More Myths of Diabetes

Diabetes affects the young and old, rich and poor, from cultures all across the world. The World Health Organization preaches how diabetes has increasingly become a lifestyle-related disease. Awareness is an important part of the process working towards a solution to stem the growing prevalence.

Here are a few more common diabetes-related factoids. Which are true and which are simply myths?

Myth: Type 2 diabetes only occurs in adults

The truth: At one time, type 2 diabetes was called adult onset diabetes. More and more however, children are being diagnosed with type 2. This is likely as a result of poor diet and lack of exercise.

Myth: Gestational diabetes only affects pregnant women

The truth: This is absolutely true. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and goes away after pregnancy. Women who have gestational diabetes have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

Myth: Diabetes is not a serious disease like cancer or heart disease. 

The truth: Diabetes is very serious. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, blindness or amputations. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in Canada.

Click here to visit Part 1 of our blog on Myths of Diabetes

Myths of Diabetes

Diabetes affects the young and old, rich and poor, from cultures all across the world. The World Health Organization preaches how diabetes has increasingly become a lifestyle-related disease. Awareness is an important part of the process working towards a solution to stem the growing prevalence.

While any discussion on the topic can be seen as a positive step towards changing people's lifestyles, misinformation often leads to the spread of unproductive myths. Take a look below at some common myths of diabetes and learn which tips are valuable and which ones need to be reeled in.

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

The truth: Not really but consuming a lot of sugar can have an impact.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset. Type 2 is caused by genetics and lifestyle.

Being overweight increases the risk of developing diabetes and a high-calorie diet contributes to weight gain. Research shows that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type 2 diabetes. 

Myth: People who have diabetes are more likely to catch colds and other illnesses.

The truth: People with diabetes are no more likely to catch colds or other viruses than anyone else. However, having any type of illness can make diabetes more difficult to control. It's recommended that people who have diabetes get a flu shot each year.

Myth: If your doctor tells you need to start using insulin to control your type 2 diabetes, it means you're not managing your diabetes properly. 

The truth: For the most part, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep their blood glucose at a healthy level just by using oral medications. But over time, the body produces less insulin and as a result, oral medications may not be enough.