Diabetes Fact vs. Myth – Do You Know The Truth?

 

November is American Diabetes Month, to raise awareness and understanding about this serious condition. Nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes, and another 86 million are at risk for diabetes. The risks and complications associated with diabetes is very serious and can be life threatening. It is vital for people to understand their risks for developing diabetes.

The Internet provides vast amounts of information on diabetes, some diabetes facts and others diabetes myths. It is important to know the facts, so we separated facts from the myths when it comes to diabetes.

 

Diabetes MYTH: Diabetes Is Not a Serious Condition

Diabetes FACT: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Having diabetes nearly doubles your chance of having a heart attack. The good news is that good diabetes control can reduce your risks for diabetes complications.

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: Eating too much sugar causes Diabetes.

Diabetes FACT: Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger its onset; type 2 is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight increases your risk for developing type 2, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. Research has shown that sugary drinks are linked to type 2 diabetes

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses.

Diabetes FACT: You are no more likely to get sick if you have diabetes. However, an illness can make your diabetes more difficult to control.

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: Women with diabetes shouldn’t get pregnant.

Diabetes FACT: Women who manage their diabetes well can have a normal pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: People with diabetes can feel when their blood glucose level goes too low.

Diabetes FACT: Not always. Some people cannot feel or recognize the symptoms of low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous.

 

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: It’s possible to have “just a touch” or “a little” diabetes.

Diabetes FACT: There is no such thing. Everyone who has diabetes runs the risk of serious complications

 

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: You have to lose a lot of weight for your diabetes to improve.

Diabetes FACT: Losing just 7% of your body weight can offer significant health benefits—about 15 pounds if you weigh 200

 

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: Diabetes doesn’t run in my family, so I’m safe.

Diabetes FACT: Family history is only one of several risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: You’ll know if you have diabetes by your symptoms.

Diabetes FACT:  Not always. Type 2 diabetes often goes undiagnosed because it usually has few or no symptoms when it first develops

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: People who use insulin are unsafe drivers.

Diabetes FACT: The vast majority of drivers who use insulin can safely operate motor vehicles.

 

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: People with type 2 diabetes who need to use insulin are in serious trouble.

Diabetes FACT: Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, and most people with it eventually need insulin. By using insulin to keep their diabetes in good control, people with type 2 can often avoid complications and lead a healthy life.

 

 

 

 

 

Diabetes MYTH: People with diabetes need to follow a special diet.

Diabetes FACT: People with diabetes benefit from the same healthy diet that is good for everyone else: plenty of whole grains and fruits and vegetables, with a limited amount of fat and refined sugar.

 

 

 

Are you or someone you know struggeling with Type 2 diabetes and looking to lose weight?Type 2 diabetes weight loss does not need to be a lifelong struggle. At Solstice Health, our diabetes medical weight loss program has helped hundreds of type 2 diabetics reduce their insulin resistance and in many cases cured their type 2 diabetes. If you are looking to learn more about are medical weight loss options for type 2 diabetes, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.