5 Common Mistakes People Make with Type 2 Diabetes (and How to Avoid Them)

Managing type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice online. The truth is, many people fall into the same traps that keep them from making real progress.

I’m Dr. Patrick, a diabetes coach with a doctorate in physical therapy. In 2021, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes. By 2022, I had put my disease into remission through lifestyle changes—and now I help others do the same. My drive for this work also comes from my grandfather, who passed away from kidney failure caused by type 2 diabetes. He lived in fear of food—even skipping birthday cake with all his family members there—because he thought one bite would make his blood sugars explode.

That doesn’t have to be your story. Let’s look at the five most common mistakes I see with my patients—and what you can do instead.

Mistake #1: Relying on Diets Instead of Building Habits

Strict diets often work in the short term but aren’t sustainable. Many people “fall off,” feel guilty, and end up worse off than before.

Better approach:

• Focus on habits, not temporary fixes.

• Choose whole, minimally processed foods more often (e.g., lean meats, beans, vegetables).

• Aim for about 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily to support muscle and stabilize blood sugar.

• Add fiber—around 50 grams daily—for fullness and glucose control.

Think of food as fuel, not punishment. Simple swaps—like pairing carbs with protein—make a bigger difference than cutting everything you enjoy.

Mistake #2: Trusting Social Media Over Science

“Cinnamon cures diabetes.” “This tea lowers blood sugar.” If you’ve spent time online, you’ve seen these claims. The problem? Supplements aren’t regulated, and most of these “hacks” don’t hold up under scientific research.

Better approach:

• Stick to credible sources like the American Diabetes Association.

• Work with professionals such as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) [Click the hyperlink to find one near you].

• A great Registered Dietitian who specializes in Diabetes care is from Your Diabetes Insider!

• Be skeptical of anything promising quick fixes. If it worked, your doctor or Diabetes Care Team would prescribe it.

Mistake #3: Not Tracking Consistently

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Many people check blood sugars inconsistently—or skip logging meals and exercise—making it harder to spot patterns.

Better approach:

• Aim to keep blood sugars between 70–180 mg/dL as much as possible.

• Test before meals and 2 hours after eating to see how food affects you. P.S. tracking it before sleep will help with night time sugars.

• Track exercise, food, and blood sugar together.

• Use tools like continuous glucose monitors, apps, or fitness trackers to simplify the process.

Think of tracking like using a GPS—it keeps you from driving blind and getting lost.

Mistake #4: Getting Complacent

It’s great to lower your A1C from 10.2 to 6.7. But many people stop pushing once their doctor is satisfied or the person becomes satisfied. The reality? That’s improvement—not remission.

Better approach:

• Aim for an A1C of 5.6% or lower for remission.

• Remember: every 1% drop in A1C lowers risk of stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss by 40%.

• Stay consistent—nutrition, movement, and tracking aren’t temporary. They’re your lifelong health tools to keep Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes into remission.

There are no “vacations” from diabetes, but the payoff is worth it. Especially when you can enjoy the life you want to without the fear of not being able to see it, feel it, and walk it.

Mistake #5: Believing Diabetes Can Be Cured

Here’s the truth: type 2 diabetes cannot be cured. It can be put into remission, which means your numbers return to a healthy range without medication—but the risk never disappears. If old habits return, blood sugars can rise again.

Better approach:

• Focus on long-term lifestyle changes, not cures.

• Build consistency with movement, balanced meals, and tracking.

• Remember: remission is possible and sustainable with the right habits.

The Bottom Line

Managing type 2 diabetes isn’t about crash diets, miracle teas, or fear of food. It’s about building steady, sustainable habits that put you in control.

I’ve lived it myself, and I’ve seen the impact on patients and family. With small, consistent steps, you can take charge of your blood sugars, reduce complications, and live without fear.

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Together, we can rewrite the story of type 2 diabetes.