American Diabetes Month: Misconceptions About Diabetes

There are many misconceptions about diabetes that can make it difficult for people to understand the disease. Diabetes is a serious condition that changes the way your body processes blood sugar. Blood sugar is a necessary component to your health, as it hugely contributes to cells’ energy levels within your muscles and tissues, and gives your brain the power to function correctly.

So, here are some of the common misconceptions that people have about diabetes and how to live with it:

Myth: Diabetes isn’t a serious condition

Fact: Diabetes can be a serious disease that can increase your chances of developing other serious complications, like heart disease, stroke, blindness, and limb amputations. Researchers have also found that diabetes contributes to more deaths each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. But don’t panic; with proper management of diabetes, you can help to avoid these complications.

Myth: All diabetics require insulin immediately

Fact: People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may not require insulin. In some cases, lifestyle changes — including a healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and oral medications (if needed) — can help to control type 2 diabetes before insulin is required.

Myth: Only the elderly develop type 2 diabetes

Fact: Unfortunately, young children can also be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. To help decrease the chances of your children developing diabetes, instill healthy habits at a young age for the entire family.

Myth: Diabetics are required to abide by a strict diet

Fact: Many people believe a diabetes diagnosis means they have to eat special diabetic foods and eliminate all sweets from their diet. Actually, healthy eating for diabetics is essentially the same as a healthy diet for everyone else. Stick to foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, and made up of lean protein, low-starch vegetables, whole grains, and fruit.

Myth: Diabetics are more susceptible to getting sick

Fact: If you are diabetic, your immune system is just as strong as those who aren’t diabetic. But it’s important to know that when diabetics do get sick, their condition may be more difficult to control, and often times the symptoms of the sickness may be worse than in a non-diabetic.

To learn more about how you can control your diabetes, call the physicians at Pomona Valley Health Centers today at 909-630-7888 to schedule your next appointment.