Diabetes Myths

If you have the correct information about diabetes, you can parcel out frightening hearsay or myths about diabetes from the facts.  Education is key.

Myth:  All diabetes is inherited.

Fact: Not everyone who gets diabetes inherits it. People tend to inherit the risk of Type 2 diabetes more than Type 1. A person is considered at risk for developing Type 2 if any close relatives have diabetes.

Myth:  People with diabetes will eventually go blind or undergo amputations.

Fact: Complications are absolutely not inevitable. Controlling aspects such as blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure will help to manage good health and prevent complications. Current knowledge such as nutritional programs, weight management, and exercise; and personal devices such as glucose meters, will also help to prevent complications. Diabetes research and devices have significantly evolved from the time when diabetes complications pervaded. Other preventative measures include regular screening tests done to find any changes early, and visiting the doctor regularly.

Myth:  People with diabetes cannot eat sugar.  People with diabetes who eat sugar, even in moderation, are considered “cheating.”

Fact: Sweets are no more out of bounds to people with diabetes than they are to people who are not diabetic. Many diabetes nutritional programs include sweets in moderation if included as part of a healthy diet, or combined with exercise. People who take oral medications or insulin for their diabetes may sometimes need to eat high-sugar foods to prevent or treat low blood sugar.

Myth:  Type 1 diabetes is worse than Type 2.

Fact: No. All diabetes are equally significant. People with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes need to take equally care of themselves.

Myth:  A person needs to wear an insulin pump if his or her diabetes is really “bad” or out-of-control.

Fact: No. A person who wears an insulin pump most likely is being responsible for having the best control possible with Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes.  The pump acts as an artificial pancreas of sorts, and is one of the most highly technological devices currently available.

Myth:  You can get diabetes from eating too much sugar in childhood.

Fact: No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, being overweight does increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet and regular exercise help to control weight.