Gross Myths About Diabetes Busted

Diabetes is a disease that has attacked more than 1/3rd of the world's population. Our modern lifestyles are to be blamed for the rapid pace at which the number of diabetics is growing in the world. But along with the number of diabetics, the myths about diabetes are also growing at an alarming pace.

There is a lost misinformation about diabetes that leads to myths and speculations. Most of us do not know the facts about diabetes. Almost everyone these days has a close friend or family member who is a diabetic. We collect diabetes facts from these personal sources and construct the myths around this disease.

There is lot to know about diabetes and these myths only cloud our judgement. Whether or not you have high blood sugar, you have to know certain facts about diabetes. It is impossible to control diabetes without busting some basic myths. That is why, Boldsky is busting the worst myths about diabetes today.

These are some of the most dangerous myths about diabetes that needs to be busted.

I don't eat sweets so I won't get diabetes

Diabetes is a lifestyle disorder; it has nothing to do with your sugar consumption. And even if you don't eat sweets, the carbohydrates that you eat will be broken down into glucose in your body.

If the doctor puts me on insulin, my diabetes is in the last stage

Diabetes does not have any stages like cancer. Your blood sugar can be high, low or normal. If you take insulin and control your diabetes, you can live a healthy life for decades.

I am diabetic so I don't eat any carbs at all

Carbs are the fuel of the body and even diabetics cannot cut out carbs completely. You have to exercise and take medications for diabetes. Try to eat fibrous carbohydrates instead of refined ones.

Pumpkin and all other 'sweet' vegetables are taboo for diabetics

Diabetics should not eat foods that have a high glycemic index as they raise your blood sugar levels quickly. Pumpkin may taste sweet but does not have a high glycemic index. In fact it is beneficial for treating insulin resistance.

Diabetics must always have sugar substitutes

It is better to have natural sugars like honey and fruits instead of saccharine. This is because many sugar substitutes are carcinogenic; regular intake of these artificial sugars can cause cancer.

No one in my family has diabetes so I am safe

Diabetes is hereditary to a large extent. However, it is mainly a lifestyle disorder. So if you don't get time to exercise and have a very stressful life, you are in the high risk zone for getting diabetes.

I am not obese so I can't be diabetic

Obesity definitely increases the chances of getting diabetes. However, diabetes can also make you lose weight. So be careful if you drop pounds abruptly and effortlessly.

Kids don't have type 2 diabetes

We usually think that kids only have type 1 diabetes which is a birth defect. Considering the amount of junk food that kids eat today, it is not unheard of for kids to develop type 2 diabetes as well.

Gestational diabetes is temporary thus not a threat

It is true that gestational diabetes goes away after the pregnancy is over. However, women who suffer from gestational diabetes are at high risk to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

I take insulin/medications for diabetes so I can eat whatever I want

To control diabetes, you need to alter your diet and lifestyle. Taking insulin or medications does not give you the license to eat or do whatever you want.