About diabetes
Read more about diabetes in general and the different types of diabetes. In this section we cover what you need to know as a caregiver or a person living with diabetes.
Providing you the tools to manage diabetes
In these sections, you can find more information on diabetes, lifestyle tips and treatments.
Question 1 of 5
Diabetes Mythbusting
Millions of people are living with diabetes, approximately 90% of whom live with type 2 diabetes1. Despite its prevalence, many myths still persist. At Novo Nordisk, we’re committed to improving awareness and treatment for everyone at risk of diabetes across the globe.
Myth #1
Blood sugar levels are the only important factor when it comes to managing diabetes.
It is also important to manage your weight, diet and exercise¹.
Myth #2
Medication is never needed with type 2 diabetes.
As it is often a progressive disease, medication is often required¹ ².
Myth #3
Treatments for type 2 diabetes only target blood sugar levels.
Some treatments can also reduce the risk of heart disease² ³.
Myth #4
People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease with 1 in 3 people with type 2 diabetes developing cardiovascular disease⁴.
Myth #5
Insulin therapy is the only viable option for people with type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is just one of many types of diabetes treatments².
Bad Luck
You learn more from defeat than victory! Better luck next time.
Good Work
Not bad at all! Still some room for improvement.
Excellent
You're an expert mythbuster! Time to challenge your friends.
Blood sugar levels are the only important factor when it comes to managing diabetes.
Correct
While managing blood sugar levels is very important in diabetes, it is also important to measure indicators of related risk factors. Regular checks of blood pressure (BP) and blood cholesterol (LDL-c) levels are also key to a diabetes management plan¹.
Learn more about monitoring blood sugar
Medication is never needed with type 2 diabetes.
Correct
Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and maintenance of a healthy body weight are key elements of type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment plans. However, type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, and medications may be required to sufficiently control blood sugar levels¹.
Learn more about balancing lifestyle factors and medication
Treatments for type 2 diabetes only target blood sugar levels.
Correct
There are several different treatment approaches for type 2 diabetes. Most help control blood sugar levels, but they can also help with weight management and help manage long term complications that arise from type 2 diabetes¹ ².
Learn more about diabetes and heart disease
People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Correct
People living with type 2 diabetes face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, even if symptoms aren't apparent³ ⁴. Ask your doctor about glucose-lowering, cardio-protective treatment options.
Learn more about cardiovascular risk
Insulin therapy is the only viable option for people with type 2 diabetes.
Correct
Type 2 diabetes tends to progress over time, and there are many different options out there for each stage of the disease¹.
Learn more about non-insulin treatment options
References
- International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas (10th edition) 2021. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/atlas/tenth-edition/ Last accessed: September 2024.
- Committee ADAPP. 9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2023;47:S158-S178.
- Committee ADAPP. 10. Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2023;47:S179-S218.
- Mosenzon O, Alguwaihes A, Leon JLA, et al. CAPTURE: a multinational, cross-sectional study of cardiovascular disease prevalence in adults with type 2 diabetes across 13 countries. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2021;20:154.
HQ24DI00208
It’s better to catch things before they become a problem
Latest insights
HQ24DI00008
References
- Mosenzon O, et al. CAPTURE: a multinational, cross-sectional study of cardiovascular disease prevalence in adults with type 2 diabetes across 13 countries. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2021; 20:154.
- Almdal T, Scharling H, Jensen JS, Vestergaard H. The independent effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on ischemic heart disease, stroke, and death: a population-based study of 13,000 men and women with 20 years of follow-up. Arch Intern Med 2004; 164:1422–1426.
- Fox CS, Coady S, Sorlie PD, et al. Trends in cardiovascular complications of diabetes. JAMA 2004; 292:2495–2499.