Diabetes, the word normally refers to diabetes
mellitus(DM) is a disease that leads to high blood glucose level. There is a
different type of diabetes called as diabetes insipidus. Causes of DM could be
inadequate production of insulin or inability of body’s cells to respond to
insulin, or both. But about one third of people affected by the disease are not
even aware about it and the ones who are aware of it are many a times
surrounded by several myths linked to it.
Jalan Healthcare annuls some common myths related to
diabetes:
Myth #1: Excessive
intake of sugar leads to diabetes
Though it’s a lesser known fact but Sugar
is not responsible for diabetes. However one needs to care that one does not
consume too many foods with high glycaemic index(GI).There are 2 types of
diabetes and hence 2 reasons associated with each type. Type 1 diabetes occurs
when the pancreas completely stops making any insulin, a hormone that helps the
body to use glucose (sugar) found in foods for energy. There could also be
environmental factors, viruses or genetics responsible for it.
Type
2 diabetes is caused when body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or is unable
to use insulin properly. Though evident among people over 40 years of age,
overweight individuals or people with a family history of diabetes, it’s now
witnessed in younger people too.
Myth #2: Diabetics need to eat
food that’s different from others
Diet restriction is not necessary for people
with diabetes. Instead, they could follow the same eating guidelines and
opt for foods that are higher in nutrients, and offer an appropriate amount of
calories. Healthy eating is always advisable to stay fit and keep diseases at
bay! The best diabetic diet is to break down the meal in smaller sizes so that
the limited amount of insulin is sufficient to handle the glucose intake and
eat foods with lower GI
Myth #3: Diabetes prohibits active
lifestyle.
This is so not true. Many long-term
studies showcase the positive impact that regular physical activity has on
bringing down the glucose level. Yet, prior to initiating any fitness program
it’s essential to get the approval of the doctor to ensure that you are
treading on the right path. Once you initiate the program, you yourself would
find it easy to be active and healthy being active and healthy even during
diabetes. Also, in case you have
any complications, such as heart disease,
retinopathy (eye disease) or neuropathy (pain or loss of sensation in your feet)
the doctor would aptly advice as to which exercises are best for you as well as
the tests that you need to undergo for ensuring which exercises are safe for
you. Walking and yoga are great!
Myth
#4: Insulin injection is painful
Insulin injections do not hurt. All that’s
required is to practice good injection technique and you wouldn’t end up
experiencing any pain. If you use an insulin pen and experience
discomfort, ask your provider or diabetes educator about using shorter as well
as thinner pen needles. These would aid in minimizing the discomfort.
