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Understanding Diabetes: Facts, Myths, and What You Can Do

Updated: 3 days ago

By Bid-Lose O. Francisque, MPH, RD, LDN

Diabetes continues to affect millions of individuals worldwide, yet misinformation around its causes, treatment, and prevention remains widespread. In the U.S. nearly one in two people are living with diabetes or prediabetes. That’s half of all Americans. It’s not just a statistic, it’s our neighbors, our coworkers, our families, and maybe even ourselves. As a Registered Dietitian, I meet many people who carry unnecessary guilt, fear, or confusion about living with diabetes. This article breaks down the essentials, what diabetes really is, the differences between types, and how lifestyle and medical care work together to support long-term health.


What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It’s the body’s early warning sign that it’s having trouble managing glucose. The cells are becoming less responsive to insulin (insulin resistance). The pancreas is working harder to keep blood sugar normal. Over time, this system gets overwhelmed leading to type 2 diabetes if nothing changes.



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What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body uses blood glucose. Glucose which means sweet in the Greek word, it is a type of sugar that come from foods you eat. It is the body’s main source of energy, and insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. As it travels through your bloodstream to your cells, it's called blood glucose or blood sugar. When this process doesn’t work properly, blood sugar becomes elevated. In sum, diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose are too high. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, you have higher-than-normal levels of glucose in your blood. Either you don't have enough insulin to move it through your bloodstream, or your cells don't respond to insulin as well as they should.


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The Most Common Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The body mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in little to no insulin production. It is not caused by eating sugar. It usually appears in childhood or young adulthood but can occur at any age. People with Type 1 require insulin to live.


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Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes insulin resistant or doesn’t use insulin properly.Influenced by: genetics, age, family history and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, sleep, stress, and nutrition. While diet plays a role, eating sugar alone does not cause diabetes. The condition develops over time due to a combination of risk factors.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in people who did not previously have diabetes. Hormonal changes can make the body less responsive to insulin. It usually resolves after delivery, but it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Early prenatal care and follow-up after birth are essential.

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Rare Forms of Diabetes

While type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes are the most familiar, there are also several rare forms of diabetes that deserve attention. According to the International Diabetes Federation, although less common, and not universally recognized, they affect about 1.5% to 2 % of people living with diabetes. These include:

  • Alström Syndrome is an incurable rare genetic disorder that can cause type 2 diabetes.

  • Diabetes insipidus is when the kidneys cannot retain water. It results in extreme thirst and frequent urination but does not affect blood glucose levels.

  • LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) is an autoimmune form that develops in adulthood and progresses more slowly than type 1.

  • MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young) is a group of hereditary types caused by specific gene mutations that usually develops before age 25.

  • Neonatal diabetes is an uncommon genetic condition diagnosed in infants under six months. It is like type 1 diabetes in children older than six months.

  • Secondary diabetes as the name implies develops due to other medical conditions or certain medications, such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis or corticosteroid use.

  • Steroid-induced diabetes can develop in some people who take steroids and is more common in people at higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Type 3c diabetes describes a possible link between Alzheimer’s disease and insulin resistance, suggesting that Alzheimer’s could be a form of diabetes. However, this form of diabetes does not have official recognition.

  • Wolfram Syndrome is an incurable rare genetic disorder that causes diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, optic atrophy and deafness. Another name for this disorder is DIDMOAD (IFD, 2025).

There rare types of diabetes highlight how complex the condition is and why personalized diagnosis and treatment are essential. Understanding them ensures people receive the right care and are not misdiagnosed or misunderstood.


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Common Myths About Diabetes

Myth #1: “Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.”

Sugar alone is not the sole cause of diabetes. Type 1 is autoimmune, and Type 2 results from a combination of genetics and lifestyle, not just sugar intake.

Myth #2: “Needing insulin means you failed.”

Not true. Diabetes is progressive for many people.Many individuals with Type 2 diabetes will require medication or insulin at some point.Medication is a tool, not a sign of failure.

Myth #3: “Diabetes is reversible for everyone.”

Some people with Type 2 diabetes can achieve remission through lifestyle changes, weight management, and medical support. However, remission is not guaranteed and is not possible for Type 1 diabetes.


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Signs & symptoms

Most people have no symptoms.Some may notice:

  • Feeling hungry all the time

  • Increased thirst

  • Fatigue

  • Blurry vision

  • Frequent urination

  • Unintentional weight changes

The Role of Nutrition

Nutrition plays a major role in helping manage diabetes, and management is highly individualized. Effective strategies may include:

  • Balanced carbohydrates instead of elimination

  • Increasing fiber-rich foods

  • Pairing carbs with protein and healthy fats

  • Staying hydrated

  • Choosing foods that fit your culture and lifestyle

  • There is no one-size-fits-all diet for diabetes.

Living with Diabetes

People living with diabetes often face stigma, especially around weight, sugar, and medication use. Managing diabetes is not about perfection, it’s about consistency, compassion, and having the right tools. With a balanced eating pattern, regular movement, routine medical care, stress management, and ongoing education, people living with diabetes can lead full, healthy, joyful lives. The key is understanding your body, working with your health care team, and making small, sustainable changes that truly fit your lifestyle. Understanding diabetes requires accurate information not myths or fear-based messaging. Whether you are living with the condition, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking knowledge, remember: diabetes is manageable, and help is available.

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