Myths and Facts
There are a number of myths about diabetes that are reported as facts. These misrepresentations of diabetes can sometimes be harmful and lead to an unfair stigma around the condition.
Diabetes Information is widely available, both from healthcare professionals and the Internet, but not all of it is true.
Some common myths and facts are as follows
MYTH: PEOPLE WITH DIABETES CAN’T EAT SUGAR
This is one of the most common diabetes myths; that people with diabetes have to eat a sugar-free
dict.
Facts : People with diabetes need to eat a diet that is balanced, which can include some sugar in moderation.
MYTH: TYPE 2 DIABETES IS MILD
This diabetes myth is widely repeated, but of course, it isn’t true.
Fact : No form of diabetes is mild.
MYTH: TYPE 2 DIABETES ONLY AFFECTS FAT PEOPLE
Though type 2 diabetes is often associated with overweight and obese but it is untrue that type 2 diabetes only affects overweight people.
Fact : It’s a metabolic disorder it’s not related to body weight alone, around 20% of people with type 2 diabetes are of normal weight, or underweight.
MYTH: TYPE 2 DIABETES ONLY AFFECTS FAT PEOPLE
Though type 2 diabetes is often associated with overweight and obese but it is untrue that type 2 diabetes only affects overweight people.
Fact : It’s a metabolic disorder it’s not related to body weight alone, around 20% of people with type 2 diabetes are of normal weight, or underweight.
MYTH: PEOPLE WITH DIABETES GO BLIND AND LOSE THEIR LEGS
Though diabetes is a leading cause of blindness and also causes many amputations each year. But, people with diabetes who control blood pressure, glucose, weight and quit smoking can reduce the risk for all these complication.
MYTH: PEOPLE WITH DIABETES ARE DANGEROUS DRIVERS
This myth is an inaccurate generalisation. The main danger of diabetes people driving is if hypoglycemia occurs during driving
However, hypoglycemia is a preventable state and the vast majority of people with diabetes at risk of hypos exercise care to avoid hypos taking place while driving.
MYTH: PEOPLE WITH DIABETES SHOULDN’T PLAY SPORT
Many leading sportsman and women have disproved this diabetes myth. People with diabetes cantake part or should take part in exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle
But some factors worth considering before taking part in sports like, hypoglycaemia, proper footwear and avoiding injuries.
MYTH: PEOPLE WITH DIABETES ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE ILL
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds or other illnesses due to reduced immunity. The significance of illness for people with diabetes is that it can make the management of blood glucose levels more difficult which can increase the severity of an illness or infection
It’s worth considering immunity boosting and Flu vaccines as per your doctors advise
MYTH: DIABETES IS CONTAGIOUS
It’s a classic myth, diabetes is a non-communicable Illness meaning it cannot be passed on by sneezing, through touch, nor via blood or any other person to person means.
The only way in which diabetes can be passed on is from parents to their own children but even this
is only a genetic likelihood of diabetes and not the condition itself.