Diabetes is a complicated disease and there is alot to be learned about it. It is important to know fact from fiction. Below are some myths that are commonly assosciated with diabetes.
Diabetes is contagious
Diabetes is not contagious. It cannot be caught like a flu or cold. There is a genetic link, especially with type 2 diabetes, however environmental factors also plays a part.
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. Eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight, which increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended to control your weight.
People with diabetes will eventually go blind
Blindness is a late stage complication of diabetes. Research has shown you can reduce the chances of developing diabetes complications if you control your blood pressure and glucose levels, keep active by regular exercise, maintain your ideal body weight and if you smoke by giving up.
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
This is false. People with diabetes are advised to get flu jabs because any infection may interfere with your blood glucose control. This could put you at risk of high blood glucose levels.
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat fruit
All fruit is good for you. It can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, some cancers and some gut problems. At least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day should be consumed. This also helps to improve the overall balance of the diet.
People with diabetes must eat special diabetic foods
Diabetic foods contain just as much fat and calories so offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, and are more expensive. Sometimes they have a laxative effect. The healthy diet for people with diabetes is the same as that recommended for everyone, low in fat, salt and sugar, with meals including starchy foods like bread and pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables
Having diabetes means you can’t do certain jobs
Having diabetes should not stop you from getting and keeping a job.
It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes
If you have good control of your diabetes and are responsible, research shows that people with diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone else.
People with diabetes can't play sport
People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. This can help avoid complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease.
I don't have a family history of diabetes, so I won't get it
Some people are born with a greater chance of developing diabetes than others. Many people diagnosed with the disease don't have a family history of diabetes. Your weight and lifestyle can be factors in whether you develop diabetes.
Asia Yousaf - ASIA YOUSAF
