4 common myths about diabetes debunked
When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications.
However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition.
- Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same.
The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy.
Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence
Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes. Myth 3: Sugar is a direct cause of diabetes
Not necessarily, although it is a well-known fact that sugar must not be consumed by people who have diabetes; however, its consumption is not a direct trigger of the condition. In fact, the complications that arise out of consuming foods rich in refined sugar such as processed goods, and baked confectionaries increase the chances of diabetes. For example, eating refined and processed foods lead to weight gain and obesity is the number one health risk for people with diabetes. Myth 4: Noticeable symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes are not directly or easily identifiable. In fact, the only way to confirm whether a person is diabetic or not is by conducting a blood sugar test. The before and after levels of blood sugar done with fasting during the day confirm the condition. One may suffer from discomforts like blurred vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, and increased urination. But these discomforts are quite commonly associated with other medical conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. However, for a definitive diagnosis, a test has to be conducted to identify the severity of the condition.
Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.
Not necessarily, although it is a well-known fact that sugar must not be consumed by people who have diabetes; however, its consumption is not a direct trigger of the condition. In fact, the complications that arise out of consuming foods rich in refined sugar such as processed goods, and baked confectionaries increase the chances of diabetes. For example, eating refined and processed foods lead to weight gain and obesity is the number one health risk for people with diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes are not directly or easily identifiable. In fact, the only way to confirm whether a person is diabetic or not is by conducting a blood sugar test. The before and after levels of blood sugar done with fasting during the day confirm the condition. One may suffer from discomforts like blurred vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, and increased urination. But these discomforts are quite commonly associated with other medical conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. However, for a definitive diagnosis, a test has to be conducted to identify the severity of the condition.
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