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Diabetic Myths

Throughout my years of living with Type 1 Diabetes I have been asked a number of different questions, heard different stories and listened to some pretty ridiculous myths about the condition. Here are a few of the most widespread myths being busted….. 




1) Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2.

With Type 1 diabetes, the insulin producing cells in your pancreas are destroyed by your immune system (autoimmune disease). No amount of sugar in your diet or lack of exercise can result in this.

With Type 2 diabetes we know that sugar doesn't directly cause it, but your chances of developing type 2 diabetes are certainly increased if you are overweight. I'm sure we all know that you gain weight when you are consuming more calories than your body needs (caloric surplus), and sugary foods and drinks contain a lot of calories. So you can see that if sugar is making you put on weight you are much more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.


2) There are no symptoms 

There are many telltale signs of diabetes, they just may not be too easy to spot. Keep an eye out for these symptoms and contact your doctor if you notice any of them occurring; dehydration, even if you're drinking a lot, regular toilet trips, constant hunger and fatigue and sudden weight loss.

3) Exercise is dangerous for diabetics

Regular exercise/weights training is one of the most beneficial pastimes for diabetics. Numerous studies have shown that exercise and weights training can lower blood sugar levels and improve all-round diabetes management. What is important to keep in mind though, is to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels regularly. Test your blood glucose about 30 mins before a workout, during and immediately after to ensure you're in a normal range. Keep glucose tablets or a sugary drink at hand if you begin to feel shaky, dizzy or weak.

4) Diabetics can't eat any sugar

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics can eat sugar, it's all about moderation. We can both physically eat sugar, it just makes our lives easier if we keep it to a minimum. With Type 2 it's important to restrict your sugar intake and fill your diet with mostly wholegrain foods, fruits, vegetables and protein. If you're Type 1 it's slightly different. For each meal you need to adjust and calculate your insulin dose to compensate for the sugar and carbs you're eating. It may take some time and a lot of trial and error to get these doses right but it's very manageable.

5) You have to be overweight to be diabetic

Diabetics come in all shapes and sizes. Over the past few years I have had countless shocked reactions from people when they've discovered I am diabetic. Because I keep myself fit and am in quite good shape, they find it hard to believe. There is a stereotypical image that all diabetics are overweight. While about 85% of Type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese, about 15% are at a healthy weight. Most of the time Type 2 diabetes is as a result of bad lifestyle choices and a lack of exercise but other factors can also play a part, ie. family history of diabetes, personal history of gestational diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. With Type 1 diabetes the exact cause is unknown. You either get it, or you don't.

6) There are different severities of diabetes

According to the IDF (International Diabetes Federation), one of the most common and dangerous misconceptions is that diabetes is only serious if someone needs to inject insulin. However, complications of diabetes can occur whether or not insulin medication is required. The IDF also warn that some medical professionals perpetuate this myth, putting people at an increased risk of complications. 'If a person does not believe their diabetes is serious, they are less likely to take adequate measures to manage the condition'.

7) Diabetes is contagious

Diabetes is not contagious. Although we don't know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know that it can't be caught like a cold of flu. Don't be afraid to get extra close to that enchanting diabetic you've had your eye on.

8) Free public transport

No, we really, really don't.






Comments

  1. Yeah! Diabetes is personal. So we need to go doctor about 1 month later.
    But now a day we can read easily full information about Diabetes. Go to the website http://fatordiabetes.weebly.com.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  2. ALL THANKS TO DR WILLIAMS FOR THE GREAT DEED HE HAVE DONE FOR MY DAUGHTER?
    My daughter suffered from diabetes type 2 for more than 20 years which we started experiencing in her when she turned 17 year and 5 months we all thought it will end but got even worse as days went by. We tried all several treatments and therapy prescribed by various doctors we met but to no avail, she lost weight even when she is eating and feel hungry,and She usually had Headaches. This were steady illness that disrupted her entire life, even at night she slept less because of this.It was during a casual conversation with a friend that i learned about Dr Williams herbal medicine I was able to contact him on his email address. and give him all the necessary information that he needed,few day later he sent me the herbal portion and his medicine was able to restore her back to normal and she is very okay now without any side effects whatsoever. If you have diabetes, do not hesitate to contact him on drwilliams098675@gmail.com for advice and for his product. I hope this also helps someone out there

    ReplyDelete
  3. As a sign of gratitude for how my husband was saved from diabetes type 2 , i decided to reach out to those still suffering from this.
    My husband was diagnosed of diabetes and it was really tough and heartbreaking for me because he was my all and the symptoms were terrible, he had difficulty eating, and he always complain of stomach pain and he always have frequent urination . we tried various therapies prescribed by our neurologist but none could cure him. I searched for a cure and i saw a testimony by someone who was cured and so many other with similar body problem, and he left the contact of the doctor who had the cure to diabetes . I never imagine diabetes has a cure not until i contacted him and he assured me my husband will be fine. I got the herbal medication he recommended and my husband used it and in one months he was fully okay even up till this moment he is so full of life. diabetes has a cure and it is a herbal cure contact the doctor for more info on drwilliams098675@gmail.com on how to get the medication. Thanks for reading my testimony

    ReplyDelete
  4. ALL THANKS TO DR WILLIAMS WITH HIS HERB MY WIFE WAS COMPLETELY CURED FROM DIABETES .
    Is my pleasure to comment on this site and i thank the admin of this site for his/her great work so far.one of the happiest moment in my life was when the doctor confirm that my wife is been free from this illness. this awesome moments makes me the happiest man on earth, I really don't know how to thank DR WILLIAMS for helping my wife get cured of over how many year of suffering from diabetes. i came across DR Williams contact through a headline news on internet about how DR Williams help a woman to get cured of her diabetes,and so many other with similar body problem ,i contacted him and he told me how to get his herb,few day later he sent me the herbal portion which my wife take every morning for 28 days, and his medicine was able to cure her completely from diabetes. and now she very mush okay without any side effects whatsoever, If you have any form of diabetes., you can always contact him on his email address drwilliams098675@gmail.com for advice and for his product.

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