Common Myths About Diabetes

NO ONE IN MY FAMILY HAS DIABETES, SO I CAN’T GET IT

Having a close family member with type 2 diabetes does put you at increased risk for developing the condition. But the risk of diabetes goes up with age and is higher in people with high blood pressure regardless of family history.

AVOID SUGAR IF YOU HAVE DIABETES

Nutritious foods like fruit, vegetables and milk and dairy foods will come with natural sugars so there are benefits to including those in your diet. The sugary foods worth avoiding are the ones that come with few nutrients, other than calories.

SUGAR CAUSES DIABETES

It’s an easy target, but sugar isn’t the culprit. The real risks are weight gain and inactivity. A portion of those extra calories might come from sugar, but it’s not directly to blame.

THERE ARE ONLY TWO TYPES OF DIABETES —TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2

There are many types of diabetes, however Type 1 and Type 2 are by far the most common and recognized.

ONLY OLDER ADULTS GET DIABETES

Diabetes can affect people at any age, not just older adults. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease often diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 2 diabetes, commonly seen in adults, is now more prevalent in younger age groups due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity.

PEOPLE WITH DIABETES HAVE TO FOLLOW A SPECIAL DIET

The diet for people with diabetes is the same as it is for everyone – a healthy, balanced diet.

DIABETES CAN’T CAUSE TERMINAL ILLNESS

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause several health complications, affecting nearly every organ system in the body.