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:: Mythical Diabetes

	Mythical Diabetes This month we will look at some common diabetes myths and see if they can be busted!
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. When you eat, food is turned into a type of sugar, but it's not the same as the refined sugar you buy at the store. Eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight, which increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended to control your weight. However, many people are diagnosed with diabetes without a family history.
Diabetes is contagious
Diabetes is not contagious. It cannot be caught like a flu or cold. There is a genetic link, especially with type 2 diabetes, however, environmental factors also plays a part. Diabetes does run in families, but many people diagnosed with the disease have no close family members who have it. Lifestyle, heredity, and possibly other factors, such as certain viruses, may increase risk for the disease.
People with diabetes can only eat special food and never eat sugar
You don't need special foods. All you need is a healthy diet that balances your carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Just like anyone else, your diet should be low in fat, low in sodium and rich in whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Diabetic and “dietetic” versions of sugar-containing foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols. Sugar and sweets do raise your blood glucose, but people with diabetes can safely eat sugar as part of their meal plan. And just to clear up another myth, you can’t get diabetes from eating too much sugar. To control your blood glucose, all sources of carbohydrates must be controlled. Carbohydrates include starchy foods like pasta and bread as well as sugary foods like lollies. Even juice, milk, and fruit all contain carbohydrates, so they must be eaten in moderate amounts. Too much sugar is bad for everyone. It provides only empty calories.
People with diabetes can't play sport, drive a car, go to parties or do certain jobs
Food intake, insulin, and physical activity is the basis for the management of diabetes. Exercise lowers the amount of blood sugar, which results in a person feeling better, helps avoid becoming overweight, and losers the chances of developing the long-term complications associated with diabetes. As far as not going to parties, there is no reason to do this since everyone needs to relax and socialise. In fact, parties are a great way to lower or avoid stress which can affect blood sugar levels. If you have good control of your diabetes and are responsible, research shows that people with diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone else. Almost all jobs can be done by people with diabetes. In the past, some positions in the military, and occupations like airplane pilot or interstate truck driving were not available to people with diabetes. Today, many of these professions are changing those requirements.
Insulin cures diabetes
Insulin is a medicine that helps to keep the levels of blood sugar in the near-normal range. Insulin itself does not cure diabetes. At this point, there is no cure. The most important goal for people with diabetes is keeping near-normal blood sugar levels in order to feel well and avoid long-term diabetes complications. To do this, each person needs different amounts and types of food, activity, and medicines like insulin.

Watch out for more Medical Mythbusters next month
Any time you are unsure about how to manage your diabetes don't forget to consult your friendly, local Pharmacist or Contact Us

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