Myth
You have to lose a lot of weight for your diabetes to improve.
Fact Losing just 7% of your body weight can offer significant health benefits—about 15 pounds if you weigh 200.
Myth
Diabetes doesn’t run in my family, so I’m safe.
Fact Family history is only one of several risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Myth
You’ll know if you have diabetes by your symptoms.
Fact Not always. Type 2 diabetes often goes undiagnosed because it usually has few or no symptoms when it first develops.
Myth
Gestational diabetes doesn’t need to be taken seriously, as it will disappear after a woman gives birth.
Fact It puts both mother and child at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Myth
People with diabetes can’t donate blood.
Fact You’re eligible to donate blood as long as your diabetes is well controlled.
Myth
People with type 2 diabetes who need to use insulin are in serious trouble.
Fact Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, and most people with it eventually need insulin. By using insulin to keep their diabetes in good control, people with type 2 can often avoid complications and lead a healthy life.
Myth
People with diabetes need to follow a special diet.
Fact People with diabetes benefit from the same healthy diet that is good for everyone else: plenty of whole grains and fruits and vegetables, with a limited amount of fat and refined sugar.
Myth
People with diabetes can’t perform certain jobs.
Fact You have rights, and federal laws prohibit discriminations against workers with diabetes.
For more information ask your doctor to test you for diabetes if it runs in your family or you have symptoms; you can also visit the American Diabetes Association online. The organization continues to fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.
NEXT: Do Obese and Skinny People Have the Same Risk for Diabetes?
