According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that more than 130 million adults in the US are living with diabetes or prediabetes. Chances are you know someone living with diabetes or are living with diabetes yourself. Though diabetes is a common metabolic disorder, many misconceptions exist about its treatment causes and how it affects a patient’s daily routine.
We are here to bust the most common myths about diabetes to help you understand the condition better.
People with Diabetes Are Likely to Catch a Cold or The Flu Faster
No scientific evidence shows that people with diabetes are more likely to get sicker than others. It is good practice to wash your hand regularly, especially during the flu season, and stay at home if you have any symptoms to prevent the spread of the illness. However, these practices are not only for people with diabetes but everyone regardless of their health status.
People with Diabetes Cannot Be Active
People with diabetes may need to take certain precautions depending on how the condition affects their health. For instance, if you are prone to hypoglycemia, you should always check your blood sugar levels before and after exercise to ensure your sugar levels stay healthy.
Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your glucose control. Studies show that strength training and aerobic exercise improve insulin sensitivity, enhancing glucose control. It also strengthens the lungs and heart and lowers blood pressure.
Additionally, people living with diabetes can be swimmers, bodybuilders, and, in some cases, marathoners. The key is to plan your diabetes care, keep tabs on your blood sugar levels, and ensure you always have all the tools you need in an emergency.
People with Diabetes Cannot Have Sugar
Sugar is one of the biggest myths for people with diabetes. Most people think that once you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you should only have sugar-free food. Every diabetes patient has unique needs, and the diet from one person to another may vary based on their nutrient needs.
Experts encourage patients with diabetes to eat loads of protein, low amounts of sodium, and loads of leafy greens and avoid saturated fats. You can have the occasional slice of cake or pie. However, you must ensure that the cake or pie is part of your healthy diet.
Once You Are Diagnosed with Diabetes, You Are Automatically On Insulin Pills
A percentage of diabetes patients are insulin-dependent, but not all. This misconception stems from not understanding the different types of diabetes. There is type 1 diabetes that is an autoimmune disorder characterized by problems with the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes cannot release insulin; hence wholly insulin-dependent, and they will rely on insulin injections to help them absorb the food they eat.
Patients with type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, have some pancreas function but have developed insulin resistance over time. Their pancreas has most likely failed over time. People with type 2 diabetes use different treatments to control their blood sugar levels, including taking medication, having an eating plan, and supplementing insulin where necessary.
It is important to note that diabetes is not a one size fits all type of diagnosis. There are different ways to manage diabetes, so you might want to learn which works for your best and your loved one. Your primary healthcare provider, diabetes educator, endocrinologist, and dietician will develop a proper care plan depending on your needs.
Managing Diabetes Will Take Over Your Life
Another major misconception about diabetes it that you will not be able to enjoy your life as you used to. The truth is there are some lifestyle adjustments you will need to make, such as working out regularly and having a healthy eating plan. But you can still pursue your dreams and achieve your goals without having too much disruption in your life.
Do not be fooled by the misconception about diabetes. Do you own research or talk to your healthcare provider to learn how best to care for yourself? It is also important to remember having diabetes does not stop you from living your life.
