3 Common Myths about Diabetes

Posted on July 13, 2008 in Latest News

Every new experience for an individual generates a lot of ignorance in the beginning, especially since the tendency to seek advice from almost anyone who you stumble upon is very high. And since opinions differ widely, myths multiply. This is no different when a person is newly diagnosed with a disease. People with diabetes, for instance are easily convinced into believing a typical life that a diabetic should lead. But is all of it really true?

Notions you could banish

Sweets and chocolates are a strict no-no: If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes.  They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes.

No sugar all life: Sugars are very important for the body, since they give adequate energy to perform various tasks. Abstaining sugar, thus only raises several other risks. And diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar. Rather diabetes is caused by a lack or complete absence of insulin, which is a hormone that helps blood sugar get into cells. 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.

Diabetics should follow a monotonous ‘special’ diet: You don’t need special foods. According to a new report from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the recommended healthy diet for diabetics is the same as for people who do not have diabetes - low in fat, salt and sugar, plenty of fruit and vegetables etc. ‘Special’ foods offer no special benefit. Moreover, Special diabetic foods found in grocery stores cost more and can raise blood sugar levels.

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