According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 10.5% of Americans had diabetes in 2018. Despite such prevalence of the disease, it is still widely misunderstood. Information about diabetes is available from many different sources, including health professionals, the internet, friends, or family, and it can be hard to determine which one is accurate. In this article, we will tackle some of the most common myths.
Myth #1. Diabetes is Not a Serious Disease.
False! Elevated blood sugars can begin to have consequences on other organs even at the pre-diabetes stage.
The less controlled your blood sugars are, the higher the risk of getting diabetes complications.
Some possible complications include:
- Cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke
- Nerve damage like tingling, numbness, or pain on hands and feet
- Kidney problems such as kidney failure
- Eye damage and potentially blindness
- Increased risk for skin infections, depression, Alzheimer's disease.
Myth #2. I Can Cure or Reverse My Diabetes.
False, according to current research, diabetes cannot be cured. If detected and treated early, it can go into remission. Pre-diabetes and Diabetes occur when the pancreas begins to age and lose cellular function. Any genetic risk factors, and also any damage already done to the pancreas, will not go away. However, if you start healthy habits for eating, routine, and exercise, you can reduce the excess stress on a fragile pancreas, and get glucose under control. Keep up the healthy habits and glucose monitoring to keep it in normal range.
Myth #3. People with Diabetes Will Lose Their Vision and Feet.
This is only true if you do not control your blood glucose. If watched closely and controlled in healthy ranges, stable glucose is unlikely to have damage to fine nerves and blood vessels.
High blood sugar that is persistent and uncontrolled may cause damage to vessels in the eye, or nerve damage in the legs and feet and other organs. This can cause blindness and increase risk of cataracts and glaucoma. In the limbs, it leads to poor blood circulation in the feet, increasing the risk of infection and amputation if there are any untreated cuts or blisters.
Keeping a close eye on blood sugars, and having vision and feet checked annually with the doctor is key in avoiding risks.
Myth #4. I‘m Not Overweight, So I Don’t Have a Risk for Diabetes.
False. Although diabetes is mostly associated with being overweight or obese, it can also appear in people with healthy body weight. Around 10% of people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or even underweight. While being overweight is one factor that contributes to a person's risk for developing diabetes, many other factors also lead to an increased risk of diabetes:
- Have a parent or sibling with diabetes
- Age 45 years or older
- Participate in physical activity less than 3 times per week
- Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
- Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk)
Myth #5. People with Diabetes Cannot Eat Starchy Foods.
False. Starchy foods like rice, pasta, or bread contain carbohydrates (carbs) indeed have an effect on raising blood sugar and people with diabetes may be afraid to eat them. However, carbs are one of the three macronutrients in our diet with their main function being to provide energy to the body.
There is no evidence to suggest that people with diabetes need to avoid carbs completely. The key to keeping blood sugar under control while enjoying carbs is to control the portion size. Choose carbs that are nutrient-dense, which means they are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and low in added sugars. Examples are whole grains, starchy vegetables, fresh fruits, and beans and lentils. Limit refined, highly processed carbohydrate foods and those with added sugar. These include sugary drinks, refined grains, sweets and snacks.
Myth #6. If I'm Diabetic, I Can’t Eat Sweets or Fruit Anymore.
False. Sweets can be part of a healthy diet. According to American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes can eat sweets and desserts as long as they are eaten as part of a healthful meal plan or combined with exercise. The key to enjoying sweets is to cut back on the portion sizes and save them for occasional treats.
Although fruits have sugar, they also are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. If you are craving something sweet, a little of your favorite fruit is an excellent choice.
If you have more question regarding diabetes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your dietitians in the Unified Care team.