Diabetes is a long-term health problem caused by high levels of blood sugar, which over time causes devastating damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It reduces your body’s ability to make and use insulin.
Most of the food you eat is converted into sugar (glucose) by your body and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises, your pancreas sends a signal to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key, allowing blood sugar to enter cells and be used as energy. And it happens when your body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it as effectively as it should. When there is insufficient insulin or when cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar remains in your bloodstream. This can lead to major health problems over time such as heart disease, loss of vision and kidney disease.
Diabetes is classified into two types:
- Type 1 When you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas stops producing insulin. Which is often seen in teenagers. However, it can also happen to adults. It accounts for 5-10% of patients.
- Type 2 diabetes develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin and sugar builds up in your blood. This is the most common – about 90% to 95% of the time. It is a reliable source for people suffering.
Within this, gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy. However, it is possible that it may go away after the baby is born.
Here are some diabetes myths you should be aware of:
Myth: – Because no one in my family has diabetes, I will not develop the condition.
Facts: – It is true that having a diabetic parent or sibling increases your risk of developing diabetes. In fact, a family history of diabetes is a risk factor for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, many persons with diabetes have no close relatives who also have diabetes.
Myth: – Because I’m overweight, I’m more likely to get diabetes.
Facts: – It is true that being overweight increases your chances of getting diabetes. On the other hand, many people who are overweight or obese never develop diabetes. People who are of normal weight or slightly overweight can develop diabetes. Your best hope is to reduce your risk by losing excess weight through dietary adjustments and physical activity.
Myth: – Because I have diabetes, I can never have sweets.
Facts: – Sweets contain simple sugars, which raise the amount of glucose in your bloodstream more than other foods. However, they are not off-limits to diabetics if they are planned. Small amounts of sugar can be consumed in place of other carbs normally consumed at meals. If you take insulin, your doctor may advise you to take a higher-than-usual dose when you eat sweets.
Myth: – I can go off diabetes medication once my blood sugar is under control.
Facts: – Some people with type 2 diabetes can maintain their blood sugar levels without using medication by losing weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. However, diabetes is a progressive condition, and even if you make every effort to stay healthy, you may still need medication to keep your blood sugar within a target range.
Myth: – Patients with diabetes should not become pregnant.
Facts: – Women with diabetes can have a normal pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.
Myth: – People with type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy develop type 1 diabetes later in life.
Facts: – Insulin therapy is used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin to survive. If you have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, you may or may not need to start taking insulin to help keep your blood sugar levels within a reasonable range. If you have type 2 diabetes and you need insulin, it doesn’t mean you have type 1 diabetes.
Myth: – Diabetes is not a serious disease.
Facts: – There is no such thing as “mild diabetes”. Diabetes is a dangerous disease that can have consequences if not treated properly. It can impact one’s quality of life and shorten one’s life expectancy.
Myth: – It is unsafe to exercise if you have diabetes.
Facts: – Regular exercise is an important element of diabetes management. Exercise improves your body’s insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week. Strength training should be included in your fitness program twice a week. If you haven’t exercised in a while, brisk walking is a great way to gradually improve your fitness.
Conclusion
There is a high prevalence of myths about diabetes which may be associated with poor early health-seeking behaviour and poor adherence to treatment. Misconceptions about diabetes can further hinder people from seeking treatment. This article provide information with less belief in myths and more knowledge about the disease. We need to educate people about this disease and its treatment options. It will play a very important role in the control and prevention of diabetes in our country.
