Diabetes is a medical condition affecting millions around the world. The management and prevention of diabetes can only be done if the treatment is based on facts rather than myths. There should be evidence-based facts at hand for a free discussion about health on every common myth about diabetes, including Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes and how to create diabetes awareness and bust myths on diabetes.

Diabetes: Myths v/s Facts

Myths 1: Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes

Eating excessive sugar can overload your body, leading to weight gain and higher chances of developing diabetes.

Fact 1

While too much sugar creates calorie overload and leads to weight gain, which is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, Intake of sugar alone will not cause diabetes.

On the contrary, diabetes is a multifactorial condition that can occur through any combination of the above factors, but carbohydrates turn into glucose, which is the fuel of the body. All those conditions involve either a lack of sufficient insulin production or an inability of the body to effectively utilize insulin, which produces an elevated level of blood sugar in them.

Myth 2: Diabetes is an incurable disease

Once you have diabetes, it’s a lifelong condition that can't be reversed, only managed.

Fact 2

There are some particular differences between Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes In this respect, although one cannot ever get rid of Type 1 diabetes, most who suffer from Type 2 diabetes can keep their blood sugar levels normal if they make a change in lifestyle, diet, and exercise. In some cases, these patients can even obtain a prescription from their doctors to withdraw drugs. However, one must create and spread diabetes awareness.

Myth 3: Diabetics Cannot Eat Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates raise blood sugar, so diabetics should avoid them to prevent spikes.

Fact 3

In real life, diabetics have various ways to maneuver in their carbohydrates. The bottom line of carbohydrate intake for diabetic patients is balance and restraint. Carbohydrates are to be consumed in conjunction with proteins and fats to stabilize blood sugar perfectly. Sweet things are not something to be avoided instead, little amounts can be taken through a well-balanced meal plan.

Myth 4: Exercising can worsen your diabetes

Physical activity may cause blood sugar fluctuations, increasing the risk of low blood sugar.

Fact 4

In reality, however, exercising forms an integral part of the treatment to control blood glucose and maintain healthy living. Exercise helps in becoming sensitive to insulin and keeps one in a weight-management zone; these factors reduce the potential complications of diabetes. Any form of an exercise program should first be consulted with healthcare providers on safety and effectiveness.

Myth 5: Diabetes Is Not a Serious Diseas

Diabetes can be controlled, and many people live long lives without complications.

Fact 5

Some tend to underestimate the disease and even regard it as a small health problem. This misconception brings along improper treatment and even dangerous complications in terms of heart disease, kidney failure, and neuropathy if not treated. According to World Health Organization statistics, about 1.6 million deaths in 2016 were linked to diabetes. The severity of the disease has to be well realized so that other people can manage it actively.

Myth 6: Your diabetes will never end if you are on insulin

Once on insulin, you are dependent on it for life, with no way to stop it.

Fact 6

In some ways, insulin therapy still carries a stigma; many people believe that if you are on insulin, it means that you must have bad or severe diabetes. The truth of the matter is that most patients diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but also many patients with Type 2 diabetes, end up requiring insulin as a part of their treatment regime. Early treatment with insulin can prevent complications of diabetes through diabetes awareness and improve quality of life.

Myth 7: You Get Diabetes If You Have a Family History

If diabetes runs in your family, you’re almost certain to develop it too.

Fact 7

Although you may have a family history of diabetes, that doesn't automatically mean you will develop it. Most people do not have a family history and still develop the disease due to other causes: obesity, lower activity levels, or bad eating habits.

Myth 8: Diabetics Must Be on a Special Diet

People with diabetes need to eat entirely different foods to control their condition.

Fact 8

Some people believe that diabetics must be on a diet unlike everybody else. The diet recommendations for someone with diabetes are pretty similar to healthy eating: eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. It is also helpful to discuss with healthcare professionals how to modify an eating plan for one's needs.

Conclusion

Knowing the facts about diabetes is thus essential for effective prevention and control of the condition, and dispelling these myths makes people take control of their health by making the right choices regarding diabetes awareness and understanding myths on diabetes which are related to lifestyle changes.

In addition to their ability to assist diabetes patients, knowledge attainment fosters a community that can condemn and negate the general misconceptions over the distinction between Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes. To know more about diabetes myths and facts contact our experts at Muditam.