Misconceptions of Diabetes – October is Diabetes Awareness Month but this disease is on the minds of almost 16% of Americans and tens of millions of people around the world. We sat down with Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cheri Ogwo, licensed in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism. Dr. Cheri Ogwo breaks down misconceptions and discusses facts about this disease.
Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of families, but there is a lot of misconception about this disease. What do you find are the common misconceptions?
There are quite a few misconceptions about diabetes.
First, is the belief that diabetes is only familial -meaning, “If no one in my family has diabetes, I’m safe.” That’s not true. While genetics do play a role, environment and lifestyle play an even bigger one. What we eat, how active we are, how much stress we carry—all of these shape our risk. A person without family history can still develop diabetes simply from the lifestyle they’ve adopted over time.
The second misconception is cutting out sweets alone solves the dietary problem. Many people think, “I’ve stopped eating sugar, so I’m fine.” But diabetes isn’t only about table sugar—carbohydrates of all kinds matter. Whether it’s bread, rice, pasta, or potatoes—once digested, they all turn into glucose in the body.
A third common misconception is because fruits are healthy, you can eat as much as you want. Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, yes—but many also contain a lot of natural sugar. For example, someone with diabetes, eating too much fruit can still spike blood glucose levels. The key is balance and portion control. Even though fruit sugar is natural, it’s still sugar nonetheless.
Many diabetics are unaware of holistic treatment, could you sum this up for diabetics who are unaware of what holistic treatment is?
Holistic treatment is care that looks at the whole person—mind, body, and soul. It means we don’t just focus on blood sugar numbers or A1C levels, but also on how everything in the body connects.
For example, how does stress affect blood sugar? How does lack of sleep affect insulin resistance? How does mental or emotional strain influence how well I care for myself or follow my plan? And how does high blood sugar, in turn, impact my kidneys, nerves, or heart?
Holistic care asks these questions and treats diabetes with the entire person in view and not just the lab results. It’s care that focuses on overall well-being, helping individuals feel their best, function at their healthiest, and live a full, balanced life.
How important is it for diabetics to regulate their stress levels?
Stress is extremely detrimental to anyone living with diabetes. When the body is under stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol, which is designed to help us survive. The problem is the body doesn’t recognize the difference between modern-day stress like work deadlines or financial pressure and the life-or-death stress of ancient times, such as running from danger.
So when cortisol levels rise, the body automatically signals the liver to release more sugar into the bloodstream, thinking you need a burst of energy to “fight or flee.” But in today’s world, most of our stress doesn’t require physical action, so that extra sugar simply lingers in the blood.
Cortisol also makes the body more insulin resistant, which means the sugar that was released isn’t used efficiently. Over time, this cycle leads to higher blood sugars, increased fat storage, and worsening insulin resistance.
That’s why managing stress is not optional for diabetics, it’s in fact part of the treatment. Relaxation techniques, prayer, deep breathing, sleep, and mindfulness can all help lower cortisol and improve blood sugar control.
What are some common holistic treatment methods that diabetics can benefit from? (Type 1 and Type 2)
There are several holistic methods that anyone living with diabetes can benefit from.
Number one is nutrition. How we eat plays a major role in managing diabetes. Making better dietary choices means watching the amount of carbohydrates we take in and focusing on a balanced plate—filled with colorful vegetables, adequate protein, and a smaller portion of carbs.
Next is movement. Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, and reduces stress. Movement also increases dopamine, our body’s natural “feel-good” hormone, which helps improve mood and motivation.
Stress reduction is another key factor. Because stress raises cortisol, it can worsen insulin resistance and blood sugar control. Finding healthy ways to relax such as prayer, journaling, stretching, or spending time outdoors can make a big difference.
Sleep is also essential. When we don’t get enough rest, the body perceives that as a stressor. Cortisol rises, blood sugar increases, and the body doesn’t get the time it needs to repair and reset. Quality sleep allows the body to restore itself physically and hormonally.
Supplements can also play a supportive role. Nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, and herbs such as ashwagandha can help regulate stress and support metabolic balance. However, it’s very important to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or over-the-counter product.
Finally, community support is a powerful holistic tool. Having a circle of like-minded people who understand your journey, who can encourage you when you’re low and celebrate your wins provides accountability, emotional support, and motivation to keep going.
How can diabetics seek out these holistic methods but keep costs reasonable?
Many holistic strategies don’t require expensive programs or memberships. In fact, a lot of them can begin right at home.
You can start by creating an encouragement circle with friends or family, people who help you stay motivated, share healthy meal ideas, and celebrate your progress. Begin with small, measurable steps: preparing more balanced meals, walking daily, setting aside quiet time for prayer or meditation, and getting consistent sleep.
If you’re looking for more structured support, there are affordable online holistic endocrine practices such as SugarPros that provide virtual access to endocrinologists, dietitians, mental health practitioners and health coaches. These programs allow you to receive expert guidance without the high cost or inconvenience of frequent in-person visits.
The key is to focus on consistency, community, and practical lifestyle shifts, you can make meaningful progress toward better health without breaking the bank.
What holistic methods can diabetics practice at home to make life easier?
Start by eating balanced meals—include lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and small portions of healthy carbohydrates. Check your blood sugars regularly so you understand how your body responds to different foods and activities.
Make time every day to reduce stress. Move your body, take walks, or do gentle exercise. Pray, breathe deeply, or spend a few quiet moments with God to calm your mind and reset your spirit.
Aim for about eight hours of sleep each night. Rest is part of healing. A well-rested body is one that can repair, restore, and function better.
And finally, protect your peace. Guard your mind and emotions just as carefully as you guard your health, because peace is medicine too.
Can these holistic methods aid in regulating insulin for Type 2 diabetics?
Yes, absolutely. These holistic methods work together to improve insulin sensitivity, meaning the body becomes more responsive to the insulin it already produces. As insulin sensitivity improves, many people find that their insulin requirements may decrease over time.
However, it’s very important to partner closely with your healthcare professional. Your doctor or endocrinologist can monitor your progress and adjust your medications safely as your body responds to these lifestyle changes. Each person’s body type and health situation are unique, so care should always be individualized.
Holistic treatment isn’t about replacing medical care, it’s about supporting it so that your body functions at its best.
Are there online methods for diabetics that live in isolated communities?
Yes, absolutely. There are many online resources and communities for people living with diabetes. There are diabetes apps for meal tracking and glucose monitoring. Platforms like Reddit have large and active diabetes support groups where individuals share experiences, tips, and encouragement. The American Diabetes Association also provides online education, tools, and virtual programs to help patients stay informed and supported.
Beyond community forums, there are now online telehealth clinics such as SugarPros, created specifically to meet the needs of patients who live in areas with limited access to endocrinologists. These clinics offer virtual visits with endocrinologists, dietitians, and wellness specialists, allowing patients to receive holistic, personalized care from home.
We want every patient to know: you are not alone. Help is available, and we would love to partner with you on your journey toward better health and well-being.
What do you think the future is for the synergy between holistic care and diabetic care?
The synergy between holistic and diabetic care is not just the future of medicine, it is medicine done right. True diabetes care is, by nature, holistic care. There’s really no separation between the two. When good care is given, the whole person is evaluated—body, mind, and spirit.
The current system of fragmented medicine, where we only focus on lab numbers or treat isolated symptoms, is ultimately detrimental to the patient’s overall health. But when healthcare begins to see the person behind the numbers, everything changes.
Holistic care reminds us that every number represents a human being—someone with emotions, habits, stressors, dreams, and goals. When medicine begins to embrace that full picture, care becomes more personalized, compassionate, and effective.
That is the future of healthcare, a return to treating people, not just diseases.
Conclusion
The Baby Spot would like to thank Dr. Cheri Ogwo for her wisdom and guidance with diabetes and holistic care.
