Debunking Common Type 2 Diabetes Myths

Many myths surrounding type 2 diabetes perpetuate negative stereotypes and impede advances in care and quality of life for people living with the disease. Examining and explaining these myths may help people see that diabetes should be taken seriously as a potentially deadly disease.

Myth 1: Diabetes is not that serious

Diabetes is one of the most rapidly growing epidemics of this age, especially type 2 diabetes. This disease causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined, although it is likely to be under-reported as a cause of death because of associated complications. According to the American Diabetes Association, two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke, indicating that this epidemic needs to be stopped.

Myth 2: Diabetes only and inevitably happens to those who are overweight or obese

Being overweight is a risk factor but not the only risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Many overweight people never develop diabetes, and many people in a healthy weight range do develop diabetes. Other contributing factors include family history, ethnicity, and age.


Myth 3: Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar

As previously mentioned, being overweight is a risk factor for developing diabetes, and eating a diet that includes too much sugar increases the likelihood of obesity. However, it’s not necessarily true that sugar causes diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends limiting sugar intake to maintain healthy blood glucose levels, which will enhance insulin efficiency.

Myth 4: Type 2 diabetics don’t need insulin therapy

Diabetes is a progressive disease, meaning that type 2 diabetics don’t always need to take insulin injections from the outset but may develop a need for it later on. Conversely, with a proper diet and exercise, some diabetics may reduce their need for insulin injections. It all depends on individual history, health, and lifestyle.


Source: American Diabetes Association
Photo: Pexels


More Articles

With its slightly nutty flavor, chewy texture, and nutritional punch farro is an ancient whole grain worth a place in our pantry.

Farro...

Having diabetes is cause for concern, however it doesn’t mean that you need to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet completely....

With diabetes becoming more of an epidemic each and every day, being knowledgeable about the disease, its effects on the body as well as ways to...

If you’re a diabetic or live with one, it can be tough trying to figure out the best foods to eat because your priority is to control your blood...

In this post, I will show you the 10 best ice creams for diabetics.

When you think of sweetened foods that a diabetic shouldn’t consume,...

More Articles

If you’re living with diabetes, snacking is a necessity because going for more than 3-4 hours without eating can be detrimental to your health....

For diabetics, choosing healthy snacks can be a daunting task.

A good rule of thumb is to pick out snacks that are rich in protein, fiber,...

According to information available through the National Institutes of Health, there’s an estimated 462 million people in the world who are...

Eleven Clinical Studies

After eleven clinical studies and 300,000 participants, researcher Vasanti Malik and her team of researchers...

Diabetic women often have a harder time losing weight than non-diabetic women. A study funded by Jenny Craig proved that diabetic women have an...

Many recent studies have proved that magnesium levels are lower in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics. This magnesium...

Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a problem that affects many diabetics, especially those with type 2 diabetes...

Some of us might be thrilled if we could manage our blood sugar by sitting in a hot tub or sauna, instead of working up a sweat biking, or using...

Cooking and baking with the ancient cereal grain sorghum has health benefits for people with diabetes, and those with weight control issues....

When it comes to certain foods, there are always questions as to whether or not a diabetic can have them without...

Matcha tea is a rich, creamy, full-bodied beverage with amazing nutritional properties that address several diabetes health concerns.

The...

Salads are good example of foods that type 2 diabetics can enjoy with relatively low guilt. With the right greens and other elements added, salad...

Remaining gainfully employed is important to many people. Those who live with any form of diabetes may find that some lines of work are more...

Learning that you have diabetes does mean making some lifestyle changes. One of the areas that needs attention is your diet. Most people find that...

One of the more challenging aspects of life as a type 2 diabetic is managing your diet. There’s often the temptation to avoid certain foods...