Millions of people from all parts of the world suffer from diabetes. This common health issue can be categorized into type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes develops in either childhood or early youth due to the complete non-production of the hormone insulin. Type 2 diabetes takes place due to the body’s failure to produce enough amounts of insulin. Diabetes can happen to any person regardless of the gender, weight or age.
Diabetes is one of the most feared health problems because it requires the patient to make some serious restrictions. However, a lot of diabetes patient tend to become overprotective because of various myths that surround diabetes. Having knowledge about these myths can help a diabetic to manage the problem in a better way. Explained below are some of the most common myths about diabetes.
Myth 1: Since diabetes is so common, it is not a big deal at all.
The fact that more and more people are suffering from diabetes these days does not make this problem any less serious. Diabetes is still one of the leading causes of deaths and should be taken seriously. If not controlled in a proper manner, diabetes can cause some serious conditions like nerve damage, amputation of limbs, blindness, kidney deterioration, and heart diseases.
Myth 2: Diabetics have to be very restrictive about their diets.
Like anyone else, diabetics have to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. Although diabetes patients should closely monitor their meals, there is no need for them to make drastic dietary changes. Making big dietary changes becomes necessary only when the patient has the habit of eating a lot of unhealthy foods. A healthy diet for both diabetics and non-diabetics is one that consists of the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Junk food should be completely avoided as it is high in salt, trans fat, and saturated fat.
Myths 3: Diabetics must completely avoid having desserts.
Consuming sugar causes a spike in the levels of blood glucose. This is the main reason why diabetics are advised to limit their intake of sweets. However, this does not mean that diabetics should completely avoid having desserts. It is fine to eat a small portion of desserts after having a low-crab meal. Diabetes patients will not have to completely avoid sweets as long as they strictly monitor their sugar intake.
Myths 4: Only people who eat a lot of sugar suffer from diabetes.
Consuming too much sugar is not the only reason for suffering from diabetes. Type 1 diabetes happens due to genetic and some other unknown factors, while type 2 diabetes is usually a result of genetic and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Myth 5: Thin people can’t get diabetes.
Many people believe that only overweight people can develop diabetes. This is not at all true and might make thin people complacent about their routine check-ups. Although being obese is known to increase the risk of diabetes, being thin does not guarantee immunity.
Myth 6: Diabetes ruins your life.
Just because you suffer from diabetes does not mean that your life is ruined. Although uncontrolled diabetes can cause various health issues, taking necessary measure can allow you to live a healthy life. Eating a healthy diet and maintain an exercise routine will help you to reduce the effects of diabetes. Taking healthy steps makes it a lot easier to manage and control diabetes.