Diabetes occurs when the body has problems properly utilizing or producing insulin. Insulin, the hormone in the pancreas, is necessary for converting sugars and starches found in food into the energy needed to complete daily activities. Although researchers don't know all the causes of diabetes, weight, lack of physical activity and genetics play a role in the development of this condition. Despite these known causes, there are a number of common myths about diabetes, especially concerning the foods that should or should not be eaten.
One common myth is that diabetics can't eat desserts with sugar or chocolate. The truth is that diabetics do have to be concerned with their sugar intake; however, they can consume desserts if it is part of a healthy diet. For example, I worked with a woman with diabetes, and she always made room in her diet for a treat. She was an expert at measuring the right amount of cake she could eat.
Another myth about diabetes is that you can get it from eating too much sugar. If that were the case, most people should be diabetic if they calculated how much junk food they ate as children. The truth is that genetics and lifestyle have more of a bearing on developing diabetes than the number of hours spent pigging out on pints of ice cream. Nevertheless, if diabetes runs in the family, individuals should eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to manage their weight.
Some individuals believe that they have to eat special foods once they are diagnosed with diabetes. As mentioned earlier, diabetes should maintain a balanced, healthy diet. That diet should be low fat, low salt and sugar, and plant based. Most of the foods labeled diabetic or sugar-free are no better for diabetic than regular meals. Often they are expensive, take bland or ultra sweet because of artificial sweeteners, and work like laxatives.
Some diabetics believe that they should not eat even small amounts of starchy foods like bread, potatoes and pasta. This notion is reinforced by the plethora of diet plans that nix carbohydrate-rich foods from their plans or limit them to below minimal standards. The truth is that anyone, including people with diabetes, can enjoy these foods. Diabetics can consume three to four servings of this food group without getting spikes in their blood sugar. Many of these foods also are good sources of fiber.
Many people, especially women, get nervous when they are diagnosed as diabetics because they are afraid that they will gain weigh from insulin and frequent eating. This myth can have deadly results. In recent years, there have been a number of reports about people who "withdraw" insulin shots in an attempt to lose weight. One case made national news when a woman died from this practice. Refusal to take insulin can lead to worse conditions, even loss of eyesight. Instead, eat healthy and exercise. Many people have been able to reduce their insulin intake by doing so.
There are a number of other common myths about diabetes; however, the ones mentioned above are the ones that concern individuals more than any others. In order to not fall for common myths, patients should not only listen to their doctors; they should take it upon themselves to do research using reputable sources.