Top 5 Myths About Diabetes.

 

It’s a fact that 25.8 million adults and children in the US have diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association thinks that millions more are going undiagnosed.  That’s the bad news.  The good news is that a diagnosis of Diabetes or Prediabetes doesn’t have to mean that doom and gloom are in your future.   There are many myths about diabetes.  Here are some positive answers to those frightening myths.

Myth #1:  Diabetes Is a Progressive Disease

Once you have it, you can’t control it and you will end up on Insulin.
Diabetes is NOT a progressive disease.  You can learn to manage and control your diabetes yourself.  If you have Type 1 (formerly juvenile-onset) you will have to use Insulin.  Your body doesn’t produce it.  But you can manage your diabetes with injected insulin, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.  On the other hand if you have Type 2 (once called adult-onset) diabetes, your body is still producing Insulin, it just isn’t using it correctly.  This can be controlled with a healthy diet, exercise, regular blood sugar monitoring, and sometimes oral medications.

Myth #2:    I have “Prediabetes”, So I Really Don’t Have To Worry

Having pre-diabetes is actually having diabetes, and without some lifestyle changes, it will progress into the full-blown disease.  Here’s what you need to do.  Change your diet by eliminating most sugar and grains.  Add some exercise to your daily routine.  You can keep diabetes at bay.  But do it now, you’re already in the danger zone if your recent diagnosis was Prediabetes.    Ask your doctor for a prescription for a blood sugar meter and instructions for its use.  Then use it on a regular basis to see if you are eating the right foods.

Myth #3:  Even Though I Have Diabetes, I Can Still Eat Everything I Want, Just In Smaller Quantities

Carbohydrates are what make your blood sugar go up.  Refined sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup are especially dangerous for those with diabetes.   Just because bread is Whole Wheat doesn’t mean it’s good for diabetics.  An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but if you have diabetes, it will most certainly raise your sugar to unwanted levels.  Try to eliminate most grains, pasta, bread, cereals, sugar, and fruits except for berries.  Normal blood sugar counts are from 75-90 between meals and 120 2 hours after a meal.  If your sugar is spiking over 140 after any meal, rethink your food choices.

Myth #4:  Now That I Have Diabetes, I’ll Just Eat What I Want And Take Medicine To Handle The Disease

This is one of the most dangerous myths of all.  The best way to control diabetes is through healthy eating, daily exercise, and regular monitoring of one’s blood sugar.  You have to become intimately involved with all aspects of your disease.  Only you have the power to manage diabetes.

Myth #5:  I Should Check My Blood Sugar When I Get Up And When I Go To Bed

Diabetics who successfully manage their disease check their blood sugar 4-5 times each day:  Upon arising in the AM; 2 hours after breakfast; 2 hours after lunch; 2 hours after dinner; and before retiring for the night.  This is how you learn which foods make your blood sugar go over the accepted levels. Then, adjust your diet and stop eating the foods that spike your blood sugar.   It’s not always easy to do, but give it a good try, you’ll see immediate results.
Remember, it’s all up to you to manage and control your diabetes.  Diet and Exercise are the best medicine for Type 2 Diabetes and can completely reverse and eliminate “Prediabetes” for you when you make some simple changes.

Please share this with others that have diabetes and prediabetes.  You may be helping to save their lives.