10 Common Diabetes Myths that Need to Be Dispelled

Even though diabetes has become a widespread disease there are a number of misconceptions and myths about it. This is probably because many people are afraid of being discovered with diabetes, of educating themselves about this disease and hey start believing the old wives' tales doing the rounds. Many people who believe in these widely held myths start making unnecessary changes in their lives to prevent diabetes. This can cause more harm than good. Below we will try to dispel the common diabetes myths.

1. Perhaps the most commonly held myth about diabetes is that eating too much sugar causes diabetes. This is absolutely false. Truly speaking no one is yet absolutely sure what causes diabetes. Doctors believe that it is caused by genetic and lifestyle factors. The symptoms of diabetes are caused by the lack or complete absence of insulin which helps to break down blood sugar to supply energy to the cells. The sugar in the blood is not the same as the sugar that we eat. However, being overweight increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and that is why if you have it running in your family you must follow a healthy eating and exercise plan.

2. Some people believe that they can catch diabetes from others. It should be made clear that diabetes is not caused by pathogens like bacteria or virus. Therefore it is not contagious like cold or flu. You may not get diabetes even if you spend your whole life with someone suffering from it. It is believed to be caused by lifestyle and genetic factors rather than germs.

3. Many people believe that they will feel sick when they have diabetes and that is why they don't get themselves tested. It is estimated that almost one third of the population is suffering from diabetes and most don't know it. Diabetes when left uncontrolled can cause damage to the blood vessels and other body parts. Many people who have been diagnosed with diabetes don't take steps to monitor or control their diabetic condition because they feel OK. This can lead to irreversible complications like nerve damage and heart disease. Only a qualified doctor can tell whether you have diabetes or not.