in whole fruits slows down the absorption of sugars, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes. 

People with diabetes can enjoy fruits in moderation, especially those with a low glycemic index (GI), such as berries, apples¹² and oranges¹. It is best to choose whole fruits over fruit juices¹², which have less fiber and can cause quicker spikes in blood glucose.

Myth 4: Carbohydrates are bad.

Truth: Carbohydrates are essential for a balanced diet, even for people with diabetes. Controlling portions and timing helps keep blood sugar levels manageable.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should aim to obtain 45% of their daily calorie intake from carbohydrates³. Monitoring carbohydrate intake is essential for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

Timing is equally important. Eating carbohydrates at regular intervals helps prevent sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar. Spacing out carbohydrate intake evenly across meals, rather than consuming a large amount at once, allows the body to process sugars gradually. This can improve blood sugar stability and energy levels throughout the day.

Myth 5: People with diabetes have limited food choices.

Truth: It is okay to enjoy a variety of foods, but make thoughtful choices.

People with diabetes can savor well-balanced meals featuring lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats. However, they need to be aware of foods with high glycemic index values, like white bread and cereals or sugary beverages, which can lead to rapid and sustained spikes in blood sugar levels.

Research indicates that diets high in glycemic index foods are associated with higher risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease⁶. Fortunately, there are numerous appealing recipes that incorporate low glycemic index ingredients.

Myth 6: People with diabetes should drink only water.

Truth: Water is an excellent choice, but they can also enjoy a range of beverages

in moderation. 

Opting for zero-calorie or low-calorie drinks is generally advised when quenching your thirst⁷. Adding a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice can provide a refreshing, low-calorie boost to your drink. It is important to remember that even beverages with low sugar content, like vegetable juice, should be consumed moderately.

Diabetes management involves carefully balancing food intake, medication, and lifestyle changes. Specialized nutritional drinks can be a valuable tool in this journey, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and provide essential nutrients.

Glucerna⁸ is a specialized nutrition scientifically formulated to support the dietary management of diabetics. It contains 4x more inositol vs. the previous formulation, a slow-release carbohydrate system, and high trivalent chromium, which contribute to maintaining normal blood glucose levels when combined with proper diet and exercise. It also provides 28 essential vitamins and minerals, and can be used as a snack or nutritional supplement as part of a necessary diabetic meal plan. Glucerna has been studied for 30 years in over 5,000 individuals.

Photo source: Abbott Facebook Page

When managing diabetes, making informed decisions based on research and maintaining a consistent healthy lifestyle can lead to significant progress.

For a complimentary diabetes consultation, contact Alagang Abbott via Facebook.

REFERENCES

1. Are oranges beneficial for diabetes? (no date) Medical News Today. Available at:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oranges-for-diabetes#side-effects

2. British Heart Foundation (2025) 8 diabetes myths you shouldn’t believe, British

Heart Foundation. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/myths-about-diet-and-diabetes

3. Fletcher, J. (2020, July 27). How many carbs per day for a diabetic? Factors toconsider. Medical and health information | MedicalNewsToday.

4. Fiber: The CARB that helps you manage diabetes (no date) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/healthy-eating/fiber-helps-diabetes.html#:~:text=Health%20benefits%20of%20fiber&text=But%20most%20US%20adults%20only,lose%20or%20maintain%20your%20weight. 

5. Genetics of diabetes (no date) Genetics of Diabetes | American Diabetes Association. Available at: https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/genetics-diabetes

6. Glycemic index: A helpful tool for diabetes? (n.d.). Mayo Clinic.

7. Ginta, D. (2020, May 12). What Can You Drink If You Have Diabetes? Healthline.

8. Glucerna® Philippines | Why Glucerna® - Complete and balanced nutrition for people with diabetes. (n.d.). Abbott Nutrition International, Global, and Country Websites.

9. Howard E. LeWine, M. (2012) Diabetes can strike-hard-even when weight is normal, Harvard Health. Available at:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/diabetes-can-strike-hard-even-when-weight-is-normal-201208085121#:~:text=We%20tend%20to%20think%20of,severity%20of%20type%202%20diabetes.

10. Know Your Facts About Diabetes | American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Diabetes Research, Education, Advocacy | ADA.

11. RN, N. G. (2018, September 17). Can people with diabetes eat sweets, chocolate, or sugary foods? Medical and health information |MedicalNewsToday. 

12. Watts, M. (2023) What fruit juice can people with diabetes drink?, Diabetes.

Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/juice-and-diabetes.html#:~:text=Fruit%20juice%20contains%20a%20large,of%20developing%20type%202%20diabetes

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