Debunking Diabetes Diet Myths: What Healthcare Professionals Should Know

  • Nov. 08, 2025

Assortment of diabetes-friendly foods such as leafy vegetables, fresh berries and whole grains.Misinformation is more than a nuisance in healthcare — it’s a barrier to better outcomes. And it’s not only patients who have to navigate through this noise. Healthcare providers and administrators can also become confused by misleading messages. Here are some of the most persistent diabetes diet myths — and the evidence-based truths that debunk them.

Myth 1: Eating Sugar Causes Diabetes

Fact: Sugar alone does not cause diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, while Type 2 diabetes results from a complex interplay of genetics, insulin resistance, and lifestyle factors. Diabetes can also be a complication of medical conditions (such as cystic fibrosis) or medication (steroids prescribed after organ transplant, for example). Diabetes results from a range of factors. Poor overall diet is one of them but not sugar exclusively.

Myth 2: People With Diabetes Can’t Eat Carbs

Fact: Carbohydrates aren’t the enemy. The type and quantity of carbs are more important than their mere presence. Grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables — especially ones with high fiber content —should be part of a diabetes-friendly diet.

Myth 3: Starchy Foods Are Off-Limits

Fact: Starchy foods like potatoes, corn, and beans contain valuable nutrients and may be included in a balanced meal plan. Portion control and choosing high-fiber, minimally processed options are key.

Myth 4: Fruit Is Bad for Diabetes

Fact: Whole fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They can support blood sugar control when consumed in appropriate portions. The only caution is consuming fruit juices and canned fruit in syrup as they are concentrated sources of carbohydrate.

Myth 5: You Can Eat Anything if You’re on Diabetes Medication

Fact: Medication supports blood sugar control, but it doesn’t replace the need for a nutrient-dense diet in the appropriate portions. Poor dietary choices can undermine medication effectiveness and increase the risk of complications.

Myth 6: A Restrictive Diet Is Necessary

Fact: Current diabetes management guidelines have moved away from restrictions on individual nutrients and instead focus on foods.1-3 This new approach encourages people to think in terms of eating patterns, or the totality of what they consume. Eating patterns such as the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Mediterranean Diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), vegetarian, and low-fat are recommended starting points.1,2

Myth 7: Generic Meal Plans Must Be Followed

Fact: There is no one-size-fits-all meal plan for people with diabetes. A comprehensive nutritional assessment by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is crucial for successful diabetes management. The RDN has the expertise to develop an eating plan that addresses many different facets — individual energy and nutrient needs, metabolic goals, preferences, and lifestyle (tradition, culture, religion, work, family, health beliefs, etc.).2,3 While pre-made eating plans can be helpful for ideas, the RDN knows how to tailor them to avoid potential malnutrition and poor blood sugar control.

Myth 8: Sugar Substitutes Should Always Be Used

Fact: Replacing added sugars with sugar substitutes could decrease daily intake of carbohydrates and calories. However, they should not be viewed as a free pass for unlimited consumption. There is insufficient evidence that sugar substitutes lead to long-term weight or diabetes control.2,4 “Sugar-free” also does not mean “calorie-free” or “healthier.” Sugar-free foods can still be high in carbohydrate and are highly processed.

Takeaway for Healthcare Leaders

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) providing nutrition counseling to a patient.Dispelling myths is not just about correcting misinformation — it’s about building trust and providing optimal patient care. From bedside to boardroom, grounding your approach in evidence-based nutrition is key to improving outcomes. This is the focus of Clinicia™, Sodexo’s clinical and patient nutrition brand that elevates the role of nutrition to transform health. Sodexo’s skilled nutrition team — from dedicated RDNs to culinary experts — delivers exceptional clinical care and flavorful meals that enhance services for patients with diabetes.

References:

  1. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(1 Suppl 1):S86-S127. doi:10.2337/dc25-S005
  2. Evert AB, Dennison M, Gardner CD, et al. Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report. Diabetes Care. 2019;42(5):731-754. doi:10.2337/dci19-0014
  3. Briggs Early K, Stanley K. Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in the Prevention and Treatment of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2018;118(2):343-353. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2017.11.021
  4. Use of Non-Sugar Sweeteners: WHO guideline. World Health Organization. Published 2023. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/367660/9789240073616-eng.pdf?sequence=1