Diabetes Myths
The biggest diabetes myth is that people with diabetes can't eat sugar
Diabetes myths are just as important to understand as the facts of diabetes.
Diabetes information is widely available, both from healthcare professionals and the Internet, but not all of it is true.
It can be hard to know what is accurate, so this page aims to highlight the top ten most common diabetes myths.
As well as diabetes myths, you may be interested in these diabetes facts.
Myth 1: People with diabetes can’t eat sugar
This is one of the most common diabetes myths; that people with the condition have to eat a sugar-free diet.
People with diabetes need to eat a diet that is balanced, which will include some sugar.
People with diabetes can eat sugar.
Myth 2: Type 2 diabetes is mild
This diabetes myth is widely repeated, but of course it isn’t true.
No form of diabetes is mild.
If type 2 diabetes is poorly managed it can lead to serious (even life-threatening) complications.
Myth 3: Type 2 diabetes only affects fat people
Whilst type 2 diabetes is often associated with being overweight and obese by the media, it is patently untrue that type 2 diabetes only affects fat people.
Many underweight type 2 diabetics exist.
There are a quite a lot of common myths that exist about diabetes. Diabetes isn't an allergy to sugar. If we eat sugar it's not going to knock us dead or cause us to be hospitalised - we just need to be more careful with how much we have because it affects our blood sugar levels.
As a general rule, it's best not to make any sweeping assumptions about what people with diabetes should or should not have.
Myth 4: People with diabetes should only eat diabetic food
Diabetic food is one of the most common myths of the last ten years. The label ‘diabetic’ is often used on sweets and other foods that are often high in fat. Diabetic food still affects blood glucose levels, is expensive, and may also cause adverse side effects.
Diabetes charity Diabetes UK recommends that people with diabetes avoid diabetic food.
Myth 5: People with diabetes go blind and lose their legs
Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness and also causes many amputations each year. However, those people with diabetes that control blood pressure, glucose, weight and quit smoking all increase their chances of remaining complication free.
Myth 6: People with diabetes are dangerous drivers
Statistics show that diabetics are no less safe on the road than anyone else.
However, the myth that people with diabetes are dangerous drivers is ongoing.
Myth 7: People with diabetes shouldn’t play sport
High-prominence diabetic sportsmen and women have disproved this diabetes myth. People with diabetes should take part in exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
There are some factors worth considering before partaking in sport, but there is no reason why people with diabetes can’t participate in most cases.
Myth 8: People with diabetes shouldn’t do some jobs
Having diabetes shouldn’t stop you from having a job. However, some professions ban people with diabetes, including some areas of the armed forces. People with diabetes may also be entitled to certain benefits.
Myth 9: People with diabetes are more likely to be ill
People with diabetes are not more likely to have colds or other illnesses. However, flu jabs are advisable and free. Because illness may interfere with blood glucose levels, early prevention is essential.
Myth 10: Diabetes is contagious
Something of a classic playground myth, diabetes cannot be caught off someone else. Not by sneezing, not through touch, nor via blood or any other person to person means.
The only way in which diabetes can be passed on is from parents to their own children but even this is only a genetic likelihood of diabetes and not the condition itself.
