Understanding Diabetes and Its Myths
Today, approximately 1 in every 10 individuals in the U.S. suffers from diabetes, and over 422 million individuals worldwide are afflicted by it.
Though diabetes is a commonly understood condition, its symptoms can be different, and the biological mechanisms involved are fairly complex. Because it’s so prevalent and complex, there are many half-truths and misconceptions around.
Some of those myths do nothing but perpetuate the stigma surrounding diabetes, and that’s why it is so crucial to dispel them.
To begin, let us briefly review what diabetes is and examine the differences between the three most prevalent kinds: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own defense system destroys the cells within the pancreas that make insulin. Type 1 typically appears earlier in life than type 2.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, cannot respond to it effectively, or both. At least 90% of individuals with diabetes in the United States have type 2.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body requires more insulin but is unable to supply enough. Although gestational diabetes usually resolves after giving birth, it can raise the risk of developing it again in subsequent pregnancies or type 2 diabetes later in life.
Common Myths About Diabetes
1. Consuming Sugar Leads to Diabetes
Consuming sugar does not cause diabetes per se, although a diet high in sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity, both of which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. This is an easily perpetuated myth, most likely because blood sugar levels are central to diabetes. Sugar itself is not the cause, though.
There are some studies that indicate drinking soda on a regular basis might raise the risk for type 2 diabetes, even after adjusting for calories and body weight. But this has not been observed in other beverages such as artificially sweetened fluids or fruit juices.
For type 1 diabetes, researchers do not yet understand why some develop it and others do not, but nutrition is not a factor.
2. Diabetes Isn’t Serious
Since diabetes is so prevalent, some individuals believe it’s not a big issue, but that’s simply not the case. There is no cure for diabetes, and if not controlled, it can result in serious complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, blindness, skin conditions, and hearing loss.
In 2018 alone, diabetes caused almost 85,000 deaths in the United States, and worldwide, it caused 1.6 million deaths in 2016.
3. Diabetes Only Occurs in Individuals with Obesity
Although it is a risk factor for type 2 and gestational diabetes, anyone regardless of weight can develop diabetes. In the CDC’s 2020 report, 11% of those with type 2 diabetes in the United States are not overweight or obese. Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with body weight.
4. Obesity Always Causes Diabetes
Obesity does raise one’s risk of diabetes, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone who is obese will get it. According to the CDC, while nearly 40% of adults in the U.S. are obese, just 13% have diabetes.
5. Individuals with Diabetes Cannot Consume Sugar
Individuals with diabetes certainly must control their diets carefully, particularly where carbohydrate intake is concerned. Nevertheless, they can include some sweets. For their part, the American Diabetes Association recommends keeping portion sizes small and limiting treats to special situations, and concentrating on healthier fare the rest of the time.
A related myth is that individuals with diabetes must consume special “diabetes foods,” but these are more costly and can even impact blood sugar.
6. Diabetes Always Causes Blindness and Amputation
Fortunately, this is a myth. Although it’s true that diabetes can cause blindness and amputations in some instances, it’s not always the case. If properly managed, these complications are unlikely. The CDC estimates that approximately 12% of adults with diabetes have some degree of vision loss, and only 0.5% of people with diabetes in the U.S. get amputations.
There are some risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, that raise the chances of complications.
7. Diabetics Must Not Drive
Diabetes doesn’t necessarily exclude a person from driving. The American Diabetes Association claims that the vast majority of people with diabetes can drive safely. But if a person does have complications such as severely low blood sugar or vision impairment, they should cooperate with their healthcare team to determine if it is a factor in their ability to drive.
8. Prediabetes Always Leads to Diabetes
An estimated 88 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, meaning their blood sugar levels are higher than usual but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition that can become type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged, but it’s not inevitable. Healthy habits such as exercise and a healthy diet can stop prediabetes from leading to anything.
9. Individuals with Diabetes Cannot Be Active
This is untrue. Exercise, actually, is important in controlling diabetes. Exercise is involved in losing weight, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing the body’s insulin sensitivity. Although exercise at times increases or decreases blood glucose levels, exercise remains essential to good health.
Experts suggest checking blood sugar levels when exercising and maintaining a log to review with your physician. If you’re prone to low blood sugar, have quick carbs available, and consider wearing an emergency ID tag.
10. You Can ‘Catch’ Diabetes
Diabetes is not contagious. It’s a noncommunicable illness, meaning it cannot be transmitted from individual to individual.
11. Some Natural Products Cure Diabetes
There is no cure for diabetes at present, and any statement that says otherwise about a product is untrue. Some herbal or natural products may sound good, but they most often don’t work and can be dangerous.