Many people with diabetes and healthcare professionals believe common myths about the disease to the detriment of themselves and others. A new book released earlier this month called “50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life: And The 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It” by Riva Greenberg seeks to set the record straight.
In a guest column on Diabetes Health, Greenberg outlines five of those 50 myths.
#1 MYTH: People with diabetes should follow a specific diet designed for people with the disease. The truth is that diabetics should follow dietary guidelines that are recommended for all Americans. They should eat fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, healthful fats and fiber. Sweets are also allowed as long as they are incorporated into a meal plan.
#2 MYTH: Healthy foods don’t raise blood sugar levels. The truth is that carbs raise blood sugar and many healthy foods, such as fruits, juices, corns, pasta, energy bars, contain carbs. So whether its ice cream or grapes, the carbs are what count when it comes to a food’s impact on blood sugar.
#3 MYTH: People with diabetes need to lose a lot of weight before their diabetes will show signs of improvement. The truth is that scientific studies show that losing as little as 5-10% of their body weight can help people with Type 2 diabetes tremendously. It can help improve blood-sugar control, lower blood pressure and blow fat levels. It can also lower risk of diabetic complications.
#4 MYTH: Exercise isn’t needed to manage diabetes when taking the proper medication. The truth is that no matter what medication people with diabetes are taking, physical exercise can help manage blood sugar levels.
#5 MYTH: Its unsafe for people with diabetes to play sports. The truth is physical activity is good for people with diabetes, but they need to make sure their blood sugar doesn’t drop too low or shoot too high.
You can check out her column at Diabetes Health here.
Diabetes Daily also favorably reviewed the book and called attention to 20 myths discussed in the book. You can read the review here.
Some additional myths noted in the review include:
- I have to be overweight to get diabetes
- I don’t have to watch myself because my doctor says “I’m only borderline” diabetic
- Going on insulin is the beginning of the end
- Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, heart attack, kidney disease, and amputation.
- Diabetes medications make you gain weight.
- I’ve heard for thirty years that there’s going to be a cure for type 1 diabetes, but nothing’s changed.
- Women with diabetes shouldn’t get pregnant.
- I shouldn’t drink alcohol because it will raise my blood sugar.
- I can’t ever take a break from dealing with my diabetes.
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