George Bernard Shaw famously said, “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.” Many times, complex health issues are easily misunderstood. Even though diabetes is on the rise in the United States, there are still many myths surrounding the disease.
Here are some of the common misconceptions many individuals have about diabetes along with the real facts:
- Myth: Diabetes is not that serious.
Fact: Diabetes results in more deaths each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three diabetics die from heart disease or stroke. - Myth: People who are overweight will probably get diabetes.
Fact: Being overweight is one risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, but the majority of overweight people never develop it. In fact, many diabetic individuals are at a normal weight. - Myth: Eating an abundance of sugar is what causes diabetes.
Fact: A healthy diet is vitally important, but just eating too much sugar is not likely to result in disease, which actually begins when something disrupts the body’s ability to turn food into energy. - Myth: Once someone has diabetes, that person can never eat sweets again.
Fact: Diabetics are still able to eat sweets in moderation as part of a healthy diet and combined with exercise. However, diabetics need to take their insulin prescription exactly as the doctor advises to ensure that the sugar is absorbed properly.
If you or a senior loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to talk to the physician about what the diagnosis means and any lifestyle changes that need to be made. When you know the facts, you can better understand this complicated and sometimes misunderstood disease.
Compassionate Care Home Health Services can provide a wide range of in-home care services as well as information to help you and your loved ones. Contact our Mid-Michigan home health care team at 877.308.1212 today for more information about our home health care services, and to learn about all the areas we serve.