12 Common Diabetes Myths Debunked
There are many misleading myths
surrounding diabetes. Unfortunately for me, I took some of these myths
at face value and believed them to be true. Coming across this article
really helped me to separate fact from fiction about the disease which
affects millions around the world. Here are 12 diabetes-related myths
debunked:
Myth 1: Diabetes Isn't a Serious Disease
Fact: Diabetes IS a
serious, chronic disease. However, its effects can be controlled if
managed properly. Nevertheless, it still kills more people annually than
breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three people with diabetes
die from heart disease or stroke.
Myth 2: Diabetes Is a Death Sentence
Fact: This isn't
true. The better diabetics take care of themselves, the longer they will
live. Doctor’s recommendations with regard to diet and exercise should
be followed closely, ensuring that medication is taken correctly.
Myth 3: You Can't Do Too Much Exercise if You Have Diabetes
Fact: While it’s
true that diabetics who take insulin or other medications that increase
insulin production in the body have to balance exercise, insulin levels,
and diet, those who are taking oral medications such as metformin and
sitagliptin can exercise as much as they like.
Myth 4: You'll Get Diabetes if You're Overweight or Obese
Fact: While
weight is a risk factor for diabetes, there are other factors at play
too, such as family history. Many overweight people never develop Type 2
diabetes. There are also many Type 2 diabetics with a normal weight.
Myth 5: Insulin Will Do You Harm
Fact: Insulin is
actually a lifesaver, but what makes it challenging is that many people
find it difficult to manage. Taking insulin safely requires testing
blood sugar levels many times a day to avoid harmful low blood sugar
reactions.
Myth 6: Diabetes Means You Don't Produce Enough Insulin
Fact: This is true
for people with type 1 diabetes – their pancreas stops producing
insulin completely. Those who have the more common type of diabetes,
type 2, tend to have sufficient insulin when they’re first diagnosed.
The main problem type 2 diabetics have is that their insulin doesn’t
cause the cells in their bodies to absorb glucose from the food they
eat. Their pancreases may also stop producing enough insulin with the
passage of time, which means they’ll need injections.
Myth 7: Diabetes Means You Have to Inject Yourself
Fact: Injections
are only applicable to diabetics who inject their medications. These
days, insulin pens that don’t require injections are available.
Furthermore, drawing blood to measure blood sugar is painless thanks to
the latest blood sugar meters. Many new diabetes medications can also be
taken orally.
Myth 8. Eating Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes
Fact: The
only shred of truth in this myth is that recent research has indicated
those who were already at risk of developing diabetes increased their
risk of developing it further by drinking lots of sugared drinks. Sugar
in itself, doesn’t cause diabetes, however it does contribute to
obesity, which is a major cause of the disease.
Myth 9: "I Know Exactly When My Blood Sugar Level Is High or Low"
Fact: This one is particularly dangerous, because some diabetics tend to rely on how they’re feeling as a gauge for whether their blood sugar
levels are low. While certain symptoms are indicative of low blood
sugar levels, they tend to become less accurate over time. The only
sure-fire way of knowing whether they’re low or not is to actually
check.
Myth 10: Diabetics Can't Eat Sweets
Fact: Diabetics
can eat whatever they want, as long as they pay attention to portion
sizes and how often they’re eating their favorite treat. What they
cannot do is eat too much of what they like. An example of this is
having a smaller piece of cake than usual for dessert, and not having
dessert as often.
Myth 11: Diabetes Makes You More prone to Colds or Flu
Fact: While
diabetics are no more vulnerable to contagious illnesses than anyone
else, getting flu shots is important, because diabetics are a lot more
likely to suffer serious complications from the flu than those who do
not have the disease.
Myth 12: Diabetics on Insulin Haven't Taken Care of Themselves
Fact: During the
early stages of the disease, or just after diagnosis, insulin levels can
be controlled adequately through eating a healthy diet, exercising and
oral medications. As the disease progresses, your pancreas may begin to
produce less insulin or stop producing insulin completely, which means
that you’ll require insulin injections.