Most of us get the facts wrong about certain diseases, especially diabetes. There are a lot of myths surrounding the disease of diabetes.
Let us clear the confusion by enlisting the myths:
- Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Let us bring out the facts. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genes or other factors that trigger the disease. Type 2 diabetes is caused not by eating too much sugar, but by generally over eating. If we consume more calories more than we require this gets stored as fat and increases our chances of developing diabetes.
- Diabetes is curable
Once you develop diabetes you get it for life. There is no going back. Your body loses its ability to produce insulin and mange glucose levels. You will never stop being diabetic. The only thing you can do is keep a check on it and keep it under control.
- Diabetes patients cannot eat sweets or carbs
Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you cut out carbs or sugar from your diet completely. You just need to make sure that you eat them in moderation. Carbohydrates are essential for energy production so never cut them out from your diet totally. Even sweets eaten as a treat is fine, so long as you don’t go overboard.
- People with diabetes cannot donate blood
If you maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your blood sugar levels in check there is nothing to stop you from donating blood. The only exception is if you are one of those that used insulin made of beef in the 1980’s.
- Fruits should not be included in diet
Fruit is a source of natural sugars. You are allowed to eat them, just make sure you eat them in the prescribed serving portions. Diabetes patients are advised to eat fruits along with protein so as to prevent the blood sugars from suddenly spiking.
Diabetes is a serious disease and should not be taken lightly. If you do not keep your sugar levels in check, you face the risk of getting many complications. Visit your doctors periodically, take your medication and do all that is needed to keep your blood sugar at normal levels.
Written by: Rasha Ashraf
