Diabetes is becoming a national epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes. The number of American adults with prediabetes is 84 million. Worse yet, 90 percent of people don't know they have the disease.

The good news is that experts say you can prevent and even reverse prediabetes and even Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes.

"Diabetes is a growing epidemic because more than 90 percent of calories in the typical American diet come from processed foods or animal products, neither of which contain significant amounts of fiber, micronutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals," Dr. Joel Fuhrman, M.D., renowned nutritionist, PBS host, and author of the bestselling book, "The End of Diabetes," says.

Here are some myths about the disease that can help you navigate the path to a healthier, diabetes-free life:

My family has a history of diabetes. That means I will also become diabetic.

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, is a Virginia-based dietitian and author of "Prediabetes: A Complete Guide." She explains that diabetes is not necessarily hereditary. "Though your genetics are very important, they are not your destiny. [Family history] is, however, a good reason to pay close attention to your lifestyle," she says.

Weisenberger recommends that you have your healthcare provider check blood sugar levels at least annually. "Managing your weight, eating wholesome foods, being physically active, and getting adequate sleep are important components of a diabetes prevention plan that I recommend to my clients," she notes.

I have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. That means I will become diabetic.

If your blood sugar is higher than normal but lower than diabetes, you have prediabetes, explains Weisenberger. "Without lifestyle changes, 37% of people with prediabetes are likely to progress to full-blown Type 2 diabetes within four years," she says. Fuhrman is more blunt. "Type 2 diabetes is a disease of the fork, and is almost always preventable and even reversible," he says. "Even people who are taking medication can regain normal blood sugar levels if they adopt my 'Nutritarian' diet, which means eating mostly beans, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and a moderate amount of fresh fruit, while restricting oil, processed foods, and animal products."

You can't eat sugar.

Tara Collingwood Gidus, MS, RDN, the team dietitian for the Orlando Magic pro basketball team, says that you can eat some sugar, especially from natural sources like fruit and dairy. "The sugar you eat does count as part of your total carbs for the meal and day, so choose wisely," she advises. Fuhrman adds that you can make delicious frozen desserts by freezing and blending fruits for guilt-free summer pleasure. His book contains recipes for sweet treats that are diabetic-friendly.

One cheat day a week is fine.

Not so, says Collingwood. "A cheat day can actually set you back and be dangerous for your blood sugar on that day," she explains. "Even eating well more than what you need one time can have negative consequences." Instead of feeling like you need a cheat day, try to include your favorite foods regularly in reasonable portions, and count them as part of your total calories and carbs daily.