Current News & Information
Bilingual Diabetes Education Conference
When: Saturday, November 14, 2009
8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: South Park Mall
(inside old Mervyn’s store)
2310 S.W. Military Dr., San Antonio, Texas
Please click below for more information:
Diabetes Misconceptions: Myth or Fact
Submitted by: Yvonne Carter
Due to the increasing prevalence in diabetes throughout the nation, more and more people are becoming aware of diabetes through the media or by word of mouth. Unfortunately, some of what is read and heard is not based on fact and/or is misleading. Most of the information provided by the media pertains to Type 2 diabetes or the media may sometimes fail to point out which type of diabetes is being reported. Along with old wives tales, this can lead to misconceptions about diabetes.
As a parent of a child who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 10 years ago, this article is based on what has been learned through research, the medical community and from having a child with diabetes.
Myth: Diabetes is diabetes.
Fact: No. There are two main types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2.
With Type 1, the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin altogether. The only treatment is insulin through injection or an insulin pump. Type 2 involves the body’s inability to respond normally to the insulin it produces. Usually some insulin is still produced, but not enough. Type 2 can sometimes be controlled through diet and exercise alone. Other times, treatment may include medication through the form of a pill(s) used to help the body respond to the insulin it produces. At some point, treatment may require insulin.
Both Type 1 and Type 2 can be diagnosed at any age. Type 1 (also known as Juvenile Diabetes) most often develops in children or in young adults. Type 2 is typically diagnosed in adults over 40, and cases have also been diagnosed in children.
Myth: Eating too much sugar can cause diabetes.
Fact: No. Sugar consumption has no bearing on the development of diabetes. The exact reason a person develops diabetes is unknown, but consuming excessive amounts of sugar is not the cause. The misconception may be because diabetes itself causes elevated blood sugar levels.
Myth: Obesity causes diabetes.
Fact: Yes and No. Obesity is a major contributing factor for developing Type 2 diabetes, as are a non-active lifestyle and a family history. Obesity does not, however, have any relation to Type 1 and bears no factor.
Myth: Diabetes is preventable.
Fact: Yes and No. An individual can prevent or, at least, delay onset of Type 2 through weight control and exercise. Medical research has found that nothing, however, can prevent the development of Type 1. It is believed genetics plays a role in developing Type 1; and environmental factors, such as certain viruses, serve as a catalyst to its onset.
Myth: It is easy to manage diabetes.
Fact: No. For both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, normal blood sugar levels are achieved by balancing diet, exercise and medication (sometimes without medication for Type 2), along with frequent blood sugar testing. Factors such as stress and illness may cause blood sugar levels to rise. Hormone changes and growth spurts can also cause fluctuations, especially in Type 1. These factors and changes in daily activities can make it difficult to control. Managing diabetes requires constant decision-making and adjustments.
Myth: You can outgrow Type 1 (Juvenile) diabetes.
Fact: No, unfortunately not. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops producing insulin altogether and the pancreas will not begin to re-produce insulin with age. Once diagnosed, an individual with Type 1 diabetes has it for life. There is currently no cure, though there have been some strides towards finding one.
Myth: Diabetes requires following a special diet and sweets should never be eaten.
Fact: No. Not a special diet, but along with everyone, a healthy, balanced diet is important. The amount of food, type and timing are considered. An individual with Type 1 diabetes may count carbohydrates to determine how much insulin to take. The type of food and how long it takes to absorb and raise blood sugar determines the best time to release insulin. Calorie intake is considered in Type 2 to reduce weight gain. Any type of food, however, (including sweets) may be incorporated into the diet, in moderation, whether Type 1 or Type 2.
Myth: A child with Type 1 Diabetes should not exercise.
Fact: No. Exercise lowers blood sugar levels and, along with diet and insulin, helps keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Frequent blood sugar testing is important, before and after exercise, to see if blood sugar level is too high or too low. If too high or too low, action is taken to either raise or lower blood sugar. Precautions are taken, but exercise is vital to managing diabetes.