Debunking Myths About Type 2 Diabetes, According to Someone Who Lives With It

Nikki wants you to know that there are a lot of Type 2 diabetes myths that aren’t true.

Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Updated on October 31, 2024

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For Nikki Nurse, a jewelry designer and caregiver for her mom, managing her Type 2 diabetes calls for mindfulness about her health.

For example, she attends to her mental health by incorporating therapy, yoga, and pet therapy into her routine.

But Nikki also doesn’t let her diabetes cramp her style. When she gets dry skin, she treats herself to her favorite lotion, and she’ll put on high heels if she’s in the mood.

“My personal philosophy when it comes to managing diabetes is to forgo the shame and flaunt the style,” Nikki says. “I never want to limit myself from enjoying things that I enjoy.”

Nikki says there are a lot of myths about having Type 2 diabetes that aren’t true. Here’s what she wants people to know:

• It’s not your fault that you have diabetes.

• It’s not just people with larger bodies who get diabetes.

• You don’t have to eat only “boring” food when you have diabetes.

• Diabetes isn’t caused by eating too much sugar.

• You can’t tell by just looking at someone whether they have diabetes.

You can read more about Nikki’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here and how she manages her A1C here.

Additional Medical Contributors

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• Nikki NurseNikki Nurse is a writer, wellness advocate, caregiver, and content creator based in Brooklyn. She covers fitness, nutrition, mental health, and personal development.

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References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Diabetes and mental health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Healthy eating. 

View All References (2)

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Can people with diabetes have dessert?

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2024). Symptoms and causes of diabetes.

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