Diabetes is a chronic, serious ailment and is one of the leading causes of deaths in the world today. However, not many people are correctly informed about what causes it and the symptoms of diabetes. The first step in diabetes treatment is knowing the facts well. Here are some common diabetes myths; read on to know more about them.
Myth: People who have diabetes cannot eat sweets
Sweets are no longer off limits for diabetics. If a proper diet and exercise regimen is followed, sweets too can be a part of your life. While you don’t need to indulge in sweets a lot, an occasional serving of sweet food is fine.
Myth: Diabetics should have only special diabetic foods
A healthy diet is the same for everyone: fruits, vegetables, and foods low in salt, sugar, and fats. There is no such thing as a standard diabetic diet. People who are overweight must try to slim down. The more you shed the excess kilos, the more you will enhance your blood sugar levels and the better your diabetes treatment and management.
“Sugar-free” foods that are supposedly good for you often contain a lot of carbs and calories. Therefore always make it a point to check the nutrition labels carefully before buying. Overall, it is best to limit the intake of all kinds of processed foods.
Myth: Eating a lot of sugar leads to diabetes
Earlier it was thought that eating too much sweet caused diabetes. Studies have now shown that symptoms of diabetes are more the result of a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. However, being obese does increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. For people who have a history of diabetes, including a healthy diet and a regular regimen of exercise is imperative to manage weight better.
Myth: Diabetics need to take insulin injections
People with type 1 diabetes need insulin shots as their body does not produce insulin of its own. For people with type 2 diabetes, they need it only if the blood glucose levels in the body are not well controlled. All of them do not need it. For most type 2 people, having a healthy diet, making lifestyle changes and doing exercises can help them avoid insulin injections.
Myth: Diabetics have to avoid starchy foods such as potatoes, pasta, and bread
In fact, these are part of a healthy diet and can form a part of your meals. Potatoes and other starchy foods are high in carbs, but you can still enjoy them in moderation. Baked potatoes are healthy, and sweet potatoes are even better as they comprise essential nutrients and beta-carotene that are good for health.
They are also an excellent source of fiber and carbohydrates that can help in digestion. However, keep a watch on the portion size. Diabetics should restrict themselves to three to four servings of the foods per day.
Myth: Only adults have type 2 diabetes
One of the common diabetes myths is that diabetes is a chronic ailment only among adults. Diabetes is fairly common among teenagers as well. It is referred to as juvenile diabetes and is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin.
Myth: Alcohol is a no-no for diabetics
Moderate drinking is safe for most diabetics. However, it is good to consult your doctor about this first.
Myth: Women diabetics should not have babies
Women who can manage their diabetes well can have a normal pregnancy and can give birth to a healthy baby.
Also Read: Be Strong Enough to deal with Diabetes
Myth: If you are obese, you will have type 2 diabetes
While being overweight is one of the risk factors, there are many other risks factors including ethnicity, age and family history that play a crucial role in developing the disease. Many people do not take into consideration that there are other risk factors involved and think that weight is the only factor for type 2 diabetes. There are millions of overweight people who never get the ailment, and there are many diabetics who are at normal weight or slightly overweight.
Myth: Diabetics are more likely to get common cold
People with diabetes need to get the flu shot because getting a cold or any other illness can make it difficult to manage the condition. You are at no greater risk to get the flu if you have diabetes. Another of the commonly held diabetes myths is that you can catch diabetes from someone else. Diabetes is not contagious, and you cannot get it like the flu.
Also Read: Know How to Treat Diabetes Type 1 and 2
Knowing these diabetes myths are an important step in understanding your condition better and taking steps to manage it. Your doctor can further help you in making lifestyle choices to help live with the disease better.
