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Diabetes is something that impacts the lives of millions of people around the world. It’s a condition that can cause you many health problems, and it often causes people to struggle in various ways. Although diabetes is a manageable condition, it’s not something that you should take lightly. Take a look at the following three myths about diabetes that you need to know the truth about, as well as one truth that needs to be pondered.

The Vast Majority of People in the United States Who Have Diabetes Are Type 2

Somewhere around 90% of the people in the United States who have been diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes involves the body not making enough insulin, not having a proper response to insulin, or both of those issues combined. Type 1 diabetes generally occurs early in someone’s life and involves the immune system attacking the pancreas cells that are making insulin. Both types of diabetes need to be taken seriously, but most of those who get diabetes later in life is going to be Type 2.

  1. Eating Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes

The most common diabetes myth is that eating too much sugar causes diabetes. This isn’t quite true, but eating a diet that is high in sugar could put you at greater risk for becoming diabetic. This is because you could gain weight, and people who are obese are statistically more likely to become diabetic. It’s also notable that drinking sodas that contain sugar have been linked to a greater risk for diabetes.

  1. Diabetes Only Impacts Obese People

While obese people may be more likely to get diabetes, that doesn’t mean that they are the only ones at risk. You’ll find plenty of people who weigh very little that have diabetes as well. There are many genetic factors at play, as well as other things that can influence whether someone will become diabetic. It’s not something that only impacts the lives of overweight individuals.

  1. You Can’t Eat Sugar If You Have Diabetes

It isn’t actually true that diabetics can’t eat sugar at all. Diabetics simply need to monitor their diets more carefully than most other people. Eating an abundance of sugar would be bad if you’re diabetic but eating small amounts isn’t likely going to do any harm so long as you’re aware of your carbohydrate intake for the day. Basically, you have to be more vigilant about monitoring your diet when you’re diabetic.