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Dispelling the myths of diabetes.

C

chr1234

Active Member
Messages
29
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi all,

I am currently a diabetic student studying at the Illustration at university. For my next project I want to do a short animation dispelling the myths of diabetes and also giving advice on what diabetes actually is and the reasons why people have it.

I was wondering if any of you could shed some light on things you were told when first diagnosed and how these actually differ from reality?

For example I was told I was not allowed to eat any sweets at all unless I was having a hypo, and should really avoid pasta and bread which I soon realised was not the case!

Also what do people say when you tell them you have diabetes? the common one I get is 'but your not fat' or 'your really healthy, why do you have it?'

Thank you in advance!

Charlotte :)
 
A few things really (a couple you have mentioned)
-You're allowed NO sugar (cakes/biscuits/sweets)
-You're not fat, yup a common one
-"So do you wee a lot" (ok not totally myth on diagnosis but to think it happens all the time, errr no)
-You must be hyperactive a lot. (This is obv link to the whole feeding a kid too much sugar and them being hyperactive)
-They always think you're destined to have cataracts/amputations
...I'm sure I will think of more at some point.
 
I think from your intro you are talking about T1 diabetes, there are other myths that refer to T2.

Only children have T1 diabetes(children with T1 grow up to be adults with T1)

Only children get T1 diabetes (it can occur at any age, the oldest I've heard of was in her 90s)
 
Too many too mention, I was once asked did I liked a lot of sugar on my cornflakes before diagnosis, I've also been told I look to healthy to be a diabetic but I've no idea what that's meant to mean :(
 
I have one friend who constantly offers me sweets, cakes and bisbuits at work - when I say 'No thanks' she always says 'Why don't you have a day off' - I must have explained loads of times but she always says the same thing!
 
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