Myth:  No one in my family has diabetes, so I won’t get the disease.

Truth: Having a parent or sibling with diabetes increases your risk for getting Type 2 diabetes. But many people with diabetes have no close family members with diabetes. By enrolling in the FREE Dallas County Diabetes Prevention Program, you can feel confident you’re taking steps to take charge of your health! 

Myth: I will likely develop diabetes because I’m overweight.

Truth: Yes, excess weight increases your chance of having diabetes. However, many people who are overweight or obese never develop diabetes. And people who are normal weight or only a little overweight can develop diabetes. Your best bet? Lower your risk with nutritional changes and exercise to lose excess weight. Find out more when you enroll in the program. 

Myth: I eat a lot of sugar, so I’m worried I’ll get diabetes.

Truth: Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. Here’s how it works — when you eat food, your body converts it into a sugar called glucose. Glucose (blood sugar) is a source of energy for the body. Insulin moves glucose from the blood into the cells to be used for energy. With diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin, or the body does not use insulin well. As a result, the extra sugar stays in the blood, so the blood glucose (blood sugar) level increases. 

Myth: I was told I have diabetes, so now I’ll have to eat a special diet.

Truth: People with diabetes eat the same foods that everyone eats. In fact, the American Diabetes Association suggests that people with diabetes get their carbohydrates from vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and legumes. Those who have diabetes should avoid foods that are high in fat, sodium, and sugar. Learn more about these critical lifestyle changes by enrolling in the FREE Dallas County Diabetes
Prevention Program. 

Myth: It is not safe to exercise with diabetes.

Truth: Getting regular exercise is an important part of managing diabetes. Exercise helps boost your body’s sensitivity to insulin. It can also help lower your A1C, a test that helps tell how well your diabetes is controlled. 

Myth: I have borderline diabetes, so I don’t need to worry.

Truth: Prediabetes is the term used when blood sugar levels are not in the diabetes range but are too high to be called normal. Prediabetes means that you are at high risk for developing diabetes within 10 years. You may be able to lower your blood sugar to normal levels by losing weight and exercising 150 minutes a week.