Did you know that according to the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2019 report, diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health problems in the 21st century? In fact, adults with diabetes have more than tripled over the past 20 years.
In related statistics, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) found that 34.2 million Americans (10.5 percent of the US population) had reported diabetes cases back in 2018. Out of this figure, 26.8 million were diagnosed, while 7.3 million were undiagnosed. Also, about 1.6 million Americans had type 1 diabetes, which includes approximately 187,000 children and adolescents.
These facts and figures alone are glaring enough to convince us that diabetes is a prevalent disease today. However, due to its significance, there have been many misconceptions that have been circulating through word of mouth and online.
As you are on your road to achieving good health and overall well-being, here are four common myths about diabetes and the truth behind them:
Myth 1: Eating sugar alone leads to diabetes
Sure, overeating sugar is bad for your health. However, eating it on its own doesn’t directly cause the disease. As you may or may not know, Type 1 diabetes is potentially an autoimmune response to a trigger that can be caused by genetics. Likewise, Type 2 diabetes is a genetic condition that can be caused by various risk factors. For the most part, these conditions may have to do with one’s lifestyle. Albeit sugar may not directly cause diabetes, it’s still best that you consume it at moderate levels.
Myth 2: Eating carbs is the main culprit of diabetes
Many individuals have been under the assumption that carbs are the main culprit of diabetes. Keep in mind that carbohydrates alone don’t cause actual diabetes. What many fail to realize is that it’s the type and the number of carbs that can trigger the health condition. Be sure to monitor your intake and go for options with low measure on the glycemic index (GI) scale. Low-GI carbs include rolled or steel-cut oatmeal, whole-grain bread, dried beans and legumes, and low-starch vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Myth 3: Fruits are bad for your diabetes diet
Some individuals assume that fruits are forbidden for those with diabetes. The truth is, fruits aren’t necessarily prohibited, though they may contain natural sugars. However, sticking to proper portioning won’t impact your health. The recommended serving for any fruit is about 15 grams of carbohydrate, which can include one cup blackberries or 1/2 medium apple or banana.
Myth 4: You can eat what you want while on medication
When diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will usually provide you with some strict medications to take. However, some diabetic people think they can eat what they want since their medicines will keep them afloat. While taking your medication, keep in mind that you still need to follow a healthy diet to keep your diabetes under control. Ultimately, it’s best to talk to your doctor and dietician to set your eating plan.
Conclusion
No matter how common and prevalent the disease is, diabetes is a serious and debilitating health condition that must be addressed. Be sure to discern facts from fiction by considering the debunked misconceptions mentioned above. Consult with your doctor to have your condition properly diagnosed and get the right treatments and medications. Ultimately, your healthcare provider will provide recommendations to help you live a healthy lifestyle!
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