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Diabetes myths continue to shape how people think about this chronic condition. Najeeb Ashraf was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just five years old. Over decades, he has faced stigma rooted in diabetes myths. People often assumed his condition was caused by poor lifestyle choices or sugar consumption. He recalls being treated differently in school and later in professional settings. Despite this, Najeeb became an advocate, working to educate others and challenge misconceptions. He emphasizes resilience but also points out the emotional toll of constantly correcting misinformation
Surveys show that nearly 90% of Canadians with type 1 diabetes and 70% with type 2 diabetes experience shame or blame because of myths and stigma. Najeeb’s story proves that misinformation is not just inaccurate—it directly affects mental health, relationships, and confidence.
During Diabetes Awareness Month, it is important to challenge misinformation and replace it with facts. More than four million Canadians live with diabetes, and nearly half of Canadians still believe it is caused by eating too much sugar. These misconceptions fuel stigma, shame, and confusion. Therefore, we must debunk them clearly and directly.
Myths about diabetes are not harmless. They affect how people manage their health, how society treats them, and how policies evolve. According to Statistics Canada, almost one in ten Canadian adults has diabetes. Furthermore, Diabetes Canada reports that stigma and misinformation remain widespread, with 48% of Canadians linking diabetes directly to sugar. This shows why debunking myths is essential.
This myth is the most common. Surveys show nearly half of Canadians think sugar is the primary cause. In reality, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition unrelated to sugar intake. Type 2 diabetes develops due to a mix of factors including genetics, age, and lifestyle. While sugary drinks increase risk, sugar itself is not the sole cause. Balanced diets matter, but blaming sugar oversimplifies the issue.
This myth stigmatizes individuals unfairly. Being overweight is a risk factor, but it is not the only one. Family history, ethnicity, and age also play roles. Diabetes Canada emphasizes that type 2 diabetes can occur in people of normal weight. Therefore, linking diabetes only to weight ignores the complexity of the disease.
This myth misleads people into restrictive diets. Diabetes Canada guidelines recommend 45% to 60% of daily intake from carbohydrates. Whole grains, legumes, and fruits provide fiber and nutrients. Eliminating carbohydrates entirely can harm health. Instead, moderation and smart choices are key. People with diabetes can enjoy carbohydrates responsibly.
This myth downplays the risks. Diabetes increases the chances of heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss. A recent survey revealed that three in four Canadians don’t know that diabetes can cause blindness. Medication helps, but lifestyle changes and monitoring remain critical. Diabetes is serious, and awareness prevents complications.
This myth fuels workplace stigma. More than half of Canadians believe diabetes affects job performance. In reality, people with diabetes manage their condition daily and succeed in diverse careers. With proper support, they thrive. Insulet’s campaign during Diabetes Awareness Month highlights workplace inclusion. Therefore, society must stop limiting opportunities based on myths.
Diabetes Canada launches national campaigns every November during Diabetes Awareness Month. They directly challenge myths such as “sugar causes diabetes” and “people with diabetes cannot work certain jobs.” They use surveys to show how widespread misinformation is, with nearly half of Canadians believing sugar alone causes diabetes.
Moreover, they run the Stop the Stigma initiative, which encourages Canadians to use respectful language and support those living with diabetes.
The American Red Cross focuses on prevention and education during Diabetes Awareness Month. They offer free A1C screenings to blood donors who have not been tested in the past year. This initiative helps debunk the myth that diabetes is always obvious or easy to detect.
Additionally, they emphasize that genetics, lifestyle, and access to healthcare all play roles in diabetes risk.
WeightWatchers Canada publishes articles and resources that directly address common diabetes myths. They explain that carbohydrates are not forbidden, that diabetes is not always linked to obesity, and that lifestyle changes can help but do not cure the condition.
Furthermore, they tie their messaging to World Diabetes Day, which reaches audiences in over 160 countries. This global connection reinforces the importance of debunking myths everywhere.
Each organization uses different strategies, but all aim to replace misinformation with facts.
Diabetes myths continue to spread despite awareness campaigns. Myths about sugar, weight, and diet create a stigma that affects millions. People living with diabetes already face daily challenges, and myths add unnecessary burdens. Therefore, debunking myths is not only about education but also about compassion.
Finally, diabetes myths harm mental health too. Stigma makes people feel judged and isolated. Surveys show that judgmental language adds stress to daily management. People with diabetes deserve respect and support. By debunking myths, society can reduce stigma and improve quality of life. Awareness campaigns during November remind us that facts matter more than fiction.
