Unless you yourself are diagnosed with diabetes, the unfortunate fact remains that many people do not have the proper education on the subject that many people around the world are dealing with. That’s why The Diabetes App has put together a list of the top 10 myths surrounding diabetes and insulin.
Myth 1: People with diabetes can’t eat sugar
Potentially the most common myth surrounding diabetes, is that people living with diabetes cannot consume any sugar. People living with diabetes can eat sugar. All that is needed is to monitor one’s diets which can include sugar, in moderation.
Myth 2: Type 2 diabetes is mild
No form of diabetes is mild, plain, and simple. Even people with Type 2 can still experience life-threatening complications if not manage their glucose enough.
Myth 3: Type 2 diabetes only affects people who are overweight
Type 2 diabetes is not exclusive only to overweight people, nor does being overweight guarantee you have diabetes. In fact, almost 20% of people living with diabetes are not overweight.
Myth 4: People with diabetes can only eat special foods
People living with diabetes can eat all kinds of food. Moderation, research, and calculations are strongly urged before any meal as some foods are not highly recommended, but nothing is necessarily off the menu.
Myth 5: People with diabetes go blind and lose their legs
Blindness, and/or amputation are both preventable and not guaranteed for people living with diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause for both these factors however this is often the result of a complete lack of health management.
Myth 6: People with diabetes are dangerous drivers
This is just a completely inaccurate generalization that is far from true.
Hypoglycemia can occur while driving for someone living with diabetes but given that this is preventable it does not equate to someone with diabetes being a bad driver.
Myth 7: People with diabetes shouldn’t play sports
In fact, it’s the opposite. Living a healthy active lifestyle is not only possible but often recommended. That along with the fact that there are plenty of athletes with diabetes, this myth is far from true.
Myth 8: Insulin is addicting
Insulin is a non-addictive substance that your body needs and is also 100% natural.
Myth 9: People with diabetes are more likely to get sick
People with diabetes are not more likely to have colds or other illnesses compared to people without diabetes. There’s no information to prove that living with diabetes puts you at greater risk for flu and colds.
Myth 10: Diabetes is contagious
One of the biggest myths of them all! Although diabetes can be passed on only through genetics, it cannot be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, touch, or blood.
We hope you enjoyed our list of top 10 Myths surrounding diabetes and insulin. If you want to find this article along with countless others offering information on diabetes, download The Diabetes App today!
