Video of Barbara O'Neill saying lemons cure diabetes is an AI fake

George Driver January 31, 2025
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A banned naturopath features in an AI-manipulated video promoting lemons as a diabetes cure. Image by EPA PHOTO

WHAT WAS CLAIMED

Barbara O'Neill claimed in an interview with CNN that lemons can cure diabetes

OUR VERDICT

False. The video is fake and has been manipulated using AI. There is currently no cure for diabetes.

AAP FACTCHECK - Videos shared on social media featuring naturopath Barbara O'Neill spruiking a supposed diabetes cure on America's CNN network are fake.

The diabetes "interview" is the latest in a number of videos featuring Mrs O'Neill that have been manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) to promote a range of bogus alternative cures.

The video published on Facebook appears to show Mrs O'Neill being interviewed by CNN host Anderson Cooper about what is said to be a cure for diabetes involving refrigerated lemons.

"Dr O'Neill, can we really say that every American can beat diabetes with just their fridge and a couple of lemons?" Mr Cooper seems to ask.

A video of Barbara O'Neill apparently being interviewed on CNN is an AI deepfake. (AAP/Facebook)

"Absolutely we can," Mrs O'Neill appears to reply, before going on to claim an unnamed "lemon mix" can treat diabetes in the absence of prescribed medications or diet and lifestyle change. 

"It'll take you less than 72 hours to look in the mirror and see a happy diabetes-free person. Click the learn-more button now to watch a short step-by-step guide on how to prepare this lemon mix."

The video, however, is fake and has been manipulated using AI. It uses a clip from a real video of Mrs O'Neill promoting "yam creams" but adds an AI voiceover. 

Mrs O'Neill promotes "yam cream" in the June 2024 video from which the AI-manipulated clip was taken (AAP/YouTube)

Mrs O'Neill gives online talks about alternative health remedies, despite being permanently barred from providing health services by NSW authorities.

Diabetes Australia group CEO Justine Cain told AAP FactCheck there is currently no cure for type one diabetes, whereby the pancreas fails to produce insulin due to an autoimmune reaction.

"Lemons don't cure diabetes," Ms Cain said. "Unfortunately, claims like the one featured in this video are unfounded and misleading, and also potentially harmful for people who might try to stop using their life-saving medication. 

"While research into potential cures and treatments is advancing rapidly, it remains an area of intense scientific focus by some of the world's most innovative researchers."

People with type two diabetes, meanwhile, can go into remission through sustained weight loss and significant lifestyle changes, Ms Cain said.

"But it is important to emphasise that this is not the same as a cure, nor does it work for everyone. Managing diabetes requires ongoing, individualised care and collaboration with qualified healthcare professionals.

"Spreading misinformation about so-called 'cures' not only misleads the public but also creates false hope for individuals living with diabetes and their families."

There is currently no cure for diabetes, which requires ongoing, individualised care. (EPA PHOTO)

AAP FactCheck has previously debunked multiple claims involving manipulated videos featuring Mrs O'Neill, and has also debunked numerous other health claims really made by the Australian naturopath.

Other fact-checking organisations have debunked similar videos that purport to show Mrs O'Neill on CNN, including Politifact, AFP, Full Fact and Lead Stories.

The Diabetes Australia website has advice about fake diabetes ads and products. 

HOW TO SPOT MANIPULATED IMAGES AND VIDEOS 

Digital manipulation, particularly with the assistance of AI technology, is becoming more prevalent. If you are unsure, consider the following:

1. Does the image or video ring true?

If the image or video in question raises questions, it needs further investigation. 

2. Check the source. 

Does it come from a trustworthy source? If the source of the content is unfamiliar and doesn't have a history of reliability, tread cautiously.

3. Look for visual inconsistencies.

AI images can include visual clues that give away their computer-generated origins. Check the image or video for inconsistencies and mistakes. 

4. Is the content presented out of context?

Consider if the image or video could have been manipulated in the production or editing process to change its context. 

5. Try a reverse image search. 

Research image search tools such as Google Images and TinEye can be used to find other versions of the image online. 

6. Use AI detection tools

Numerous AI detection tools are available online, including AI or Not, Huggingface, Winston AI and Illuminarty

See here for more details and tips.

AAP FactCheck is an accredited member of the International Fact-Checking Network. To keep up with our latest fact checks, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sources

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Every AAP FactCheck article is the result of a meticulous process involving numerous experienced journalists and producers. Our articles are thoroughly researched, carefully crafted and rigorously scrutinised to ensure the highest standard of accuracy and objectivity in every piece.

AAP FactCheck is an accredited member of the International Fact-Checking Network