Diabetes is one of the most common chronic medical conditions affecting both men and women all around the world. Chances are everyone reading this knows at least one person who has diabetes. Unfortunately the fact that it is such a common condition does not mean that people are well informed about this condition.
So today I shall attempt to deconstruct a few of the widely held beliefs on diabetes that are not completely correct.
Myth: Consuming food and drinks high in sugar will definitely lead to diabetes.
Fact: Not everyone who consumes sugar foods and drinks will get diabetes.
There are many people who will never get diabetes no matter how much sugar they eat or drink.
I know this probably contradicts all that you’ve ever heard about diabetes but it also is not a license to go on a sugar binge because this can harm your body in other ways.
While diabetes is characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood, it is not always as a direct result of the amount of sugar consumed. Ideally, the human body produces a hormone (insulin) which helps to regulate the levels of sugar in the blood stream.
however, a lack of insulin or even an inadequate amount of it will not be able to absorb enough glucose. Additionally, in certain people the tissues in the body can become insensitive to insulin, and so insulin can also lose the ability to help glucose be absorbed, no matter how much insulin is actually present.
Myth: Children can not get diabetes / Diabetes is only seen in old people
Fact: Children can and do get diabetes
There is a type of diabetes which affects young people, appearing as early as age 4yrs. It is commonly known as Type 1 diabetes. It is also referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. It is a chronic condition in which a person’s immune system (which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses) destroys insulin-producing cells, thereby hampering the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels.
Other possible causes include:
- Genetics
- Exposure to viruses and other environmental factors
Myth: Diabetes can be cured
Fact: If well managed, diabetes can go into remission but a cure has not been found yet.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can be managed through lifestyle changes as well as by using medications. When managed properly, with good dietary compliance and medication where necessary, it is possible for the body to not show any symptoms of diabetes, this is known as remission. However this doesn’t mean that it has been cured because if a person who is in remission goes back to an unhealthy lifestyle or stops taking their medication as prescribed, the blood sugar levels will not be regulated anymore and this can have serious consequences.
These are just a few of the most common myths about diabetes. Be sure to educate at least one person about these as it may help them make better and healthier decisions.
