by Cynthia Ruff

Created on: October 20, 2008

There are many myths related to Diabetes. However, the following researched information should alleviate and dispel any of the misunderstandings about this dreaded yet manageable disease.

Types, Symptoms, Treatment, and Complications

Diabetes is caused by a lack or complete absence of insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is used by the body to break down and utilize sugar. Some diabetics must take a shot of insulin because their pancreas is producing no insulin to break down the high content of sugar in the bloodstream.

There is no such thing as borderline diabetes; all diabetes has to be controlled. It is a serious disease that has been broken down into two types. Type 1 is Juvenile Diabetes and occurs before the age of twenty and last throughout a person's life. All Type 1 diabetics must take shots of insulin and maintain a very strict diet. Type 2 appears in adulthood and often is controlled by diet, oral medication or insulin. Diabetes is not contagious although there can be a genetic link.

Some diabetes is controlled by diet alone. Some people, however, must take an oral hypoglycemic agent because the pancreas is still producing some insulin, and the pill helps circulate the insulin. The natural remedy for diabetes is exercise, a healthy diet, and ultimately weight loss.

One third of the twenty-one million people with diabetes do not know they have it because they do not feel sick. However, uncontrolled, this disease can damage blood vessels and other parts of the body. If left untreated, the damage to the heart and nerves becomes irreversible.

There are diabetic complications such as:

Cataracts - the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and opaque; it is like looking through wax paper.

Blindness can occur due to bleeding in the eyes caused by high blood sugar.

Kidney failure can occur because of high blood sugar.

There is a high chance of injury to a limb because of neuropathy (loss of feeling in extremity).

There may be poor wound healing due to poor circulation.

There may be the necessity to amputate due to poor wound healing.

Eating Habits and Exercise

Along with exercise, diabetics can eat sweets, chocolate, and desserts as part of a healthy meal plan. Eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes. There is no such thing as special diabetic foods; it is the same for everyone meals low in fat, salt and sugar moderation, whole grain foods, vegetables, and fruit. Diabetic versions of sugar-containing foods do not offer any special benefits. Starchy foods (e.g., pasta, bread, potatoes) are high in carbohydrates, a main source of energy and should be part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is to monitor the portion size.

Illness Susceptibility and Chronic Ailments

Diabetics are no more at risk for colds or other illnesses than anyone else. Diabetics are advised, however, to get flu shots because infections can interfere with their blood glucose management; this can put the diabetic at risk of high blood glucose levels.

Impotence is not caused by diabetes but by damage to nerves caused by years of high blood glucose. Insulin does not cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure, and the benefit of glucose management (Insulin) outweighs the risk of weight gain.

A diabetic's A1C (i.e. the test that checks blood sugar level) should be less than seven percent according to the American Diabetes Association, because there will be less chance of having any complications. If it is higher, the diabetic should consult their physician immediately.

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