The Top 10 Myths About Diabetes Debunked

Diabetes is an increasingly common condition fraught with many misconceptions. Some of the myths about diabetes could cause fear and intense feelings of stigmatization among those suffering from this condition. Below, we will take a closer look at some of the top myths and debunk them.

Myth #1: Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar

This is widely believed to be the cause of diabetes. However, while consuming too much sugar can cause weight gain which in turn can lead to Type 2 diabetes, there are multiple other factors at play such as genetics or lifestyle choices.

Myth #2: Only old people can get diabetes

Diabetes affects people of all ages. Type 1 Diabetes (juvenile diabetes) often starts in childhood, while for Type 2 Diabetes, one might not show symptoms until much later in life.

Myth #3: Diabetic people can’t eat carbohydrates

Carbohydrate consumption is not necessarily a bad thing when it comes to diabetes. What should be avoided is refined and processed carbohydrates that spike blood sugar levels higher than necessary. Stick with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Myth #4: People with diabetes cannot eat sugar or sweets

People with diabetes can still enjoy sweets, but everything in moderation. Sugar-free alternatives are always available, and small portions can also be consumed with a bit of savviness, such as enjoying the treat alongside a lean protein that helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

Myth #5: Diabetes is curable

Diabetes is best seen as a chronic condition that at present, isn’t cured, but can be very well managed when the right lifestyle is adhered to, and medicine is undergone properly.

Myth #6: Only overweight people suffer from diabetes

Weight is a good predictor of diabetes for many, but not a guarantee. Great lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and a healthy diet habitually taken can definitely make one less prone to the condition.

Myth #7: Diabetes leads to blindness

Dreading the blindness that diabetes can supposedly cause? The truth is, if you manage your blood glucose levels comprehensively, taking good care of your eyes alongside taking your medications regularly, your outcome could involve little or indeed no vision loss.

Myth #8: Diabetic people can’t have a baby

As long as women are following their care plan meticulously and planning their pregnancy with their doctor’s guidance, women living with diabetes can still have happy and healthy pregnancies to full term. Managing gestational diabetes is also possible even post-childbirth itself.

Myth #9: Diabetic people have to inject themselves with insulin routinely

While injectable insulin is prescribed to many individuals suffering from diabetes, it is not always the case as other medication exists that helps treat and manage the condition as well. Free yourself of generalizations: the right management regime can come indifferent forms.

Myth #10: Diabetics can check blood sugar whenever they feel like

Blood glucose levels ought to be monitored regularly, all right- for the individual, the doctor prescribes. Over-monitoring can create disorientation ion with regard to decision making; it pays investing time knowing the definite times the measurement is necessary.

Conclusion

De-mythifying information is essential in fighting prevalent myths regarding diabetes. Created in most times through misinformation, they hardly appropriate the current manageability many with the condition enjoy daily. Our over-arching message as that one should not self-diagnose after reading hearsays, but turn towards certified consultations about their conditions.