5 Type 1 Diabetes Myths That Are Holding You Back, and the Truth That Will Set You Free
Let me say this loud and clear:
Type 1 diabetics CAN.
Whatever you’re questioning right now, yes we CAN.
That word “can’t”? Throw it out.
In this blog, we’re busting five of the most damaging myths I’ve heard in my 15+ years of living with type 1 diabetes. These myths still get repeated by doctors and believed by so many of us. But I’m here to show you what’s really possible.
Spoiler: It’s more than you’ve ever imagined.
Myth #1: Diabetics Can’t Exercise Like Everyone Else
Reality: Not only can we exercise, we must. And yes, it can look like training for an Ironman like me, or it can look like taking a stroll down the neighborhood.
I’m not saying it’s easy. But I am saying it’s possible. I completed an Ironman last year. It took every ounce of grit, planning, and blood sugar strategy I’ve got, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. As a result, I’m more insulin sensitive than ever from all of the extra exercise.
Exercise doesn’t just build strength. For those of us with T1D, it adds years to our lives and aids in lower average glucose while reducing the likelihood of after-meal spikes. The average life expectancy drops with diagnosis, unless you exercise. Then, research shows, you gain those years right back.
The key is learning how your body responds. Cardio typically lowers blood sugars. Weightlifting might spike them. But when you understand your body, you gain the power to plan ahead and win.
I actually work with T1D’s of all ages dialing in blood sugar strategy through private coaching if you want help customizing your blood sugar strategy for fitness goals, workouts, or endurance events.
Myth #2: Diabetics Can’t Have Sugar
Reality: Not only can we eat sugar, sometimes, we need to.
500 grams of carbs.
That’s what I ate during an 85-mile bike ride.
And guess what? I spent 99% of that ride in range. That’s near-perfect blood sugar.
How? I used a little insulin, timed it right, and used my exercise as a powerful metabolic tool. Sugar isn't the villain. It's a tool, IF you know how to use it.
I even had pancakes for lunch today. And my numbers? Stable.
You don’t need to cut carbs to stay healthy with type 1. You just need a real strategy.
Here’s the fun part - you don’t have to follow any specific diet either. Low carb? It works. High carb? It also works. Vegan, Keto, Paleo? Check, check, check.
You just need the right blood sugar formula in place.
Want help eating your favorite foods without the guilt or chaos? We’ve got nutritionists and dietitians ready for private coaching for that too.
Myth #3: Diabetics Can’t Be Spontaneous
Reality: You can live in the moment, if you plan for it.
Want to go for a spontaneous bike ride? Hang out with friends? Travel on a whim? You can do it. The key is being prepared to pivot.
I teach my clients how to build “blood sugar formulas,” real-time strategies that help you respond to whatever life throws at you. Spontaneity becomes possible when you know what your blood sugars are about to do, not just what they’re doing right now.
The key here is understanding how to anticipate your blood sugar impact.
Exercise - I might drop. Stressful work meeting or exam at school - I might spike.
Then taking that information and actually using it, intentionally.
This is where true freedom begins.
Myth #4: Diabetics Won’t Live Long
Reality: With the right habits, we can outlive and outperform expectations.
I was told I’d be dead by 30.
That I’d lose limbs.
That I’d never eat sugar again.
I'm well past that prediction, thriving, coaching others, and living life to the fullest. Most of my clients? They’re in retirement or chasing their kids around. They’re not just surviving. They’re living fully, freely, and without fear.
If you’re worried about your future with type 1, let’s build a roadmap to peace of mind. That’s what coaching is for.
Myth #5: Complications Are Inevitable
Reality: Nope. Not necessarily if you’re in control.
Let’s talk A1C and time in range. Research shows that if you can keep your A1C under 7 and your time in range over 70%, you cut complication risk dramatically.
But let’s not aim for average. I’ve kept above 90% time in range, week after week, for over five years straight. While starting a business. Traveling the world. Becoming a dad. Becoming an Ironman.
That’s not a brag. That’s an invitation.
You can do it too. Hundreds of my private coaching clients have done the same. Thousands more in the community are doing it now. The system works.
Bonus Myth #6: Diabetes Can’t Be Controlled
Reality: It can. With the right method, it becomes simple.
Not easy. But simple.
The difference between stuck and thriving is strategy. Most of what you’ve been told, restriction, shame, fear, doesn’t work. What does? A customized blueprint built around you. Your life. Your food. Your preferences.
That’s what we do at FTF Warrior.
If you’re ready to build your personalized macronutrient profile, create blood sugar formulas, and live life with freedom - I’ll help you rewrite the story you’ve been told.
You’re Not Diabetic First, You Are Person-First
This life with type 1 isn’t a prison. It’s a proving ground.
You get to decide what’s possible.
And if nothing changes, nothing changes - meaning that if you’ve been “trying” and putting in the work, but things aren’t improving, it’s time to make a change and try something new.
If you’re ready to fight back against the myths and finally take control, let’s get to work.
Let’s rewrite the rules.
Private coaching is available for:
mastering blood sugar formulas
eating with freedom
exercising without fear
creating personalized nutrition plans
You’ve got this.
And I’ve got your back.
Keep up the Fight.
- Matt