by Ken Smauthi

Created on: December 06, 2008

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or does not effectively process the insulin that it does produce. This causes diabetics to have trouble with blood sugar levels, and if untreated can lead to amputation, blindness, heart problems, and other complications

This condition has been much in the news in the past few years. Public awareness of conditions like diabetes is generally a good thing. However, along with increased publicity there are also many myths about this condition being spread about.

The aim of this article will be to tackle those myths with facts. The numbers and statistics used for this article are the most official ones available from organisations such as the NCHS(National Center for Health Statistics), the ADA(American Diabetes Association), the CDC(Center for Disease Control).

If you find yourself surprised at having one of your long held beliefs about diabetes debunked, you are in good company. Most people believe at least a few of these. But you can take heart that the news is good, and that in most cases the truth about diabetes is far less alarming than the myths and hype would have you believe.

MYTH: Diabetes Is Caused By Eating Too Much Sugar

FACT: This is unequivocally untrue. The American Diabetes Association states this quite clearly on it's website. Scientists and all diabetes organisations in general are in agreement over this. The fallacy of this myth revolves around the fact that diabetics are obligated to watch their blood sugar levels closely. However, the fact that diabetes is treated by monitoring blood sugar does not mean that non diabetics are obligated to do the same in order to avoid the condition.

MYTH: Diabetics Catch Colds, Flu, And Other Illnesses More Often

FACT: Diabetes does not compromise the immune system in any way, and diabetics are not more susceptible to illnesses and infections than non diabetics. However, people with diabetes are advised to be especially vigilant about getting their flu shots. This is because the flu and other infections can interfere with blood glucose control. In such a situation, those with type 1 diabetes are also at risk of ketoacidosis.

MYTH: Being Overweight or Obese Almost Certainly Dooms One To Develop Diabetes

FACT: Excess weight indeed has been shown to be correlated with an increased relative risk of diabetes. This is shown quite clearly in the NHANES cohort studies, which are widely considered to supply some of the most accurate information

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