There are many myths that have been commonly associated with diabetes. Even if you are not a diabetic, you can probably imagine how challenging it must be to live with a condition like this that requires such constant vigilance of your physical health.But one thing straight, diabetes is not the end of the world and we are going to put an end to some of the most commonly believed diabetes myths.
- Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are the same: NO. Type 1 diabetes means your body doesn’t produce insulin at all. Insulin is the hormone, produced by the pancreas, which helps get energy in the form of glucose into our cells. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to mistakenly attack itself, destroying insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces, leading to a condition called insulin resistance. While everyone with type 1 needs insulin injections, only about 30-40% of people with type 2 require the same treatment.
- People with diabetes cannot eat carbs: This is not true. Even as a diabetic you can have carbs, but as prescribed in your diabetes diet. Also occasional and appropriate-size carb ensures you don’t feel deprived. When consuming carbs look for foods that are rich in fibre, like lentils, beans, squash, and potatoes, since they digest slowly and therefore help keep the blood sugar relatively stable.
- Eating too much sugar causes diabetes: This is another myth we are going to debunk today. Sugar in itself does not cause diabetes. Diabetes is a response to the carbs and sugars you consume along with your weight and how well your burn it out. Another factor of diabetes is family history.
- Diabetes is not a serious condition. Yes, it is not the end of the world but if you don’t take the right steps to manage it, the complications could be serious and deadly. If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, amputations, blindness, or even kidney disease. When sugar builds up in your blood, it can affect your blood vessels and nerve endings and lead to the above complications.
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With all the myths debunked, there is a fact that needs special attention which is knowing your blood sugar levels. You can regularly check and monitor your blood sugar levels using a glucometer.
