Sweet misconceptions: Popular diabetes myths and facts
Diabetes is a serious condition affecting millions of people around the globe. It occurs when the sugar levels in the blood rise as the pancreas which regulates those fail to do so due to failure to produce the hormone insulin which helps the glucose enter the body cells. Though this definition sounds simple enough there are many myths which leave diabetics confounded and alarmed. Here are the most popular ones:
Myth Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. Fact Eating too much sugar directly does not cause diabetes but yes eating more sugar adds to calories consumed and contributes to weight gain. Being overweight and obese increase the risk of diabetes.
Myth Diabetics must go without dessert. Fact: If the diabetic has an exercise plan in place and sticks to it then there is no reason why he shouldn’t indulge in sweets, chocolates or desserts. Total amount of carbohydrates consumed is more important than form of carbohydrate, i.e. sugar or starch, as far as controlling blood sugar is concerned. So, a small sweet treat is fine once in a while.
Myth If you are overweight then you will get Type-2 diabetes Fact True Type-2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease but doesn’t mean every obese person is a by default candidate for Type 2 Diabetes. The factors for the onset of disease are not certain yet.
Myth Diabetics have high risk of developing diseases. Fact It is ridiculous to assume that diabetics are at higher risk for diseases. It is true that diabetes can make wounds more difficult to heal and lead to eye or kidney complications if not taken care of but that doesn’t mean diabetics are disease infested people.
Myth Diabetes is not a serious disease. Fact Diabetes cannot be passed through contact or through air; however, it doesn’t stop it from being deadly, as diabetes gets more people every year than Aids and cancer combined.
Myth Diabetes runs in my family, I can’t do anything about it. Fact Certainly you can! Following healthy diet, fitness routine, and maintaining healthy weight, greatly decreases chances of developing diabetes irrespective of family history.
Myth Eating better costs a lot! Fact Pay for your good health now or pay for the ill health later. It is always better to spend on healthy food than on medicines. There are number of healthful yet affordable options.
Myth Developing diabetes during pregnancy is common. Fact Diabetes during pregnancy, called as gestational diabetes, is not common. A few pregnant women do develop the condition and it disappears after delivery. Diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of developing diabetes in later life.
Myth I am borderline or intermediate diabetic. Fact There is nothing like borderline diabetes. The term is a misnomer. Either you have it or you don’t.
Myth I feel perfectly healthy. I don’t need to bother about diabetes. Fact Diabetes generally doesn't show any symptoms in initial stage and goes unnoticed for a prolonged time till the glucose levels are consistently high for a long time. Diabetes is a silent killer.
Myth Diabetes risk increases with age. Fact The risk of getting diabetes type-2 increases with age but many young people get diabetes and the number of children with type-2 diabetes is increasing now.
Myth Healthy food does not increase blood sugar level. Fact It is important to keep a watch on all the foods we eat. Carbohydrates and sugars are present in mostly all foods. Fruits, vegetables like potatoes, and grains contain carbohydrates that are converted to sugar by body.
Myth It is fine to make the healthy changes after being diagnosed with diabetes. Fact Unhealthy food, sedentary life and lack of exercise creeps the risk of not only diabetes, but heart disease, stroke etc. Normal health and blood sugars, right from the beginning will protect against all these.
