Blog - Diabetes Information
6 Type 2 Diabetes Myths Debunked
Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that affects every individual differently. Popular narratives about why people develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) and what it looks like to live with the condition aren’t always accurate. Diabetes-related stigma—bias — judgement against people living with T2D — can increase feelings of rejection and shame, which has a negative impact on mental health. One of the ways to combat the stigma associated with T2D is to learn a few of the well-studied scientific facts about the condition.
6 Common Misconceptions About Type 2 Diabetes
Many people who live with T2D have encountered hurtful myths about the condition online or in conversation with others. It’s important to make sure you (and those around you) are consulting reputable sources of diabetes education when you have questions about T2D. Here’s the truth behind some of the harmful assumptions about type 2 diabetes:
1. Type 2 diabetes is only caused by lifestyle choices.
Lifestyle is only one of the factors that can contribute to the development of prediabetes and T2D. Because T2D causes high blood sugar, many people assume that personal dietary choices, like eating too much sugar or junk food, are the reasons someone develops the condition. The reality is that elements of a person’s lifestyle, like diet, exercise, and exposure to stress, interact with risk factors that are far outside of an individual’s control. These factors include:1
- Being over 40 years old.
- Having a sibling, parent, or child who lives with T2D.
- Having an African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi) background.
- Experiencing high blood pressure at any point in your life.
2. Only overweight people can develop type 2 diabetes.
Not all larger individuals are guaranteed to develop T2D. Like lifestyle, body size is just one of the many aspects that can influence the development of the condition.2 It’s important to understand that body weight is also the result of a combination of complex factors that can include mental health, living with chronic illness, and experiencing economic disadvantages.
A large waist circumference is associated with an increased likelihood of developing T2D. This connection is due to the current theory that fat cells make the body less sensitive to the hormone insulin, which allows the body to absorb sugar, or glucose, to use for energy. Over time, insulin production can slow down or stop entirely. T2D happens when the body can’t use insulin to support glucose management and blood sugar levels get too high.2
3. Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1 diabetes.
Any condition that can affect your quality of life or lead to complications that may result in death is serious. Both T1D and T2D can have a major impact on overall health, and neither condition is “more serious” than the other. T1D often presents severe symptoms that need urgent treatment and requires life-long insulin use. T2D typically develops over time and may not need medication or insulin therapy right away.3 High blood sugar caused by T2D is hard on the body and can lead to heart attack, stroke, issues with eyesight, and nerve damage, especially in the feet.4 T2D needs to be treated and managed with as much care and attention as T1D to reduce the risk of developing complications.
4. People with type 2 diabetes don’t need insulin.
When the body doesn’t make or use enough of its own insulin to support healthy blood sugar levels, individuals can use insulin therapy. Using insulin may be more closely associated with those living with T1D because they need to use it for their entire lives, while people living with T2D do not always require insulin therapy.5 About 25 per cent of individuals living with T2D in the UK use insulin.5 Those living with T2D may develop a need for insulin therapy long after their initial diagnosis if insulin production decreases and insulin resistance increases.5
5. You can’t live a normal life with type 2 diabetes.
It’s more than possible to live a fulfilling life that you enjoy even if you’re diagnosed with T2D. Advancements in diabetes treatments and technology can provide the tools you need to confidently manage your glucose levels. People living with T2D may have to make some lifestyle adjustments that could include committing to an exercise routine, eating healthy foods, and reducing stress. There are plenty of ways to make these new habits fun, such as joining a walking club, cooking new recipes with loved ones, and trying out meditation.
6. People living with type 2 diabetes don’t need CGM.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, like Dexcom CGM Systems, enables people with diabetes to see their glucose readings on a compatible smart device or receiver† throughout the day and night without routine finger pricks.* CGM systems allow individuals living with T2D to see where their glucose levels have been and where they’re headed so that they can make proactive management decisions to reduce highs and lows and calculate insulin doses.
CGM use is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for both children and adults living with T2D on insulin therapy.6,7 Studies have also shown that CGM systems can support significant improvements in HbA1C in people living with T2D who use either basal insulin or no insulin, and help them spend more time in their target glucose range.8,9
Take Control of Type 2 Diabetes with Dexcom CGM
Dexcom CGM can make it more convenient to monitor your glucose levels so you can focus on enjoying what matters most to you. With insights into your glucose in the palm of your hand, you can get a little extra confidence managing type 2 diabetes and feel your best more often.
* Display devices sold separately. For a list of compatible smart devices, visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility.
† Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
1 Diabetes risk factors. Diabetes UK. Accessed September 6, 2023.
2 Adult obesity and type 2 diabetes. Public Health England. Published July 31, 204.
3 Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetes.co.uk. Updated January 25, 2023.
4 Complications of diabetes. Diabetes UK. Accessed September 6, 2023.
5 Insulin and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes UK. Accessed September 7, 2023.
6 Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in children and young people: diagnosis and management: Recommendations. NICE guideline [NG18]. Updated May 11, 2023.
7 Type 2 diabetes in adults: management: Recommendations. NICE guideline [NG28]. Updated June 29, 2022.
8 Grace T, et al. Use of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Improves Glycemic Control and Other Clinical Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Treated with Less Intensive Therapy. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2022;24(1):26-31.
9 Martens T, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.
† Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
1 Diabetes risk factors. Diabetes UK. Accessed September 6, 2023.
2 Adult obesity and type 2 diabetes. Public Health England. Published July 31, 204.
3 Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2. Diabetes.co.uk. Updated January 25, 2023.
4 Complications of diabetes. Diabetes UK. Accessed September 6, 2023.
5 Insulin and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes UK. Accessed September 7, 2023.
6 Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) in children and young people: diagnosis and management: Recommendations. NICE guideline [NG18]. Updated May 11, 2023.
7 Type 2 diabetes in adults: management: Recommendations. NICE guideline [NG28]. Updated June 29, 2022.
8 Grace T, et al. Use of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Improves Glycemic Control and Other Clinical Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Treated with Less Intensive Therapy. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2022;24(1):26-31.
9 Martens T, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.