Today more than 23 million Americans have diabetes. Despite the
fact that there is much attention focused on this disease, myths
continually surface. This article discusses 5 commonly held beliefs that
simply are not true. When it comes to diabetes, having the facts is the
first step toward taking control.
Myth #1: People with diabetes need to go on a special diet that excludes all sugar and sweets.
Fact: Sugar and sweets will raise your blood sugar, but people with diabetes can safely eat moderate amounts of sugar as a part of their meal plan. The trick is to make sure your blood glucose is in range and your portions are appropriate. Eat a variety of healthy foods and save the sweets or sugar for special occasions.
While we are on the subject of sugar and sweets, it's important to understand that eating these foods do not cause diabetes.
Myth #2: Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1 diabetes
Fact: Type 2 diabetes is often treated with healthy diet and exercise, while Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Some people interpret this to mean type 2 is a less serious form of diabetes. Those who believe this myth may not take good care of themselves and that is serious. Any type of diabetes is serious and has the potential for complications if not cared for.
Myth #3: Some people just have borderline diabetes or "a touch of sugar."
Fact: There is no such thing as borderline diabetes: you either have it or you don't. If your fasting blood glucose readings are greater than 126 mg/dl., or your random blood glucose is above 200 gm/dl. on at least two occasions, then you have diabetes. Fasting blood glucose readings between 100-125 mg/dl. are correctly referred to as "prediabetes."
Myth #4: Only overweight people have diabetes.
Fact: There are many people with diabetes carrying extra pounds, but some elderly people with the condition aren't particularly overweight. There are also individuals who are slender and have a lesser known type of diabetes called Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). The facts? Diabetes doesn't discriminate: slender people can have it too.
Myth #5: People who follow their treatment plan never have high blood sugar readings.
Fact: Unfortunately this is not true. Even those who are vigilant and follow their treatment plan, can still experience periods of poor diabetes control. Factors such as stress, pain, infections, illness, medications, exercise, and diet can change blood glucose patterns. It's important to understand that diabetes can change, and what used to work well may no longer keep diabetes under control.
Know the facts and carefully evaluate where your information comes from. One way to get reliable information is by consulting with a Certified Diabetes Educator. Remember, there's lot's of information out there and myths continue to abound!
Myth #1: People with diabetes need to go on a special diet that excludes all sugar and sweets.
Fact: Sugar and sweets will raise your blood sugar, but people with diabetes can safely eat moderate amounts of sugar as a part of their meal plan. The trick is to make sure your blood glucose is in range and your portions are appropriate. Eat a variety of healthy foods and save the sweets or sugar for special occasions.
While we are on the subject of sugar and sweets, it's important to understand that eating these foods do not cause diabetes.
Myth #2: Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1 diabetes
Fact: Type 2 diabetes is often treated with healthy diet and exercise, while Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Some people interpret this to mean type 2 is a less serious form of diabetes. Those who believe this myth may not take good care of themselves and that is serious. Any type of diabetes is serious and has the potential for complications if not cared for.
Myth #3: Some people just have borderline diabetes or "a touch of sugar."
Fact: There is no such thing as borderline diabetes: you either have it or you don't. If your fasting blood glucose readings are greater than 126 mg/dl., or your random blood glucose is above 200 gm/dl. on at least two occasions, then you have diabetes. Fasting blood glucose readings between 100-125 mg/dl. are correctly referred to as "prediabetes."
Myth #4: Only overweight people have diabetes.
Fact: There are many people with diabetes carrying extra pounds, but some elderly people with the condition aren't particularly overweight. There are also individuals who are slender and have a lesser known type of diabetes called Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). The facts? Diabetes doesn't discriminate: slender people can have it too.
Myth #5: People who follow their treatment plan never have high blood sugar readings.
Fact: Unfortunately this is not true. Even those who are vigilant and follow their treatment plan, can still experience periods of poor diabetes control. Factors such as stress, pain, infections, illness, medications, exercise, and diet can change blood glucose patterns. It's important to understand that diabetes can change, and what used to work well may no longer keep diabetes under control.
Know the facts and carefully evaluate where your information comes from. One way to get reliable information is by consulting with a Certified Diabetes Educator. Remember, there's lot's of information out there and myths continue to abound!
© 2010 Gretchen Scalpi. All rights reserved. You are free to
reprint/republish this article as long as the article and byline are
kept intact and all links are made live.
Gretchen Scalpi is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and author of "The Everything Diabetes Cookbook, 2nd ed." Gretchen operates a private nutrition practice and and has offices in New Windsor and Beacon, NY. She also offers The Balance Program in partnership with Real Living Nutrition Services. Patients receive online weight management advice, regular coaching and guidance every week. Visit her website to read her free health and nutrition articles at http://www.nutritionxpert.com/home/articles.
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Gretchen Scalpi is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and author of "The Everything Diabetes Cookbook, 2nd ed." Gretchen operates a private nutrition practice and and has offices in New Windsor and Beacon, NY. She also offers The Balance Program in partnership with Real Living Nutrition Services. Patients receive online weight management advice, regular coaching and guidance every week. Visit her website to read her free health and nutrition articles at http://www.nutritionxpert.com/home/articles.
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