There are a lot of myths associated with diabetes that can easily be cleared up. It’s important for people to understand that the medical community is not trying to hide the cure for diabetes from you to keep you on diabetes medication. The truth is, before treatments were available many people simply progressed until they died of complications from diabetes. Today, with the right knowledge you can live a long and normal life with diabetes.
Eating Sugar Causes Diabetes
While eating sugar does not cause diabetes, those with diabetes (or people who want to live a healthy lifestyle) should avoid white sugar as much as possible. Instead of a high sugar dessert or drink, choose something else. Eating whole fruit for dessert, and fresh filtered water for hydration is just a much better choice. But, sugar doesn’t cause diabetes. However, eating too much can lead to a higher risk for diabetes along with other illnesses.
All Overweight People Have Diabetes
Many people are overweight their entire lives and never develop diabetes. While it does seem to be true on the surface, and being overweight you should seriously do something about it to avoid diabetes, the truth is that all overweight people will not develop diabetes. This is not an excuse to stay overweight, though. Instead, cut down on your calories, eliminate high fat, high sugar, highly processed foods from your diet and enjoy better health longer.
Living with Diabetes Is Hard
While having diabetes (especially Type I diabetes) makes life more challenging, it’s not really hard. Simple tools have been invented to help you test and medicate in privacy without much problem. You’ll have to be more careful with some things, but if you’re aware you may live out a much healthier and full life than otherwise.
Testing and Injections Hurt
Needle sizes for injections and testing are pretty small. Many can’t even feel the testing needle or the injection needle. It’s hard to make yourself inject yourself to start with but once you get used to it, it will be much easier. It’ll be second nature, and it will save your life.
Diabetes Is Contagious
While there is a high coloration of first degree family members having diabetes and you eventually getting it, it’s not contagious. There is no worry about being around others with diabetes. And there is no reason someone with diabetes can’t be around others. They are not at risk of contracting communicable diseases at a higher rate.
Diet Always Cures Diabetes
While diet and exercise can contribute to better blood sugar results and a healthier life overall, sometimes diet doesn’t improve your numbers – even when you are doing everything you’re supposed to do. Try not to be discouraged, listen to your doctor, and do the best that you can.
While a lot of myths prevail about diabetes, it’s important if you or someone you know has diabetes to read the literature and keep up to date on the most advanced treatments available to you through reliable sources. Check out anything someone tells you about a “cure” and always talk everything over with your doctor.