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High Blood Sugar Myths

Many misconceptions and myths about diabetes and high blood sugar have developed over the years. It is important to dispel common myths about diabetes when you or a loved one suffer from high blood sugar. High blood sugar can be serious, and not treating it properly can cause further health issues.

  1. Myth 1 -- Contagious?

    • The top myth about high blood sugar or diabetes is that it is contagious. This is not true. Diabetes does not spread by germs like a common virus. Diabetes is known to be genetic, although that is the only known way that it can be transferred from one person to another.

    Myth 2 -- Too Much Sugar?

    • Another common misconception is that eating too much sugar can cause diabetes. Both types of diabetes are caused by your body's inability to either create insulin or the inability to use insulin properly. If you have diabetes, eating too much sugar can make it worse, but it does not cause diabetes.

    Myth 3 -- Can Children Outgrow Diabetes?

    • The myth that children can outgrow diabetes is false. Once you have diabetes, it is irreversible. Diabetes is caused mainly by the destruction of insulin cells, and those cells can never regrow. For children with type 1 diabetes, insulin will always be needed to regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes can be managed without insulin more often than not with the proper diet and weight control.

    Myth 4 -- Is There a Cure?

    • Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes. The misconception that there is a cure that only doctors know about or that insulin can cure diabetes is false. Insulin is a long-term treatment plan for those with diabetes. It will assist in regulating your blood sugar, but it will never stop the chance of your blood sugar becoming too high.

    Myth 5 -- Borderline Diabetes

    • A common misconception is that you can have borderline diabetes. This isn't true. If your blood glucose level is consistently above normal levels, you are most likely diabetic. The only reason that a person's blood sugar should be elevated is because of the body's inability to produce or regulate insulin. This is the definition of diabetes. If your body does not regulate your blood sugar on its own, then you have diabetes. There is no reason for your blood sugar to be above normal otherwise.

    Myth 6 -- Carbohydrates

    • The final common myth is that carbohydrates are bad for diabetes. It is true that too many carbohydrates in your diet can cause your blood sugar to be too high, however, if you manage your diet properly, they should not cause a problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, carbohydrates are your main source of energy. If you have too little in your diet, you will find yourself without much energy.

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