Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) disease. It affects the body’s ability to produce insulin to regulate the blood sugar level. Thus, there is an imbalance of glucose in the blood. It can be pretty confusing at times, mainly because people have various myths about diabetes. Therefore, it is normal to have doubts when you get diabetes or know someone who has it.
Firstly, we need to overcome the common myths about diabetes and focus on the facts.
What Are The Common Misconceptions About Diabetes?
Everyone has their interpretation of a disease based on the knowledge they have about it. But to remain healthy, we need to overlook and focus on what is reality. Following is the list of myths on diabetes and the truth you must know-
- Myth: If No One From My Family Has Diabetes, I Won’t Get It Either.
Fact: It is a fact that having someone from the immediate family with diabetes makes you prone to the disease. Having a family history means an increased risk of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, it is not the only condition; several other factors can lead to diabetes in people with no family history, including the lifestyle. The other factors include obesity, being overweight, prediabetes, polycystic ovary disease, gestational diabetes and being over 45 years old. Thus, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise habits can keep diabetes away.
- Myth: I Am Overweight, So I Will Most Probably Get Diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight only increases the risk of developing diabetes. Some people are overweight and have no diabetes throughout their life. Also, there is no guarantee that people with maintained weight won’t develop diabetes. So placing your bet on nutritional adjustments and exercise is only a preventive measure against diabetes.
- Myth: I Am Worried About Diabetes Because I Eat A Lot Of Sugar.
Fact: It is always beneficial to cut down your sugar intake, but eating sugar does not lead to diabetes. It is one of the known myths about diabetes that often confuses people. The root is that whenever you consume food, your body converts it into a sugar called glucose. Glucose or blood sugar is the energy provider for the body. Insulin is the substance that takes glucose from the blood to the cells and generates energy. When you have diabetes, your body does not make the required insulin or fails to use it adequately.
Thus, there is excess sugar in the blood that causes high blood sugar levels. For people who frequently consume sugary things, the risk of being overweight or obese is high, which makes you prone to diabetes.
- Myth: I Will Have To Follow A Special Diet Because I Have Diabetes.
Fact: There is no difference between the food that a person with and without diabetes eats. It is only suggested that people with diabetes make vegetables, whole grains, fruits and legumes their source of carbohydrates. You should avoid food containing fat, sodium and sugar. The catch is that this diet is recommended for everyone to maintain health.
Even if you are diagnosed with diabetes, talk with your doctor about which meal plan will suit you the best. Then, ensure that you will be able to follow it. Thus, the myths about diabetes worry people but maintaining a proper diet can help you in the long run.
- Myth: If I Have Diabetes, I Cannot Eat Sweets Ever.
Fact: Another common one amongst the diabetes myths and facts list is whether you can eat sweets. Yes, it is valid that sweets have a high content of sugar that will increase glucose in your blood. But sweets are not banned for people having diabetes. You need to have an adequate intake plan. You can occasionally eat some sweets. Small amounts of sugar instead of carbohydrates in a usual meal is also acceptable. However, if you take insulin injections, you might need an extra dose when you consume sweets.
- Myth: My Doctor Prescribed Insulin To Me; I Failed To Manage My Blood Sugar.
Fact: People with type 1 diabetes need insulin because their bodies cannot make the required hormones. In type 2 diabetes, the body progressively produces less and less insulin. Thus, as time passes, the medicines, diet, and exercise are not enough to maintain the blood sugar level. At this point, you need insulin to help you out.
- Myth: I Cannot Exercise Because Of Diabetes.
Fact: The truth is the opposite. Regular exercises help you control diabetes because it makes your body sensitive towards insulin. Exercise also significantly lowers your A1C, which is a test that shows how well managed your diabetes is. The moderate exercise goal is at least 150 minutes of medium-vigorous exercise per week. You can also do two sessions per week of strength training. If you have not exercised in a while, walking can be an excellent start to the journey.
However, it is essential to ask your doctor about what exercises you do. The control level of your diabetes decides how careful you need to be to prevent other medical conditions that affect your eyes, heart and feet. You can also learn how to take medicines post-workout or adjust the dosage to lower your blood sugar.
- Myth: You Need Not Worry About Borderline Diabetes.
Fact: Sometimes, people can have blood sugar levels that are not in the designated levels of diabetes but are higher than usual. It is known as prediabetes. If you get diagnosed with prediabetes, you are more prone to diabetes in the next ten years. Exercising for 150 minutes per week and maintaining a healthy body weight might help you bring your blood sugar levels back to normal. Your doctor knows more about the diabetes myths and facts than anyone else, so they are the best people to seek guidance.
- Myth: Once I Have My Blood Sugar Level Under Control, I Can Stop My Medicine.
Fact: People with type 2 diabetes can often control their blood sugar level by simply exercising, losing weight, or managing their diet. However, remember that diabetes is a progressive disease so that it can come back even under control. Thus, medicine is required to keep sugar levels in the target range.
Above mentioned are some of the common diabetes myths and the facts that stand behind them. You can get more information regarding this from your healthcare provider.
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