Myths About Diabetes

Uncategorized  |  March 27, 2019

So many people don’t know the facts about diabetes. Many don’t understand how serious this disease can be. With many myths about diabetes, who gets it and why it’s a good idea for you to know the truth so you can help yourself or someone you love. The list of facts below may be helpful.

Fact: Diabetes is a serious disease, with more dying each year from diabetes than the total number of breast cancer and AIDS together. Diabetics also have twice the risk of heart attack.

Fact: Not only overweight adults suffer from diabetes. The truth is that most overweight people won’t ever struggle with type 2 diabetes, but extra pounds are an added risk factor. Nonetheless, age, family history, and ethnicity also determine wellness.

Fact: Sugary drinks like sodas, sports drinks, fruit juices, and sweet teas don’t cause diabetes, but they raise blood sugar levels and should be avoided when looking for a healthier lifestyle. Genetics can trigger type 1 diabetes, but genetics mixed with lifestyle factors trigger type 2. In either case, the smallest portions of desserts and sweets would be best and only eaten on rare occasions.    

Fact: Another fact is that diabetics should eat healthy diets, filled with foods, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, just like anyone else. Watch for foods labeled “diabetic” or “dietetic.” They sometimes raise blood glucose levels, are expensive, and unnecessary.

Fact: Don’t eliminate starchy foods altogether. Eat smaller portions when it comes to potatoes, yams, peas, and corn.

Fact: All diabetics don’t require insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, but some people maintain healthy blood sugar levels with diet and oral medications. Insulin is not always necessary.

Fact: Watch for symptoms. People fail to recognize symptoms when they’re mild. One in 11 Americans will have type 2 diabetes, but only 3 out of 4 even know it. Keep the following list of symptoms handy to check it from time to time.

• Difficulty feeling satiated with food
• Excessive thirst and/or frequent urination
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
• Unexplained fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Weight loss (type 1)

Comfort Keepers can help you or a diabetic adult you love with meal preparation, transportation to doctor appointments and exercises. Call your local Comfort Keepers today for more information as to how we can be of help.

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