There is a great deal of misinformation circulating about diabetes, and it’s likely that you believe some of these myths to be true. Let’s debunk them once and for all and discover the truth.
Myth #1: If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s your own fault. While it is true that weight, diet, and physical activity contribute to the risk of developing the disease, genetics also play a significant role. You can’t develop diabetes simply by consuming too much sugar. However, regularly overindulging in sweets could trigger someone with pre-diabetes to develop full-blown diabetes.
Myth #2: You need to take medication for the rest of your life. Many people can manage diabetes through changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle. To reverse type 2 diabetes, you may need to maintain these changes for the rest of your life to keep your blood sugar within safe limits. Following a diet high in vegetables and low in sugar and carbs can be helpful for getting approval from your doctor to lower you medication dose.
Myth #3: You’ll know when your blood sugar is too high based on specific symptoms. In reality, you may not be able to tell when your blood sugar is too high. Symptoms are often so subtle at first that they are easily overlooked. Feeling tired, increased thirst, and more frequent urination are some of the most common symptoms, but they can go unnoticed when they are not severe.
Here is a fact to take away: By following simple dietary rules, you can take control of your health and look and feel your best.