10 Common Diabetes (Type 1 & 2) Myths
There are a lot of myths associated with diabetes across the world. Facts and reason about the disease have often been sacrificed in the alter of myths and opinions. This is mainly attributed to a lack of proper awareness of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The following are some of the myths held by many people about diabetes.
1. Diabetes is caused by excess sugar intake
The truth of the matter is diabetes is not caused by taking sugar, let alone too much of it. There’s no doubt that most diabetic patients have a tendency of taking too much sugar – but it’s not the case always.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the cells that make insulin get destroyed leading to arise in levels of blood glucose (sugar). Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a condition that happens when there is a problem with insulin production. It’s true that excessive intake of sugar increases the chances of acquiring ty 2 diabetes, but the fact is sugar on its own can’t cause any type of diabetes.
2. Type 1 diabetes is worse than type 2
The truth is that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are equally serious. Before the introduction of insulin, children with type 1 died shortly after being diagnosed. Type 2 diabetes takes time before it manifests making it difficult to diagnose and commence treatment.
3. Only kids and elderly people can acquire type 1 diabetes
The truth, however, is a person of any age can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What happens is adults are often diagnosed with type 2 instead of type 1 diabetes.
4. Type 2 diabetes only affects fat people
Although type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with being overweight, it’s not factual that it only affects obese or overweight individuals.
5. Diabetic people should eat diabetic food
This is also one of the common myths about diabetes held by many people around the world. The truth is that diabetic food can still affect levels of blood glucose in the blood.
6. People with diabetes lose cool easily
There’s also a common myth that diabetic people get angry easily. This is not true because anger is often associated with an individual’s temperance or personality and not any disease.
7. Diabetic people eventually go blind
It’s true that diabetes leads to blindness and amputation. However, diabetic patients who control their weight, glucose and blood pressure can prevent that from happening.
8. People with diabetes cannot play any sport
This isn’t true because there are many successful diabetic sportsmen and women who have excelled in athletics and other careers despite their conditions. Conversely, diabetic patients are encouraged to always exercise for a healthy lifestyle.
You Can Do Any Sport With Diabetes!
9. Diabetes is not a big deal
This is false because diabetes is considered one of the top killer diseases in the world – causing roughly 4 million deaths every year.
10. It’s easy to know if one has type 2 diabetes
It’s difficult to notice the presence of type 2 diabetes, especially during the early stages.