A Public Service Story Featuring Confused Uncles, Misinformed Gym Buddies, and Science
It started like many things do—with a family barbecue, an overcooked hot dog, and my Uncle Ron asking if he needed to use separate utensils so he wouldn’t “catch the diabetes.”
Now, in Uncle Ron’s defense, he once asked if gluten was a type of upholstery. He’s well-meaning. He just also gets most of his medical news from bumper stickers and that one cousin who “almost went to nursing school.”
So I smiled, took a sip of unsweet tea, and said, “Uncle Ron, you can’t catch diabetes like a summer cold or a case of poison ivy. But if you keep bringing that potato salad with raisins, we are going to have a family intervention.”
Cue laughter, cue relief, and cue a chance to explain—because behind every weird question is usually someone who just doesn’t know any better.
Given the political climate and it’s effect on the U.S.’s Department of Health and Human Services, I thought this was an important topic to write on.
Myth #1: Diabetes Is Contagious
Let’s clear the air, once and for all: Diabetes is not contagious. You can’t catch it from sharing a fork, a hug, or the same bench at the DMV.
You can, however, inherit a higher risk of diabetes—especially Type 2—through your genes. But DNA is not the same as direct contact. If it were, I’d have passed it to my kids just by folding their laundry, and trust me, I would’ve stopped doing that years ago if it worked that way.
Type 1 diabetes, the kind Owen and I have – is an autoimmune condition. The body attacks its own insulin-producing cells. We don’t fully know what triggers it—possibly viruses, possibly environmental factors—but it sure as heck isn’t because someone “caught it” from a high-fructose handshake.
Type 2 diabetes, the kind my mother has is a little harder to say there is just one cause. There are several, its partially genetic, and partially lifestyle related. The majority of individuals with diabetes (about 90%) have type 2 diabetes.
Myth #2: Lifestyle Is the Only Cause
Let’s go ahead and address the other popular theory: “If people just ate better and exercised more, they wouldn’t get diabetes.”
Oh good, a simple answer to a complex condition. And I thought algebra was oversimplified.
Here’s the truth: lifestyle plays a role, especially in Type 2 diabetes—but it’s one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Family history, chronic stress, access to healthcare, income level, neighborhood design, early life nutrition, environmental toxins, even exposure to trauma—these are all social determinants of health. You can’t green smoothie your way out of those.
And newsflash: Not everyone with Type 2 diabetes is sedentary or eats poorly. I know marathon runners, yoga instructors, and salad evangelists who still have it. Their pancreas didn’t read the wellness blog, apparently.
Genetics: The Family You Love But Didn’t Get to Choose
Let’s not forget the role of genetics. If you’ve got a family history of diabetes, your risk goes up—not because you all went to the same buffet, but because you share genes, and often, circumstances.
Blaming someone for having diabetes because of their “choices” is like blaming someone for being short because they didn’t stretch enough as a kid.
Do you have Diabetes? Take this 60 second quiz from the American Diabetes Association, then regardless of the results, discuss it with you health care provider
It’s also worth remembering that choices aren’t made in a vacuum. People make decisions based on what’s accessible, affordable, and realistic in their lives. If healthy food isn’t nearby, or safe places to walk aren’t an option, “eat better and move more” becomes more of a slogan than a strategy.
The Truth, Served With a Side of Kindness
I get it—people want to understand. They want easy answers to hard things. And when they don’t know the facts, they fall back on myths that feel tidy, even if they’re wrong.
So instead of eye rolls or sarcastic claps, I try to meet confusion with kindness.
Like when my gym buddy said, “Wait, you have diabetes? But you’re, like, in shape?” I told him, “Yes. Diabetes doesn’t check your Fitbit before showing up. It just shows up. Like your in-laws. Uninvited, and at the worst time.”
We laughed. And then we talked about the facts. And that’s how change happens.
In Case You Were Wondering…
- Diabetes is not contagious. Hugs are safe. So are shared pens, coffee cups, and birthday cake (well…if you’re invited to the party).
- Lifestyle matters, but it’s not the whole story. Family history, socioeconomic status, and biology play major roles.
- People with diabetes aren’t lazy or irresponsible. They’re managing something 24/7 that many people will never have to think about. That’s strength, not failure.
Final Thoughts (and Leftovers)
Uncle Ron eventually came around. He asked if he could help by checking on my son’s blood sugars during the next family gathering. I said, “Sure, but only if you promise not to call it The Sugar Situation again.”
He agreed. And he brought a new potato salad—one without raisins.
So let’s keep spreading facts, not fear. Let’s ask questions, offer grace, and remember that behind every diagnosis is a human being—not a cautionary tale.
And hey, if you do learn something helpful from a bumper sticker, just double-check it wasn’t on a parked clown car first.
Disclaimer: Uncle Ron, does not exist, I made hi