There are many myths about diabetes that make people more difficult to take the facts seriously, such as diabetes is a serious and potentially deadly disease.These myths can create an image of incorrect diabetes and full of stereotypes and negativism.
Find out about the truth about diabetes and learn how you can put an end to myths and misunderstandings on diabetes.
myth 1: Diabetes is not a serious disease
Reality: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS together.Two of 3 people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
myth 2: obese or overweight people will have type 2 diabetes.
Reality: overweight is a risk factor to have this disease, but other risk factors also influence the family history, race and age.Unfortunately, many people do not give importance to other risk factors and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people do not have type 2 diabetes, and many people who have diabetesType 2 has a normal weight or very little overweight.
myth 3: eat too many sweets cause diabetes.
Reality: The answer is not so simple.The cause of type 1 diabetes are genetic and unknown factors that trigger the beginning of the disease;The cause of type 2 diabetes are genetic and lifestyle factors.
Overweight increases the risk of having type 2 diabetes, and a heat -rich diet of any kind produces weight gain.Studies show that drinking sugary drinks is associated with type 2 diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people limit their consumption of sugary drinks to help prevent diabetes.Among the sugary drinks are:
- Regular soda drinks
- Fruit punch
- Fruit juices
- Energy drinks
- Sports drinks
- Sweet tea
- Other sugary drinks.
A single portion of these drinks raises blood glucose and contains several hundred calories!
See for yourself:
A 12 - - -wing regular soda can has approximately 150 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrates.This amount of carbohydrates is equivalent to 10 teaspoons of sugar!
A cup of fruit punch and other fruit juices have approximately 100 calories (or more) and 30 grams of carbohydrates.
myth 4: People with diabetes should eat special food for diabetics.
REALITY: A healthy food plan for people with diabetes is usually equal to the healthy food plan of any person: low in fat (especially saturated and trans fats), moderate salt and sugar consumption, food with whole grains, vegetables and fruit.Diabetics and "dietary" food in general does not offer any special benefit.The majority raises the blood glucose level the same, it is usually more expensive and can have a laxative effect if they have sugar alcohols.
myth 5: If someone has diabetes, they can only eat small amounts of food with carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes and noodles.
Reality: carbohydrate foods can be part of a healthy eating plan, but the key is the size of the portion.Breads, cereals, noodles and integral grain rice, and vegetables with carbohydrates such as potatoes, sweet potatoes (sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes), peas (peas) and corn can be part of their meals and snacks.Do you want to know how many carbohydrates can you eat?Start by 45-60 grams of carbohydrates for food or three to four portions of food containing carbohydrates.However, you may need more or less carbohydrates at meals according to how diabetes is controlled.You and your health team can find the appropriate amount for you.Once you know how many carbohydrates you can eat at a meal, choose food and the right portion.
myth 6: People with diabetes cannot eat sweets or chocolate.
Reality: People with diabetes can eat sweets and desserts if they eat them as part of a healthy eating plan or in combination with exercise.These foods are not prohibited for people with or without diabetes.The key is to eat a very small portion of sweets and reserve them for special occasions, so that meals are focused on healthier foods.
myth 7: Diabetes is contagious.
Reality: No. While we don't know exactly why people have diabetes, we know that diabetes is not contagious.It is not spread like a cold or flu.There seems to be certain genetic factors in diabetes, especially type 1. Lifestyle also fulfills a function.
myth 8: People with diabetes tend to get sick and cold.
Reality: People with diabetes are no more likely to get sick or cold than others.However, it is recommended that people with diabetes put the flu vaccine.This is because any disease can hinder the control of diabetes, and people with diabetes that are replicated are more likely than others to have serious complications.
myth 9: If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor tells you that you need to start using insulin, that means you are not taking care of yourself correctly.
Reality: For most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease.They barely receive the diagnosis, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep blood glucose at a healthy level without oral medications.But over time, the body gradually produces less insulin, until a point comes where oral medications are not enough to keep glucose within normal levels.The use of insulin to keep blood glucose at a healthy level is positive, not something negative.
myth: fruit is a healthy food.Therefore, it is fine to eat everything that seems to him.
Reality: fruit is a healthy food.It contains fiber and many vitamins and minerals.But fruits contain carbohydrates that must be counted within the meal plan.Consult with your nutritionist about the quantity, frequency and types of fruits that you should eat.