There are plenty of scary facts about diabetes: It’s the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S. and the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations. Its economic impact is about $245 billion a year, and diagnoses of the disease are increasing around the world.
But there’s a lot of misinformation about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes out there. The American Diabetes Association sets the record straight about these common diabetes myths:
(Photo from Smart Health Today)
1. It’s not that serious
With a lot of hard work, diabetics can control or delay complications related to diabetes, but the disease can be deadly. In fact, it kills more people every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die of heart disease or stroke, both complications of the disease.
2. Anyone who’s overweight or obese will develop Type 2 diabetes
Not necessarily. Excess weight is one risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, but there are others, including family history, ethnicity and age. Most overweight people never develop diabetes, and many people with Type 2 diabetes are at or near normal weight.
3. If you eat too much sugar, you’ll get diabetes
It’s not that simple, according to the American Diabetes Association. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that result in the body being unable to produce insulin, which is needed to metabolize sugar. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors that combine to make it difficult for the body to metabolize the insulin it produces. That said, sugar is high in calories and raises blood glucose, which in turn can contribute to the development of diabetes. Overall, it’s a good idea to watch your sugar intake for overall health reasons, especially to maintain a healthy weight.
4. Diabetics should eat diabetic food
A diet that’s healthy for people with diabetes is healthy for everyone: Lean proteins, lots of fruits and non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains. And watch the salt.
5. Diabetics shouldn’t eat starch, like potatoes, pasta and bread
It’s all about the portion size. Whole-grain breads and pastas can be part of a healthy diet for people with diabetes, and other healthy carbohydrates can be found in beans, milk and fruit. But all carbohydrates, starchy or otherwise, need to be included in the daily carb count set out by your dietitian and diabetes care team.
6. People with diabetes can’t eat candy and other sweets
Sweet treats aren’t any more off-limits to people with diabetes than they are to people without. As long as they’re enjoyed occasionally and the carbs and calories are included in your daily count, it’s fine to indulge in small amounts on special occasions.
7. You can catch diabetes from people who have it
While it’s not clear why some people develop diabetes – genetics and lifestyle play a role, but researchers are still looking for exact answers – we know it’s not contagious, like a cold or the flu.
8. People with diabetes are more likely to catch illnesses like the flu or cold
No, but they are more at risk for complications from the flu and other illnesses because the stress of the infection makes it more difficult to control blood glucose levels.
9. If you have Type 2 diabetes and you’re told to start taking insulin, it’s because you did a bad job keeping it under control
The fact is, the longer people have Type 2 diabetes, the more likely they are to need to start using insulin, even if they follow their care plans to the letter. Diabetes is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. As the years go by, the body produces less insulin of its own, and oral medications can’t keep up with the deficit to control blood sugar levels, so it becomes necessary to add insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal.
10. Fruit is healthy, so diabetics can eat as much as they want
Fruit has lots of vitamins and fiber and flavor – and carbohydrates, which people with diabetes need to limit. A dietitian can help you determine the best types and amounts of fruits you can enjoy while sticking to your diet plan.
If you have additional questions about diabetes, the best thing to do is ask an expert. Feel free to submit your questions here.
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