Six Misconceptions About Diabetes
Misconception: Type 1 diabetes is only seen in children and type 2 diabetes is seen in adults.
Fact: There is no age association with diabetes. Recent studies have shown that you can develop type 1 diabetes at any age and type 2 is increasingly being seen in young adults.
Misconception: Diabetes can be cured.
Fact: Type 2 diabetes can be placed in remission or managed with healthy lifestyle changes. However, if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle, diabetes can return.
Misconception: All type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese.
Fact: Being overweight or obese does increase your risk for diabetes. However it is estimated that 5-18% of diabetics fall within the normal-weight category.
Misconception: Diabetics can't eat carbs.
Fact: Carbohydrates are a form of macronutrient that is present in certain foods and beverages. Some packaged and manufactured foods are shown to increase blood glucose and increase risk for diabetes. However, other carbohydrate rich foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes are important in a balanced diet.
Misconception: Only sugar spikes blood glucose.
Fact: Factors such as stress, hormonal changes, sunburn, extreme weather, lack of sleep, coffee, artificial sweeteners, medications, dehydration, and smoking can elevate blood glucose levels.
Misconception: There are only 2 types of diabetes.
Fact: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the most common. However, there are several other types of diabetes including gestational diabetes, neonatal diabetes, secondary diabetes, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), and maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY).
The information provided is for educational purposes and should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any conditions. Consult with your medical provider for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions. Call 911 for medical emergencies.