Why it's important to know the FACTS
Many people refer to diabetes as "sugar". But, what is it exactly?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition in which the body is not able to properly process the food we eat to use it for energy.
In the body, the pancreas makes a hormone called insulin, which helps glucose or sugar to get into the cells. When you have diabetes, the body is unable to make enough insulin or cannot properly use it. This causes build up of sugar or glucose in your blood, which is why many people call diabetes “sugar”.
Now that we know what diabetes is, here are some common myths and misconceptions we need to bust:
MYTH: People with diabetes cannot eat or drink anything with sugar
This is not true. Sugar and starch are energy sources that everyone needs in their daily diet. People with diabetes need to better manage their diet and eat healthier options which are more natural and less processed. A healthy, balanced diet can include sugar and starch in moderation. It is best to consult your doctor for the right diet if you have diabetes.
MYTH: Only adults can get type 2 diabetes
Age is a risk factor which makes people more vulnerable to developing type 2 diabetes as they grow older. However, with the rising number of children and adolescents who are overweight or obese due to unhealthy eating habits and decreased physical activity, type 2 diabetes patients are growing fast in the younger age group.
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MYTH: Type 2 diabetes only affects fat people
Being overweight and obese can certainly put you at risk of developing diabetes. However, not every overweight or obese person will have diabetes. Further, people who weigh normal as per their BMI and other factors, as well as people who are underweight, can also develop this health condition.
MYTH: People with diabetes should only eat diabetic food
Diabetes charity Diabetes UK recommends that people with diabetes avoid diabetic food. These are usually sweets which are labeled ‘diabetic’, in the sense that they use sugar alcohols, or other sweeteners, instead of the regular sugar.
Diabetic food is not often encouraged as it will still affect your blood glucose levels, is expensive, and the ingredients can also cause adverse side effects.
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MYTH: People with diabetes go blind and lose their legs
Diabetes, especially if untreated, can lead to complications like blindness and causes many leg amputations.
However, this is not necessary. People with diabetes who manage their blood pressure, glucose, weight and quit smoking, improve their chances of remaining complication free.
Blindness and amputation are therefore preventable outcomes. Annual diabetic health checks are also important to avoid development of any complication.
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