Dispelling more myths about diabetes
Millions of Americans are living with diabetes . It is a chronic disease that can only be managed, not cured. Diabetes is a well-known disease at this point, but it can also be a confusing one. Misinformation and misunderstandings about diabetes have led to myths and misconceptions becoming widespread.
People with diabetes can live a very normal life, but only once they understand the disease. That makes it important for us to debunk those myths and replace them with facts.
Myths about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Myth: No one in my family has diabetes, so I’m safe from developing diabetes
While it’s true that having an immediate family member with diabetes does increase your risk of getting the disease, family history is only one risk factor. People with no family history can still get this disease. For Type 2 diabetes, risk factors include, but are not limited to:
Myth: You can’t drink alcohol if you have diabetes
It is possible to?drink alcohol if you have diabetes , but your drinking habits may need to be adjusted. For example, a glass of wine while eating dinner may not cause any issues, but a mixed drink on an empty stomach could knock your blood sugar off balance.
Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of alcohol. You can work with them to understand how best to work drinking alcohol into your lifestyle.
Myth: If my doctor puts me on insulin, it’s because I wasn’t doing a good job managing my blood sugar
There are many possible reasons?your doctor could have you start using insulin . People with Type 1 diabetes must use insulin because their body doesn’t produce the hormone. People with Type 2 diabetes have a progressive condition. Their body will produce less and less of its own insulin over time.
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Eventually, oral medications may not be enough to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Then, your doctor may recommend insulin to help do what your body is no longer doing on its own.
Myth: Type 2 is mild compared to Type 1
No form of diabetes is mild. If poorly managed, any type of diabetes can lead to serious complications. Managing diabetes well greatly decreases the risk of complications, but it doesn’t take away the seriousness of the chronic condition.
Myth: I’m not overweight, so I can’t get Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is often connected to being overweight by the news media and social media. Type 2 diabetes can?affect people who are underweight, of a normal weight, and who are overweight . Being overweight and having diabetes is not a direct causal relationship. Someone’s weight or body type is not a determining factor in what health conditions they will develop.?
Gaining a better understanding of diabetes
Learning more about diabetes and debunking myths helps everyone, whether you have diabetes or not. For people with diabetes, it is vital to understand their condition to manage it. For people who don’t have diabetes, getting the facts helps you understand the struggle people with diabetes face and could help keep you from developing it in the future.?
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(This material is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about this or any other subjects pertinent to your health.)
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