Diabetes Myths, Misconceptions, and Marketing Scams

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In this episode, we dig into diabetes myths, misconceptions, and marketing scams. We talk about what really works, what doesn’t, and how to protect yourself. If you live with type 2 diabetes, you’ve likely heard it all—from “it only gets worse” to “this miracle pill fixes everything.” We bring clarity, hope, and simple steps you can do today. No extremes. No gimmicks. Just truth you can use.

What You’ll Learn

• The biggest myths that keep people stuck
• Why remission can be possible for many with type 2 diabetes
• How small habits beat extreme plans
• Why medication is not failure
• How supplement scams target people with diabetes
• Practical steps that work in real life
• A quick shout-out and resources for type 1 diabetes

Episode Highlights

“I can’t change this disease” — False

• Many people can improve a lot. Some can reach remission, especially in the first 5–6 years after diagnosis.
• Big studies show weight loss, especially around the belly, lowers insulin resistance and improves blood sugar.

You don’t need extreme diets

• No starving. No “detox.” No all-or-nothing rules.
• Even 5–10% weight loss can help blood sugar and energy.
• Slow, steady, simple wins.

Don’t change everything overnight

• All-or-nothing plans make people quit.
• Start small:
  • Walk 2–10 minutes after meals
  • Swap one sugary drink for water or zero-sugar
  • Cook one extra meal at home
  • Add beans, peas, or lentils once this week
• Progress, not perfection.

Medication is not failure

• Meds are tools. They can protect your beta cells while you build habits.
• As your habits improve, your doses may need to change.
• Work with your healthcare team. Do not stop meds cold turkey.

Supplements are not safer or better

• The supplement industry is huge and poorly regulated.
• Some “diabetes” supplements are spiked with hidden drugs.
• What we might recommend:
  • Vitamin D (if low or little sun)
  • Vitamin B12 (over 50 or strict vegan)
  • Maybe algae-based omega-3
  • Maybe curcumin
• None of these replace medical care or lifestyle changes.

“It’s too late for me” — It’s not

• Even after many years, you can still improve A1C, reduce meds, and feel better.
• Remission rates are higher early, but better is always possible.

How scams hook you

• Red flags:
  • “Doctors don’t want you to know”
  • “Reversal in days”
  • Exotic ingredients from faraway places
  • Stock photos, fake reviews, AI celebrity clips
  • Pricey subscriptions and “special labs”
• If it sounds magical, it’s marketing. Don’t swap a prescription for a subscription.

What Actually Works (Simple and Science-Backed)

• Move:
  • Walk after meals (2–10 minutes)
  • Add steps during the day
• Eat:
  • Swap refined carbs for whole grains and legumes
  • Fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies
  • Choose high-fiber foods to support fullness and insulin sensitivity
  • Cut sugary drinks
  • Lower sodium with fresh or no-salt-added foods
• Restore:
  • Aim for better sleep
  • Reduce stress with short walks, breathing, journaling, prayer, or nature
• Team:
  • Tell your provider your goals
  • Adjust medications safely as habits improve
  • If your provider isn’t supportive, consider a new one

Type 1 Corner

• Tech helps: CGMs + insulin pumps (automated insulin delivery) can make life easier.
• Resource: Blue Circle Health (bluecirclehealth.org) in select states.

Time Matters (But Not Like You Think)

• Type 2 builds over years.
• Improvement can happen in months, not days.
• Keep going with small steps. They stack up.

Key Quotes

• “You are not powerless.”
• “Medication is scaffolding, not failure.”
• “Start small. Keep going.”
• “Don’t swap a prescription for a subscription.”

Timestamps

• 00:00 — Why myths and scams are so common
• 02:00 — Quick note on sodium and smoked salmon
• 04:00 — Type 1 advances: CGMs and pumps
• 06:00 — Blue Circle Health resource
• 07:00 — Type 2 remission: what studies show
• 10:00 — Small changes that work
• 14:00 — All-or-nothing thinking hurts progress
• 21:00 — Meds are tools, not failure
• 33:00 — How to reduce meds safely (with your provider)
• 34:00 — Supplement industry risks
• 40:00 — The short, safe supplement list
• 46:00 — Scam red flags
• 53:00 — What actually works: movement, food, sleep, stress
• 58:00 — Healing timeline: months, not days
• 60:00 — Takeaways and hope

Resources Mentioned

• Blue Circle Health: bluecirclehealth.org
• Studies referenced (by category): DIRECT, Look AHEAD, bariatric surgery trials, Japanese cohort studies, systematic reviews

Action Steps for This Week

• Walk 2–10 minutes after one meal each day.
• Swap one sugary drink for water or zero-sugar.
• Add beans, peas, or lentils to one meal.
• Fill half your plate with veggies once a day.
• Set a bedtime to help you get more sleep.
• Tell your provider you’re working toward remission or reduction in meds.

Connect With Us

• Subscribe to The Diabetes Podcast for clear science, real talk, and simple steps.
• Share this episode with someone who needs hope and a plan.

Final Takeaway
You don’t need extremes. You need simple steps, done often.

Disclaimer:

The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not replace a one-on-one relationship with your physician or qualified healthcare professional. Always talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or care team before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, exercise plan, or nutrition plan—especially if you have diabetes, prediabetes, heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or take prescription drugs like metformin or insulin.

Results vary from person to person. Examples, statistics, or studies are shared to educate, not to promise outcomes. Any discussion of medications, dosing, or side effects is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your specific situation. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or heard here. If you think you are experiencing an emergency or severe side effects (such as persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea, signs of dehydration, allergic reaction, or symptoms of lactic acidosis), call your local emergency number or seek urgent care right away.

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