By Healthbox Clinic , Super Speciality
Diabetes is a disease that results in excessive amount of glucose in the blood stream. It is fairly common in the present scenario and naturally, there are several myths surrounding the concept.
There are many myths about diabetes that make it difficult for people to believe some of the hard facts – such as diabetes is a serious and potentially deadly disease. These myths can create a picture of diabetes that is not accurate and full of stereotypes and stigma. A few of the most common myths about diabetes include:
Myth1: Diabetes is not that serious of a disease.
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.
Myth2: Diabetes can be prevented
Fact: Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented owing to the autoimmune nature of the condition. Type 2 Diabetes may be prevented to some extent but not completely.
Myth3: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: The answer is not so simple. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors; Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.
Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type-2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. Drinking sugary drinks is linked to type-2 diabetes.
People should avoid intake of sugar-sweetened beverages to help prevent diabetes. Sugar-sweetened beverages include beverages like:
- regular soda
- fruit punch
- fruit drinks
- energy drinks
- sports drinks
- sweet tea
- other sugary drinks.
These will raise blood glucose and can provide several hundred calories in just one serving.
Myth4: If you are obese, you will develop diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for type-2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type-2 diabetes, and many people with type-2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.
Myth5: People with diabetes cannot eat sweets and should cut down on food.
Fact: This is not true. People with diabetes are actually advised small amounts but frequent intake of food, once in every two hours. While they are advised healthier food, sweets can be eaten if combined with exercise and a healthy meal plan. Just make sure you don’t make sweets an appendage to your meal.
Myth6: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish.
Fact: Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruits contain carbohydrates, they need to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.