With so much information available online, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here are five of the most common myths about diabetes—and the truth behind them.

Myth #1: Carbohydrates are bad for me.

❌ MYTH! Carbohydrates are often misunderstood, especially after a diabetes diagnosis. Some people go to extremes—cutting out carbs entirely—but this isn’t sustainable or necessary. Carbohydrates provide essential energy for our bodies (1). Remember there are 3 types of carbohydrates:

1. Sugars (Simple Carbohydrates) – These are quick sources of energy and are easily digested.
   • Examples: Glucose, fructose (found in fruits), lactose (in dairy), sucrose (table sugar).
2. Starches (Complex Carbohydrates) – These provide longer-lasting energy as they take longer to digest.
   • Examples: bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, corn, beans.
3. Fibre (Complex Carbohydrate) – This aids digestion and promotes gut health but does not provide energy.
   • Examples: Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes.

The key is choosing complex carbohydrates, that are high in fibre over simple refined ones, which can help with blood glucose control and satiety. Rather than eliminating carbs, focus on portion sizes and balance to create a long-term, sustainable approach.

Myth #2: I need to go on a diet.

❌ MYTH! Many people assume that working with a Registered Dietitian (RD) means being placed on a rigid “diabetic diet.” At Revive Wellness, we take a different approach—one that focuses on long-term behaviour change, not short-term restrictions. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all plan, and we don’t believe in prescribing a generic “diabetic diet.” Instead, we meet you where you are and help you build sustainable habits that support your overall well-being—for life.

Myth #3: If I’m strict enough, I can cure diabetes.

❌ MYTH! While healthy habits can significantly improve blood glucose management, diabetes currently has no cure. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding a realistic approach that helps you manage blood glucose effectively for life (2). At Revive Wellness, we focus on realistic, evidence-based strategies that empower you to take control of your health. Nutrition therapy alone can reduce hemoglobin A1c by 1.0% to 2.0%, and when combined with a well-rounded diabetes care plan, it can further enhance clinical and metabolic outcomes (2). It’s about progress, not perfection.

Myth #4: I caused diabetes.

❌ MYTH! Many people believe diabetes is simply caused by eating too much sugar, but that’s not true. Factors like genetics, family history, ethnicity, and environment all play a role in diabetes development (3). No single action causes diabetes, and no one should feel guilt or shame about the diagnosis of diabetes. Instead, the focus should be on empowering yourself with the right tools to manage your health effectively.

Myth #5: I don’t need to take a diabetes diagnosis seriously.

❌ MYTH! Unmanaged diabetes can lead to serious complications, including eye damage, nerve damage, kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease. Taking diabetes seriously doesn’t mean living in fear—it means finding practical strategies to manage your health and prevent complications (4).

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the common myths surrounding diabetes. If you’d like personalized guidance, book a discovery call with me, Kaylee, one of Revive’s Registered Dietitians and Certified Diabetes Educators, today! We can go through common myths you have heard of and work to debunk them together. Please click the link here to book a discovery call today!