Five Common Myths about Diabetes

1. Diabetes is not a serious disease.

This is completely untrue. Any kind of diabetes can lead to other complications including delayed healing (with possible complications), and increased risk of heart disease and kidney failure.

2. Eating sugar is the ONLY cause of diabetes.

There are many other factors including your genetics, living environment, overall diet and exercise levels which can help determine your risk of developing diabetes.

3. People with diabetes can’t eat any sugar or carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are an essential part of everyone’s diet, the key is moderation and knowing how much you should eat. Too much sugar is bad for anyone. For people with diabetes moderating & eating a controlled portion of carbohydrates is essential to maintain blood sugar levels.

4. I’ll know if I have diabetes when the symptoms appear.

Not all diabetic cases have obvious symptoms. Many people are unaware that they are diabetic until a routine blood or urine test tells them otherwise. This is because in Type 2 diabetes can be present with few or no symptoms due to the remaining amount of insulin (however small) can still perform its function, although not as effectively. However, Type 1 diabetes often presents itself during childhood and the symptoms are more obvious as there is no or very little insulin in the body.

5. If I don’t take medicine for my diabetes, it must not be very serious.

Not everyone with diabetes may be required to take medicine. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, if no changes are made to the person’s lifestyle or diet there is a very high risk that the person will eventually be put on medication.

Have you ever seen this symbol?

The blue circle (est. 2006) represents the cycle of health & life. It also shows the unity required from a person and their community to overcome this disease. Find out more about what you can do to help & support them at International Diabetes Foundation (IDF).

November 14 every year is World Diabetes Day.