Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the United States. About 29 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and an additional 11 million have undiagnosed diabetes.
Despite its prevalence, it's also one of the most misunderstood chronic conditions. There’s no shortage of advice floating around online, and not all of it is accurate.
Read on as our team at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, sheds light on Type 2 diabetes and debunks five common myths.
Excess weight is a risk factor, but it’s far from the only one. About 88% of people with diabetes are overweight or have obesity. That leaves 12% of people with Type 2 diabetes in the normal body mass index (BMI) range.
Beyond a high BMI, other risk factors for diabetes include:
Many people with obesity never develop Type 2 diabetes.
If only it were that simple. The reality is a bit more nuanced.
Your body uses insulin to usher blood sugar from your bloodstream into your cells. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin (and doesn’t use it properly) or doesn’t produce enough insulin. Blood sugar (glucose) then builds up in your bloodstream.
While a diet high in added sugars can absolutely contribute to weight gain and increase your diabetes risk, eating a cookie or enjoying dessert doesn't directly cause diabetes. Even short-term situations, like taking certain medications, can temporarily cause insulin resistance.
The bigger picture includes your genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, all more influential than whether you ate a cookie after dinner.
Many people assume a diabetes diagnosis means giving up bread, pasta, fruit, and every favorite food forever.
Here’s the catch, though: Every person needs carbohydrates. They’re a macronutrient and your body’s preferred source of energy. Carbohydrates can and should be a part of a healthy diabetes meal plan.
That said, you need to choose nutrient-dense options. You can find healthy (complex) carbs in non-starchy veggies such as broccoli and green beans. Watch portion sizes and balance carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Managing your diabetes is about making informed choices and eliminating the bad-for-you refined carbs, not the entire food group.
Not necessarily. Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. Some people live with elevated blood sugar for years before receiving a diagnosis; 80% of people with prediabetes don’t know they have it.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
That’s one reason regular checkups and routine blood work are so important. We can spot the earliest signs of prediabetes before it spirals into full-blown diabetes.
Medication can be a key part of diabetes management, but healthy habits are non-negotiable.
Regular exercise, nutritious eating, stress management, quality sleep, and routine medical care can all help support healthy blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of complications. In some cases, lifestyle changes can help send your diabetes into remission.
For example, people who lost more than 22 pounds and sustained that weight loss for more than 24 months were more likely to put their Type 2 diabetes into remission.
If you have risk factors for diabetes or you're experiencing symptoms, it may be time for a screening.
At Select Family Practice and Urgent Care, our team can help evaluate your risk, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan to support your health.
Call 919-676-0202 or request an appointment online today.
