8 Myths About Diabetes Debunked
While most people know about diabetes, there are many misconceptions about this complex disease. When someone has been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important that they understand the facts, so they can make the best decisions to manage their condition and live the healthiest lifestyle possible.
Take a look at these eight diabetes myths and the full truth behind them.
Myth #1: Diabetes is not serious
This is perhaps the most dangerous of all diabetes myths. With diabetes being such a common disease, many people underestimate the seriousness of this condition. But if diabetes is not managed correctly, it can cause some severe complications, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, skin conditions, and hearing impairment. It should also be noted that while there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed to reduce the risk of these complications.
This is perhaps the most dangerous of all diabetes myths. With diabetes being such a common disease, many people underestimate the seriousness of this condition. But if diabetes is not managed correctly, it can cause some severe complications, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, skin conditions, and hearing impairment. It should also be noted that while there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed to reduce the risk of these complications.
Myth #2: Eating sugar causes diabetes
Because blood sugar levels play a role in diabetes, it makes sense that some people equate sugar intake with developing this disease. However, sugar on its own does not cause diabetes. Rather, it’s obesity that can lead to type 2 diabetes. So while sugar does contribute to weight gain, it’s not a direct cause, and can be eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Because blood sugar levels play a role in diabetes, it makes sense that some people equate sugar intake with developing this disease. However, sugar on its own does not cause diabetes. Rather, it’s obesity that can lead to type 2 diabetes. So while sugar does contribute to weight gain, it’s not a direct cause, and can be eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Myth #3: All obese people will become diabetic
Being overweight is certainly a risk. But there are a number of other factors that play just as big a part. These include family history, ethnicity, and age. In fact, most people who are overweight don’t develop type 2 diabetes at all, while many people with healthy body weight do.
Being overweight is certainly a risk. But there are a number of other factors that play just as big a part. These include family history, ethnicity, and age. In fact, most people who are overweight don’t develop type 2 diabetes at all, while many people with healthy body weight do.
Myth #4: Blindness and amputation are inevitable
Fortunately for diabetics who manage their condition carefully, blindness and amputations are rare. Factors that can increase the chances of these two serious complications include obesity, being overweight, smoking, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Fortunately for diabetics who manage their condition carefully, blindness and amputations are rare. Factors that can increase the chances of these two serious complications include obesity, being overweight, smoking, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Myth #5: People with diabetes cannot be active
This myth is definitely false. Exercise is essential to maintaining healthy body weight and helps reduce blood pressure too. Exercise can also help the body use insulin better, which is an essential factor in managing diabetes.
This myth is definitely false. Exercise is essential to maintaining healthy body weight and helps reduce blood pressure too. Exercise can also help the body use insulin better, which is an essential factor in managing diabetes.
Myth #6: There are natural products that can cure diabetes
No cure for diabetes has been discovered yet. So any herbal product that claims to be a cure is incorrect.
No cure for diabetes has been discovered yet. So any herbal product that claims to be a cure is incorrect.
Myth #7: Diabetics should stick to a diet of special foods
Just like the natural remedies mentioned above, any food that claims to be especially for diabetics is misleading. In fact, some can actually make it worse by raising blood glucose levels. The best diet for diabetics is a healthy balance of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, with limited fat and refined sugar.
Just like the natural remedies mentioned above, any food that claims to be especially for diabetics is misleading. In fact, some can actually make it worse by raising blood glucose levels. The best diet for diabetics is a healthy balance of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, with limited fat and refined sugar.
At Totalcare, we are fully equipped to provide the professional care, facilities and support diabetes patients need to stay healthy and comfortable. Our dedicated dieticians prepare fresh, balanced meals to ensure optimal health, while our landscaped gardens and exercise facilities provide ample opportunity for walking and other cardio activities. Residents also have access to a doctor, occupational therapist and support services to administer any medical care required.
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