Diabetes Myths Debunked

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With all the diabetes information available, there is still a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the disease. Here are some myths and the truths behind them.

Myth: Type 2 diabetes is not that serious.

Since not everyone with type 2 diabetes needs insulin, it may not seem that serious. Type 2 diabetes is actually more complex than type 1 diabetes because it is the result of an underlying problem — insulin resistance. This can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and may contribute to cancer and gout.

Myth: Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are easy to spot.

Not true. Close to 30% of people who have type 2 diabetes don’t realize it. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are very similar — increased urination, thirst, fatigue, blurred vision. But, type 1 symptoms tend to have a dramatic and sudden onset (usually children and adolescents), while type 2 comes on much more slowly. Many people can have type 2 diabetes for years without showing symptoms.

Type 2 Diabetes—

It’s the most common type of diabetes and is a condition where your body does not use insulin properly. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time, it isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.

Myth: Taking insulin is difficult.

With correct instruction and practice, it’s not. Experts say learning to inject and adjust insulin can be taught to those ages 10 to 100.

Myth: Herbal supplements help diabetes.

You may have seen promotions for vitamins and supplements that “eliminate diabetes.” Experts recommend staying with well-researched medication prescribed by your doctor. And, before taking supplements, get your doctor’s OK.

Myth: Eating too many sweets causes type 2 diabetes.

This is fiction. What definitely does increase your chances of type 2 diabetes is being overweight and consuming too many calories from any source — that causes weight gain. This can include eating too many sweets. Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes with the right combination of lifestyle factors and genetics.

Myth: Exercise can’t prevent type 2 diabetes.

Drugs alone aren’t the answer, say medical professionals. A large part of the theory of prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes is exercise that burns glucose and makes cells more sensitive to insulin. Studies have shown that exercise may even be more effective than drugs when it comes to preventing the disease in people most at risk.

Myth: If you have diabetes, you can never eat sugar.

Not true. Eating sweets doesn’t cause diabetes, and diabetics can eat sugary foods from time to time. The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping sweets and dessert portions small since most sweets contain high amounts of carbohydrates, and carbohydrates play a large role in blood sugar levels.

Myth: Diabetes means you have to give yourself shots.

Not true. Most type 2 diabetics control their disease with stress reduction, diet, exercise and oral pills. If insulin shots are needed, it’s likely only one injection a day without pills.