Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases. We have seen people suffering from diabetes including our family members which is why we believe that we know everything about it. But there are many misconceptions and myths about it which need to be cleared asap. We bring you the truth behind some common diabetes myths.
People with diabetes should not eat sugar
When one has diabetes the body doesn’t deal well with high levels of sugar, but this has nothing to do with banning sugar. Every cell of the body lives on glucose and it’s the energy source of life thus its consumption should be reduced and not stopped.
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Sugar is not only the culprit which causes diabetes as there are many other reasons too like genetic and lifestyle factors. It is advised to limit the consumption of sugary beverages to keep a check on it and one also need to look after the carbohydrates intake. Limiting these you help yourself decrease fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which play a part in the development of diabetes.
Insulin causes weight gain
It is said that many people start gaining weight after insulin therapy. But the main reason is when blood sugar gets elevated the glucose is excreted in the urine leaving some calories. When the insulin treatment begins, those calories stay in the body, and if you have more calories that time, it eventually results in weight gain.
People with diabetes need not exercise
People who have Type 1 and 2 Diabetes can exercise and actively participate in sports . Exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing chronic complications, therefore is a must to be practised regularly.
Only older people get diabetes
There is no age for diabetics as young people in their 20’s and 30’s too get it. To help prevent it from a smaller age, encourage your kids to eat healthily and exercise regularly.
Only overweight people develop diabetes
There are many factors that lead to diabetes in a person irrespective of a person’s weight. It can be caused by being physically inactive, family history, hypertension, gestational diabetes or high cholesterol.
