A Few Myths About Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most complicated diseases that exists. As a result, there are many misconceptions about it. Here are a few myths that are surfacing in many people's minds:

Myth: Diabetes is not that serious of a disease.
Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS put together. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop Type 2 diabetes. 
Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes, but other risk factors include family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Believe it or not, many people simply ignore other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop Type 2 diabetes and many people with Type 2 diabetes are of normal weight or only moderately overweight.

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: Explaining diabetes is more complicated. Type 1 diabetes is the result of genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is also the result of genetics in addition to lifestyle factors.

Being overweight does increase the chance for developing Type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories from any food source can contribute to weight gain. According to research, drinking sugar drinks is linked to Type 2 diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, it suggests that individuals should limit their sugar drink intake to help prevent diabetes. Sugar drink beverages include:
-regular soda
-fruit punch
-fruit drinks
-energy drinks
-sports drinks
-sweet tea
-other sugar beverages
These sugar beverage will increase the blood glucose by several hundred calories with one serving:
-One 12-ounce can of regular soda has about 150 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrate.This is the same amount of carbohydrate in 10 teaspoons of sugar!
-One cup of fruit punch and other sugar fruit drinks have approximately 100 calories or more and 30 grams of carbohydrate.

Myth: If you have diabetes, you should only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta.
Fact: Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. The bottom line: portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn and peas can be included with your meals and snacks. As stated earlier, the importance is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3 to 4 servings of foods with carbohydrate is proper. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your stomach healthy.

Myth: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses.
Fact: You are not likely to catch a cold or other ailments if you are a diabetic. However, diabetics are advised to get flu shots. This is because any ailments can make diabetes more difficult to manage, and diabetics who do catch the flu are more likely than others to go on and develop serious complications.

Myth: If you have Type 2 diabetes and your doctor says that you need to start using insulin, it means you're failing to take care of your diabetes properly.
Fact: For most people, Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many Type 2 diabetics can keep their blood glucose at a healthy level with oral medications. But over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin, and eventually oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels normal. Using insulin to get blood glucose levels to a healthy level is an excellent solution.

Myth: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish.
Fact: Fruit is a healthy food. It includes fiber and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Because fruits have carbohydrates, they need to be included in your meal plan. Consult with a dietitian about the amount, frequency and fruit types you should eat.

So there you have it--the clarity of diabetes. The bottom line: take good care of your diabetes and you should live a very healthy and fulfilling life.


Source: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-myth/