Common Myths About Diabetes That Are Not True

Common Myths About Diabetes That Are Not True

When we hear the word diabetes, the first thing that comes to our minds is sugar, then it goes on to old age, and a lot more other things that can make people living with diabetes feel out of place. Now we are going to go through some of these myths and bring us proof of why they are just myths. 

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: Excess sugar is harmful to everyone, but eating too much sugar is unlikely to cause diabetes. Instead, diabetes begins when something disrupts the body’s ability to turn the food that is consumed into energy.

Myth: People with diabetes should never eat sweets.
Fact: When taken as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. It shouldn’t be an everyday intake though whether or not one is living with diabetes. Save them for special occasions if possible.

Myth: Being on insulin means you didn’t take proper care of your diabetes.
Fact: Not true, could be that at the time when a person is diagnosed the blood sugar is controlled adequately by diet, exercise, and/or oral medications that help the body absorb glucose. However, with time, the pancreas may stop producing enough insulin making insulin injections part of the treatment plan. This is the natural progression of the disease.

Myth: People with diabetes can’t participate in sports and fitness programs.
Fact: Physical exercise is important for everyone’s health, especially for people with diabetes. Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and keeps them in the target range. Exercise will help control blood sugar and keeps weight and blood pressure in check. Being physically active reduces the risk of common diabetes complications, such as heart disease and nerve damage.

Myth: Women with diabetes shouldn’t get pregnant.
Fact: Pregnancy is no longer a reason to worry for diabetic women. There is improved diabetic care for women. One just needs to put up extra effort and commitment, excellent blood sugar control, and education in all areas of diabetes management.

Myth: Kids don’t get Type 2 diabetes.
Fact: Though most children who are diagnosed with diabetes get type 1 DM, increased obesity and lifestyle changes have led to a recent epidemic form of diabetes in young adults and children under 10.