Knowing the Facts Can Help Identify Risk Factors, Manage the Illness
When diagnosed with diabetes, as with any other health condition, having access to accurate, reliable information is vital for effectively managing the disease and maintaining overall health.
A ThedaCare expert recently shared information to help separate fact from fiction and address common diabetes myths and inaccuracies she often hears from patients and community members.
“There’s no universal picture of what diabetes looks like,” said Angelica Gronke, RD, CDCES, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. “Knowing the facts about diabetes can help you identify and address your risk factors and make living with diabetes feel more manageable.”
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. Type 1 diabetes is typically caused by an autoimmune response, while type 2 diabetes is linked to a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors.
Without proper management, diabetes can lead to serious health complications. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs, increasing the risk of kidney disease, nerve damage and vision problems.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. As part of the national focus on the condition, Gronke shared information to help set the record straight on common misconceptions surrounding diabetes.
The Weight Myth
While being overweight can increase a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes, many people who are overweight or obese may never develop diabetes, Gronke said. Conversely, people who are normal weight can develop diabetes.
Much of the risk for developing type 2 diabetes is tied to genetics and age. Maintaining a healthier body weight and increasing activity level may help decrease a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The Insulin Myth
“Most often, people take insulin for type 2 diabetes for one of two reasons: their blood sugars are extremely high at diagnosis or other medications have been inadequate in controlling blood sugars,” Gronke said. “For type 2 diabetes, it depends on how much insulin resistance you have and how much insulin your pancreas still makes.”
Some people with type 2 diabetes can discontinue insulin use after making lifestyle changes. People with type 1 diabetes cannot stop insulin, as their pancreas no longer makes it and they need it for survival.
No Desserts?
People with diabetes can enjoy dessert as part of a balanced meal plan, Gronke said. Planning ahead can help manage blood sugar levels. People who take insulin may be able to adjust their dose for treats like cake or ice cream, while those with type 2 diabetes who do not take insulin can make room for dessert by swapping out other carbohydrate-rich foods, such as potatoes or a bun. Pairing sweets with protein or fiber can also help slow sugar digestion and reduce blood sugar spikes.
Insulin Use and Diabetes
People may take insulin for both types of diabetes, Gronke explained. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes typically must take insulin for the rest of their lives. Type 2 diabetes involves a gradual decrease in insulin production over time due to insulin resistance. Treatments and remedies can include diet and exercise modifications, oral or injectable medications and insulin injections.
The Myth of Sugar and Diabetes
Eating too much sugar in and of itself does not cause diabetes, Gronke said. However, consuming excess sugar can lead to weight gain, which can increase type 2 diabetes risk. A sedentary lifestyle and genetic factors also increase the risk.
Borderline Diabetes
“If a doctor diagnoses a person with borderline diabetes, that should serve as a call to action,” Gronke said. “People with prediabetes or a fasting glucose level of 100 to 125 or A1C of 5.7% to 6% are likely to develop diabetes within five to seven years if they do not make lifestyle changes.”
Gronke encouraged people to talk with a doctor if they experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, frequent infections, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet or patches of darkened skin, especially around the neck and armpits.
“Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for a long time, the experience can feel overwhelming,” she said. “You don’t have to manage it on your own. We want everyone with diabetes to thrive. Empowering people with knowledge can help them take control of their health with confidence.”
Visit ThedaCare’s Diabetes Education and Resources services for more information or schedule an appointment after a primary care team referral by calling 920-738-6521.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.
Date posted: November 2, 2026