One of the most prevalent chronic health disorders that negatively affects one’s health is diabetes. It happens when your blood sugar, also known as glucose in your body, is too high. Our bodies get their energy from blood sugar, which is mostly obtained from the food we eat. The hormone insulin, which is released by the pancreas, transforms the glucose obtained from food that is not immediately needed into a stored form termed glycogen and fat. Such glucose is subsequently converted into the energy that our bodies need when fasting.
Our body’s primary organ for converting glucose from storage to usable glucose is the liver. Only the necessary amount of glucose is released into the blood as a result of this process, which needs insulin to be controlled. Without insulin, both of these processes, the controlled release of glucose from the liver during fasting and the conversion of digested glucose to stored forms, are disrupted, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Having too much glucose or sugar in the blood over time leads to diabetes as well as a number of other health issues.
There are some diabetes myths that are all too frequently reported as facts. These false depictions of diabetes can occasionally be detrimental and contribute to an unnecessary stigma surrounding the disease. Here are a few widespread myths regarding diabetes.
EATING TOO MUCH SUGAR CAUSES DIABETES
Diabetes is not brought on by eating foods with a lot of calories or sugar. However, a diet high in calories and sugar can make people more likely to put on weight, and being overweight or obese increases the chance of developing diabetes. Additionally, foods containing a lot of calories can lead to uncontrolled hyperglycemia in persons who already have diabetes.
PEOPLE WITH DIABETES HAVE TO FOLLOW A SPECIAL DIET
Diabetes patients should follow a healthy, balanced diet, just like everyone else. This includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, legumes, fish, eggs, lean meat, and low-fat dairy products, as well as fish. Limit your intake of sweets, cakes, and other baked goods, and try to stick to sugar-free beverages like water and unsweetened tea or coffee.
DIABETES HAS NO SYMPTOMS
Type 2 diabetes can cause symptoms in some people, however others may not notice them because they are so minor. Common signs include feeling extremely thirsty, urinating frequently, feeling extremely hungry despite eating, having hazy vision, or having cuts or bruises that take a long time to heal.
PEOPLE WITH DIABETES CAN’T EAT SUGAR
Sweets contain a lot of simple sugars, which raise your blood glucose levels higher than other foods. However, as long as you plan for them, they are not off-limits to those with diabetes. Sweets should ideally only be consumed on rare occasions or as a treat. You can substitute sugar in small doses for other carbs that are typically consumed with meals. When you do consume sweets, your doctor may advise you to take higher doses of insulin than usual if you are taking it.
PEOPLE WITH DIABETES SHOULD AVOID EATING RICE
One of the most widespread misconceptions regarding diabetes is that those who have it must adhere to a strict rice-free diet. But what needs to be done is for people to eat a balanced diet that includes rice in moderation as a source of carbs. All types of carbohydrates should be consumed in moderation along with a balanced diet of vegetables, protein, and fat. Fruits should also be consumed by them in moderation as they are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
PEOPLE WITH DIABETES CAN EAT ANYTHING WHILE ON MEDICATION
Taking diabetic medicine does not give you free reign to eat anything you want, whenever you want. Both taking your medication as directed and eating a diet rich in nutrients are important. This is due to the fact that eating a diet high in vegetables, lean meats, and complex carbohydrates not only aids in the long-term management of diabetes but also in the management of other chronic illnesses that may co-occur with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. The most common alternative treatment for diabetes and other illnesses is herbal therapy.
DIABETES ONLY AFFECT PEOPLE WHO ARE OVERWEIGHT
People frequently believe that only those who are overweight are at risk for developing diabetes, but this is untrue. Nearly 20% of patients with diabetes are either normal weight or underweight.
PEOPLE WITH DIABETES CANNOT BE ACTIVE
This is false. The Diabetes management products actually includes exercise as a key element. Exercise, among other things, promotes weight loss and lowers blood pressure, all of which lower risk for complications. It may also improve how well the body uses insulin.
ONLY ELDERLY PEOPLE GET DIABETES
There is no upper age limit for developing diabetes; type 1 or juvenile diabetes is now being diagnosed in young children as young as age 5. Teenagers and young adults in their 20s and 30s are frequently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is assumed to be the outcome of children not getting enough exercise and living a poor lifestyle that includes consuming unhealthily high-calorie foods.
