Diabetes is a condition that affects a large number of people in Canada, around 10% of the population, or 4 million Canadians. It is a long-term condition that affects the body’s natural ability to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. To this day there remains a large amount of myths and misconceptions about the illness, especially regarding its causes, management, and treatment. In this article we will be exploring some of the prevalent myths surrounding diabetes in this day and age and uncover some of the facts behind them.
Myth: No one in my family has diabetes, so I won’t get it.
Fact: While families with a history of diabetes are indeed more likely to pass the illness on to their younger generations, it is still very much possible to develop diabetes with little to no family history of the disease. Risk factors that increase one’s chance of developing type 2 diabetes for example are unhealthy lifestyle choices, old age (45 and up), and conditions such as gestational diabetes or prediabetes. Even then however those without these risk factors can still develop diabetes, which is the reason for the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels on a regular basis.
Myth: Eating a lot of sugar causes diabetes.
Fact: Diabetes is not directly caused by eating sugar, however, consuming proportionally large amounts of it can lead to weight gain, which is a common risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Confusion behind this idea primarily stems from the misconception that glucose and sugar are the same, whereas glucose, an element central to the formation of diabetes, is actually only a specific type of sugar. In diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or is incapable of efficiently using it. This is what results in the development of high blood sugar levels. Reducing sugar intake in general is still beneficial for maintaining a proper standard of health, however it is not the sole cause of diabetes.
Myth: I’m overweight, so I will definitely get diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight does indeed increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, however it does not become a certainty for the formation of the illness. Many overweight people never develop diabetes, whilst those of an average or even below average BMI do. Diabetes is influenced by both a combination of factors like genetics and lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise.
Myth: I have to eat a special diet because I have diabetes
Fact: People with diabetes can eat the same foods as everyone else, however what is central to this ability is balance. The American Diabetes Association recommends getting carbohydrates from vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes whilst avoiding foods that are proportionally higher in fat, sodium and sugar. Keeping a well-rounded meal plan is one way in which individuals can help manage their diabetes and blood sugar levels. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider in order to develop a healthy and safe diet plan that will effectively suit your needs.
Myth: I can’t eat sweets if I have diabetes.
Fact: Sweets and sugary foods are not off-limits for people with diabetes, despite their capacity to elevate blood sugar levels. These foods can be consumed as long as it is done in moderation. Ways to keep these foods in moderation include creating a plan and utilizing portion control. For those on insulin, your healthcare provider may advise you to adjust your insulin dosage when consuming foods such as these. The goal in general is to integrate them into your diet sensibly without causing unnecessary blood sugar spikes.
Myth: If I start using insulin, it means I’ve failed at managing my diabetes.
Fact: Insulin is a vital hormone that helps control blood sugar and is used by many people diagnosed with diabetes. For example, those with type 1 diabetes have to use insulin as their body is physically incapable of producing it. As the disease progresses those with type 2 diabetes may need external forms of insulin, regardless of certain actions that could’ve been taken prior to the advancement of the illness. Utilizing insulin is just a part of managing the disease, and does not mean anyone has “failed”.
Myth: I have borderline diabetes, so I don’t need to worry.
Fact: Borderline diabetes, which is also commonly referred to as prediabetes, is a serious condition. It indicates that one may have above average blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be in the diabetic range. Without proper intervention however, this condition can advance to type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years. Nevertheless, certain lifestyle changes such as losing weight, maintaining a balanced diet, along with increased amounts of daily exercise can all work to mitigate the effects of prediabetes or even reverse it entirely.
Myth: Once my blood sugar is controlled, I can stop taking medication.
Fact: Diabetes is overall a progressive condition and can’t be necessarily controlled completely. The illness itself changes over time, and while lifestyle changes can help manage the blood sugar levels with the condition, medication can very much still be necessary. In some cases, people with type 2 diabetes can manage their blood sugar without medication, but this is not the case for everyone. In fact, additional medications may even be required to continue to keep control of blood sugar levels as the disease progresses.
Works Cited
“Diabetes myths and facts.” MedlinePlus, 12 May 2023, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000964.htm. Accessed 1 October 2024.
“Diabetes myths and facts Information.” Mount Sinai, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/diabetes-myths-and-facts. Accessed 1 October 2024.