Myths

Here are 10 myths that you may have heard debunked:

Myth #1  You can catch diabetes from someone else.
This is not true!  Although the causes of diabetes are still unclear and the disease still has many mysteries, what we do know for sure is that diabetes is not contagious! Sharing drinks or coughing will not spread diabetes!

Myth #2  People with diabetes can never have any desserts or chocolate again!
People with diabetes are not any more limited to sweets as non-diabetics. With the right meal plan and a good amount of exercise, people with diabetes can consume sweets.

Myth #3  Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. 
This is a very common myth that I'm sure many of you have heard. I, for one, once thought this was true also. The truth, however, is that diabetes cannot be caused by simply eating too much sugar but rather by a combination of factors such as environment and heredity. However, sugar can create obesity which is a major factor in contributing to diabetes.

Myth #4  People with diabetes cannot choose what they eat anymore.
This isn't necessarily true! Diabetics are advised to eat healthy amounts of food that really apply to everyone. Just because you have diabetes, doesnt mean that you can never have that slice of cake or your favorite ice cream ever again. It just means being in more control and smarter in picking the things you eat.

Myth #5  If you have diabetes, you shouldn't eat starchy foods.
When you have diabetes, what matters the most is how much of something you eat rather than what you eat. Quantity over quality! Starchy foods are a great source of many essential nutrients. Thus, diabetics can include starchy foods in meals and snacks.  Just be careful and watch the amount. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is recommended. 

Myth #6  People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses. 
People with diabetes have the same chances as anyone of developing a cold or another illness. However, colds and infections can become dangerous for a diabetic because it interferes with blood glucouse, which can create some complications. Thus, diabetics are advised to obtain flu shots.

Myth #7  Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure.
No! In the early stages of the development of insulin, there was some evidence pointing to insulin as a cause to early atherosclerosis. It was later found to not be associated with atherosclerosis.

Myth #8  Insulin causes weight gain, and because obesity is bad for you, insulin should not be taken. 
Both the UKPDS (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) and the DCCT (Diabetes Control & Complications Trial) have shown that the benefit of glucose management with insulin far outweighs (no pun intended) the risk of weight gain. 

Myth #9  Fruit is a healthy food.  Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish. 
Although fruit is indeed very healthy for you, it does contain a lot of carbohydrates. Therefore, to be safe, it must be included into your meal plan.

Myth #10: Type 1 is far more dangerous than type two.

No! Although each has its differences, both types of diabetes can be life threatening if not properly taken care of.