Blood Sugar Management – 5 Common Diabetes Myths Debunked

Allen Green, MD

5 years ago

Due to the complex nature of diabetes, you will find vast information online on its causes, risk factors, and treatment or management. While it is common knowledge that diabetes is an incurable blood disorder, a lot of the information regarding the disease is misleading, false or incorrect. Being unable to separate the fact from fiction or truths from myths, many diabetic patients are unable to devise an effective blood sugar management plan for themselves. Believing or acting upon misleading information often makes blood sugar management difficult and can even lead to adverse side effects.

To help diabetics better understand fact from fiction, we are highlighting some widely believed information pieces that are nowhere close to reality. Read on to learn about some common myths about diabetes that are wrongfully reported as facts!

Myth #1 – Home/Herbal Remedies Can Cure Diabetes

The Truth – While some natural therapies, such as herbs and spices, may offer some help in improving a patient’s insulin sensitivity or decreasing insulin resistance, natural remedies are not a cure for diabetes.

In essence, diabetes is an incurable disease. However, you can consistently maintain your blood sugar levels within a healthy range by following a comprehensive diabetes management plan and regular consultation with your doctor. This will require you to regularly take your medicines, as prescribed by your doctor, along with making major lifestyle changes and following them for life.

Myth # 2 – Type 2 Diabetes Is Mild

The Truth – Whether it is type 1, type 2, or gestational, all types of diabetes are (equally) serious.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can put you at the risk of health complications. However, the good news is that both of them can be effectively controlled with the help of medicine and lifestyle changes.

For those who believe in the misconception that type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1, the fact that type 2 is a silent disease, it often remains undiagnosed for years. According to the American Diabetes Association, around 7.2 million Americans have diabetes (type 2), but not know about it,[2] which puts them at significant risk of health complications. Even if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but are not managing it properly, it can lead to serious health problems that could be fatal.

Myth # 3 – Type 1 Diabetes Only Affects Children, Whereas Type 2 Diabetes Only Affects Adults

The Truth – There is no specific age group for diabetes. Anyone can develop any of the two types of diabetes, regardless of their age.

While type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence, research has long shown that it is not juvenile diabetes as was once believed. It can develop in older adults as well. According to the CDC, there were about 1.3 million diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes in adults in 2016.

The latest research shows that type 1 diabetes is as common in adults as it is in children, but they are often misdiagnosed.

On the other hand, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes that was once considered adult-onset diabetes is also increasing in children, mainly due to the obesity epidemic in children.

Myth # 4 – You Have to Eliminate Sugar from Your Diet If You Have Diabetes

The Truth – Diabetic patients can consume sugar in moderation if they are following a comprehensive diabetes management plan, with their doctor’s consultation, of course.

While it is commonly assumed that diabetic patients need to follow a strict sugar-free diet, the truth is that they can consume a little amount of sugar as part of a balanced diet, along with physical activity and medications.

However, this doesn’t mean you can eat as much sweets as you want. Work with your doctor to find out how much sugar you can safely consume and what other practices you need to follow with it, such as exercise. Remember that the key is to eat in moderation!

Myth # 5 –Diabetic Patients Should Not Play Sports

The Truth – Physical activity is an essential part of a blood sugar management plan.

The large number of athletes who have been performing well in their fields, despite having diabetes, are testimony to the fact that you can play sports even if you have this blood disorder. Some examples of sportspersons with diabetes are Kyle Love, an American footballer, Gary Forbes, a Panamanian basketball player, and Scott Allan, a Scottish footballer.

Conclusion

The article has discussed some of the commonly prevailing misconceptions about diabetes to clear any confusion that diabetic patients may have and help them create the right blood sugar management plan for themselves. To learn more about diabetes and get more tips about managing the disease through self-care, download our Hydrate to Regulate Blood Sugar eBook for free here .