It can be hard to know what is accurate when some misconceptions about prediabetes are too commonly reported as facts. Here are six myths about prediabetes — and the facts that debunk them.
MYTH
I have diabetes because I inherited prediabetes from my parents.
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Fact
It's true that diabetes tends to run in families1, but prediabetes does not guarantee that you will get diabetes, especially if early detection and prevention is taken5.
Myth
I will have type 2 diabetes if I’m diagnosed with prediabetes.
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Fact
While being prediabetes does increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, it’s not guaranteed because prediabetes is preventable and manageable with proper lifestyle modification and medication treatment if needed2.
Myth
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
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Fact
Type 1 diabetes is generally caused by genetics with unknown factors that trigger the disease1; Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle factors and genetics. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people avoid sugar-sweetened drinks due to links with Type 2 diabetes, but it is not the only factor for diabetes3.
Myth
Fruit is healthy, so you can eat as much as you want.
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Fact
Fruit is a necessity in your diet as it contains fiber, vitamins and minerals and is overall very healthy4. However, excessive intake may affect the blood sugar control, which is why you should consult with your dietician to determine the amount and frequency of your fruit intake4.
Myth
Prediabetes is not reversible.
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Fact
Prediabetes is reversible. You can prevent or delay prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes with healthy lifestyle changes and medication treatment if required5.
Myth
Prediabetes is not a health condition and I do not need to do anything about it.
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Fact
Prediabetes is a serious health condition as it puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its related comorbidities6.
References:
- American Diabetes Association. 2020. Learn the Genetics of Diabetes. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/genetics-diabetes.
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. 2019. Management of Prediabetes. https://www.aace.com/disease-state-resources/diabetes/depth-information/management-prediabetes.
- American Diabetes Association. 2020. Myths about Diabetes. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk/prediabetes/myths-about-diabetes#:~:text=The%20American%20Diabetes%20Association%20recommends,calories%20in%20just%20one%20serving.
- Diabetes UK. Myth: I can’t eat fruit if I have diabetes. The British Diabetic Association, https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/eating-with-diabetes/diabetes-food-myths/myth-fruit-diabetes.
- American Diabetes Association. 2020. With prediabetes, action is the best medicine. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk/prediabetes.
- Mayo Clinic. 2020. Prediabetes. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278.
- American Diabetes Association. 2020. Learn the Genetics of Diabetes. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/genetics-diabetes.
- American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. 2019. Management of Prediabetes. https://www.aace.com/disease-state-resources/diabetes/depth-information/management-prediabetes.
- American Diabetes Association. 2020. Myths about Diabetes. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk/prediabetes/myths-about-diabetes#:~:text=The%20American%20Diabetes%20Association
%20recommends,calories%20in%20just%20one%20serving. - Diabetes UK. Myth: I can’t eat fruit if I have diabetes. The British Diabetic Association, https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/enjoy-food/
eating-with-diabetes/diabetes-food-myths/myth-fruit-diabetes. - American Diabetes Association. 2020. With prediabetes, action is the best medicine. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk/prediabetes.
- Mayo Clinic. 2020. Prediabetes. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278.
