Many myths are still around about diabetes. Get the real story here -- it can help you enjoy a full, healthy life. **Myth 1: Treating diabetes will require me to take dozens of pills every day.** Fact: Years ago, people with diabetes needed to take a lot of pills. Now, most people starting on diabetes treatment only take 1 to 2 pills daily. You may be able to take medicines that combine 2 or 3 drugs in a single pill. **Myth 2: I can wait to start taking medicine for my diabetes.** Fact: You should start taking diabetes meds right away. Your doctor will talk to you about taking these drugs, which help control your blood sugar levels. This helps protect your organs and keeps you healthy. **Myth 3: Because I have diabetes, I’m going to develop severe complications.** Fact: It’s possible that you’ll develop complications, but it’s also possible you won’t. If you begin taking diabetes drugs promptly, they can help protect you from advancing to severe complications. In fact, it is possible that you will never develop severe complications and will achieve a near normal life span if you continue to take the drugs correctly. **Myth 4: If I’m on medication, I can eat whatever I want.** Fact: Even if you are taking medication, you need to follow a healthy diet. Proper nutrition helps control your blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of complications. **Myth 5: I should avoid exercise since I have diabetes.** Fact: Exercise is a good way to protect your health when you have diabetes. It can: Aim for 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day. Get both aerobic and strength-training exercises. **Myth 6: I’m not going to live long enough to need to worry about other diseases.** Fact: Today, many people with diabetes are living long lives. If you keep your blood sugar under control with diabetes medicine, you may live for many decades. In fact, those who adhere to their diabetes treatments and maintain a healthy lifestyle can have the same life expectancy as someone who is not diabetic. But you may have a higher chance of problems including heart disease and kidney disease. So follow the usual steps for good health: Some diabetes medicines have side effects that can cause diarrhea and nausea. Talk to your doctor about whether your medicines should be taken with or without food, and about any side effects you might have. Don’t stop your diabetes medicines without talking with your doctor first. Also, tell your doctor about any other medicines you’re taking and any other health problems you have. Diabetes drugs can change how your other medicines work. They can also make controlling other health problems more difficult. **Myth 7: Now that I have diabetes, I can’t have kids.** Fact: If you’re a man with diabetes, you may still be able to safely father a child. If you’re a woman, you may still be able to safely become pregnant. Doctors can help you take steps to lower -- or remove -- the chance that you’ll pass complications to your child. If you're pregnant, your doctor will give you certain diabetes drugs to protect you and your baby.