There are countless myths that have developed about diabetes. People with diabetic encounter these myths and worry needlessly. Does insulin cause blindness? Are my problems normal? Do I have to give up sugar forever? Will my children inherit diabetes? Can I cure my diabetes?
MYTH #1 Diabetics can never eat sweets.
We’ve heard this one way too many times. It is unfair and wrong. Certainly, blood sugar has to be closely monitored. But sugary foods in moderation are okay as long as you watch your blood sugar levels.
Most diabetics do well if they limit sweets (limit, but not totally eliminate.) Don’t gorge on sugar. Make sure to check yourself and keep your portions moderate.
If you have a sweet tooth, consult your doctor for advice on how to enjoy sugar in moderation.
MYTH #2 A sweet tooth causes diabetes.
Eating sweets will not make a person develop diabetes. Diabetes comes from both genetic factors and health factors. If you are obese you are more likely to get diabetes, but your sugar intake alone is not the reason.
MYTH #3 Diabetes can be passed to other people.
Exposure to diabetics doesn’t make you more likely to get diabetes!
Diabetes is not a disease that can be passed along. It is not spread from one person to another like a common virus. Some people do, however, have a genetic predisposition for diabetes. If you mother or father have the disease, you are more likely to have it yourself.
MYTH #4 Diabetes is curable.
Diabetes is a chronic condition meaning that it doesn’t ever go away once it is diagnosed. Luckily, there are many ways to manage the disease. There are no magical cures.
MYTH #5 Diabetics have a limited lifestyle.
The good news about diabetes is that recent medical advances allow for great management of the disease which means few diabetic complications. Improved testing methods and improved medications means blood sugar is kept at a more even level which leads to fewer long term complications.
Diabetics from every country enjoy better and longer lives due to the advances in diabetic care and management.
Maggi Johonson is a health guru who helps diabetics maintain their active lifestyles. She enjoys helping people learn to control their diabetes through balanced eating, physical activity and a balanced mental attitude. She encourages folks with diabetes to study the disease and recommends this quick list of useful diabetic resources.. For quick, easy to read articles, check out this diabetic blog.
