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10 Diabetes Myths Busted!

10 Diabetes Myths Busted!
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Can people with diabetes eat potatoes?

Is your blood glucose affected by fruits and veggies?

Is drinking alcohol safe for diabetics?

These are some of the questions that pop up in the minds of people with diabetes.

As per the latest statistics, around 65 million Indians suffer from different levels and different types of diabetes. It is referred to as the silent killer. The disease is dreaded even more because of the myths and misconceptions surrounding it.

Being active and regular physical activity helps in maintaining your sugar level. Click To Tweet

People often think that they cannot eat well if they have diabetes. This is not so. You just need to make smart choices without having to give up your favorite foods. Let’s separate some myths from the facts about healthy food choices for diabetics.

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Myth 1: If I eat sugar I will get diabetes

Eating sugar causes diabetes

Image Credits: diabeticpick.com

Fact: Diabetes is not caused by eating sugar. Relatively, it is a reaction to an intricate balance-imbalance between the carbs and sugars coming in. It is also a result of family’s history of diabetes and the way your body adjusts to all these. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas and this has nothing to do with the consumption of sugar. The body’s failure to respond to insulin normally results in Type 2 diabetes. Generally Type 2 diabetes is inherited but eating high amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain, which increases the risk for developing this type of diabetes.

Myth 2: I have diabetes so I can’t exercise

Diabetes

Image Credits: cardiosmart.org

Fact: This is one of the greatest misconceptions among people. Studies have shown that being active and doing regular physical activity helps in maintaining your sugar level. But before starting on your exercise regime, consult your doctor on how to keep a track of your blood sugar level with workout. It is always better to keep a snack in your hand in case you need to bring your blood sugar back up after your workout session. If you feel weak while exercising, it is an indication to take a break.

Myth 3: Diabetes has no symptoms

Diabetes has no symptoms

Image Credits: rd.com

Fact: Some people believe that there are no symptoms of diabetes and only doctor can tell it. No wonder, many people suffering from it don’t even know about it. However it is not true. Diabetes has some early warning signs but people often neglect them. Some of the easy recognizable signs include feeling dehydrated even after drinking a lot of water, drinking more fluids than normally you do, feeling of tiredness and hunger every now and then, or weight loss even without making any changes in your diet or lifestyle. If you do notice any such symptoms it’s time to go to a doctor.

Myth 4: With diabetes, pregnancy is not possible

Young pregnant woman with doctor in ambulance.

Image Credits: motherlylove.co.uk

Fact: “People are worried about the risk to themselves and their child, or worry that they can’t become pregnant at all, particularly in those with type 1; but that’s just not true anymore,” says David G. Marrero, PhD, president of Health Care & Education at the American Diabetes Association. “This myth stems from a time when diabetes was poorly controlled and understood.” Complications like preterm birth arise only if you are not cautious in maintaining your sugar level. With proper care and monitoring normal pregnancies are possible.

Myth 5: I have diabetes, I am more likely to catch a cold

I have diabetes, I am more likely to catch a cold

Image Credits: telegraph.co.uk

Fact: Absolutely not. Being diabetic does not mean that you can catch cold and flu more easily than non-diabetic people. This has been proved by the American Diabetes Association. However, if you are ill it becomes little difficult to maintain your blood sugar levels.

Myth 6: I can feel when my blood sugar levels are too low or too high

I can feel when my blood sugar levels are too low or too high

Image Credits: rd.com

Fact: Some of the early symptoms of high blood sugar are so mild that people overlook them. For instance, you may attribute your tiredness to the cold you had few days back. Maybe it’s a sign of high sugar level. So it is very important to get it tested by the doctor. This will alert you to the drop or the hike before your body gives you any signal. Also you will get to know how diet and exercise can help you maintain your blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar is too low you become hypoglycemic which means you may experience sweating or shakiness. But according to Deena Adimoolam, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Endocrinology, Obesity & Metabolism at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, long-term diabetics develop “hypoglycemia unawareness,” which means they lose the ability to feel these symptoms as time goes on.

Myth 7: Diabetics have to follow a strict, no-sugar diet

Diabetics have to follow a strict, no-sugar diet

Fact: Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you don’t have to do away with your desserts. People often live with this misconception that if they have diabetes, they have to follow a no-sugar diet. This is not true at all. For people with Type 1, the solution is moderation in sugar intake. Keep a small portion of sweets in your diet. People with Type 2 should know how to adjust their dose of insulin with the sugary carbs.

Myth 8: Being overweight leads to diabetes

Being overweight leads to diabetes

Image Credits: smartforlife.com

Fact: There is no single reason that causes diabetes. It is the combined result of genetic factors, your lifestyle and physiological factors. So do not think that if you are overweight, you are bound to have diabetes. It’s true that weight is a dangerous factor but lean people also have diabetes and there are many obese people who do not have it. Infact a research revealed that around 15% of people having Type 2 diabetes had normal weight.

Myth 9: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the same

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the same

Fact: Sorry, but no. There’s a big difference between the two. Type 1 diabetes means that your body doesn’t produce insulin. Our body needs insulin which is produced by the pancreas. This insulin gives us the energy in the form of glucose. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that the body itself destroys the insulin-producing cells. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is caused when your body doesn’t use the insulin effectively. So there is a requirement of extra insulin.

Myth 10: I have diabetes, I can’t eat carbs

I have diabetes, I can't eat carbs

Fact: “A lot of people think they can’t eat the foods the rest of the family eats, but they can, just in limited quantities,” Murphy says. People having diabetes don’t have to follow a restricted diet. You just need to have some healthy eating habits.  Go for carbs that have high fiber content such as lentils and beans. Eating appropriate-size carb occasionally, won’t make you feel disadvantaged. “It’s best to have a balanced diet, but every so often it’s OK to give in to a craving and have a taste of cake, as long as it’s not a daily habit,” Murphy says.

It’s important to educate yourself so that you can maintain your blood sugar levels and stay healthy. Don’t take things on the face value, aim for right information!

 


Comments (16)

  • Very Nice Thanks for share

  • Hi Sonal,
    Thank you so much for your timely post.
    Timely I said, because just few days back my wife got detected as a diabetic. And this post really busted those myths prevlevant among many. Yes they are really myths believed by many.
    It’s really good to know a bit more about this silent killer
    Keep sharing.
    Best regards
    ~Philip
    Philip V Ariel recently posted…Indian Stand up Comedy: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Funniest of Them All?My Profile

    • Author

      Hi Philip

      Thanks for your wonderful feedback. Yes these are really myths which are often treated as facts by people. everyone needs to have right kind of information to distinguish between facts and myths.

      I hope all well with your wife. Take care

      Have a nice day!

  • Hey Sonal

    Great informative post. I have always been weary of diabetes. I knew about the eating and exercise myths, but was not aware how it really worked. I have never really looked into it. However at one stage I was drinking a huge amount and then going to the loo and thought I had diabetes. Went to the doctors and I am just over drink. I’m very healthy.

    Because I eat regularly if I miss one of my eating time slots I actually get very weak. I also get low in sugar and all I need is a little pick me up and I’m okay.

    You post really has taught me a few things that I was not aware of. I did think weight and over eating were contributing factors and they are but the way you describe it was totally different to how I thought about diabetes. Great post as I said I learnt a number of things today.
    Rachel recently posted…Interview with Deshawn Keiner from NaCaroInc.My Profile

    • Author

      Hi Rachel

      Its not only you most of the people are weary of diabetes. Its good to know that you are healthy. But people often neglect the early symptoms of diabetes. The result is that it affects the body organs at a later stage. I have seen this happening at my home so just want everyone to be careful about it and not to ignore the symptoms.

      Am glad that you liked the post. Yes overweight is a big factor. so people need to be conscious of their eating habits.

      Keep writing in.

      Have a nice day!

  • Hi Sonal

    I must say that you really busted some misconceptions about Diabetes. I did not know that diabetes is not about being fat.

    Thanks for sharing. I am bookmarking this info for future reference.
    ikechi recently posted…Who Would You Be If The World Never Gave You an IdentityMy Profile

    • Author

      Hi Ikechi

      Its an honor to have your comment. Its true people are really unaware about the facts and myths related to diabetes. There are lots of misconceptions that are due to the lack of complete and right information.

      Keep writing in

      Have a nice day!

  • Hi Sonal
    Awesome Informative Article Sis, Great Points Sharin out, Diabetes Myths Busted,
    Keep Up The Good Work, I like It, Thank’s a Lot For Update,
    Have a Nice Day Ahead,
    Muhammad Tabish recently posted…Article Marketing Help: 5 Proven Necessary StepsMy Profile

    • Author

      Hi Muhammad

      Thanks fro the encouragement and your great feedback.

      Have a nice day!

  • Thank you Sonal That was a great article on Diabetes.
    A lot of facts that most people do not know about. My daughter has a problem with
    Diabetes when she is pregnant but has had two very healthy babies!
    I will send her your article I am sure she will appreciate knowing as much as
    possible about it. Very well written post!
    Kathryn Maclean recently posted…Social Media CampaignsMy Profile

    • Author

      Hi Kathryn

      Glad that you liked it. People are not aware about the truth related to diabetes. They have many misconceptions.

      So good to hear that her babies are healthy!

      Keep writing in

      Have a nice day!

  • We are kindred spirits who are looking to share our knowledge and journey. Thank you for that. Sharing your journey helps so many people and this FAQ on diabetes is spot on.
    Dr. Elise Cohen Ho recently posted…7 Things About Your Cholesterol That You Need To Know NowMy Profile

    • Author

      Hi Elise

      People ahve many misconceptions about diabetes. I hope the post helps them.

      Keep writing in

      Have a nice day!

  • It’s great to be informed by people who really understand the subject, that is how we should proceed. Congratulations

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