Diabetes is such a popular topic online, especially for Hispanics and Latinos since they have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There is so much information; so many times people don’t know what to believe. The American Diabetes Association is the best organization and source for diabetes information that helps dispel myths.
According to the American Diabetes Association, these are some of the myths and facts about diabetes, a disease that affects 1.25 million Americans and 371 million people worldwide.
Myth
Diabetes is not a serious disease.
Fact Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Having diabetes nearly doubles your chance of having a heart attack. The good news is that good diabetes control can reduce your risks for diabetes complications.
Myth
Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.
Fact Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger its onset; type 2 is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight increases your risk for developing type 2, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. Research has shown that sugary drinks are linked to type 2 diabetes.
Myth
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses.
Fact You are no more likely to get sick if you have diabetes. However, an illness can make your diabetes more difficult to control.
Myth
Women with diabetes shouldn’t get pregnant.
Fact Women who manage their diabetes well can have a normal pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.
People with diabetes can feel when their blood glucose level goes too low.
Fact Not always. Some people cannot feel or recognize the symptoms of low blood glucose, or hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous.
Myth
It’s possible to have “just a touch” or “a little” diabetes.
Fact There is no such thing. Everyone who has diabetes runs the risk of serious complications.
Myth
You have to lose a lot of weight for your diabetes to improve.
Fact Losing just 7% of your body weight can offer significant health benefits—about 15 pounds if you weigh 200.
Myth
Diabetes doesn’t run in my family, so I’m safe.
Fact Family history is only one of several risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Myth
You’ll know if you have diabetes by your symptoms.
Fact Not always. Type 2 diabetes often goes undiagnosed because it usually has few or no symptoms when it first develops.
Gestational diabetes doesn’t need to be taken seriously, as it will disappear after a woman gives birth.
Fact It puts both mother and child at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Myth
People with diabetes can’t donate blood.
Fact You’re eligible to donate blood as long as your diabetes is well controlled.
Myth
People with type 2 diabetes who need to use insulin are in serious trouble.
Fact Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, and most people with it eventually need insulin. By using insulin to keep their diabetes in good control, people with type 2 can often avoid complications and lead a healthy life.
Myth
People with diabetes need to follow a special diet.
Fact People with diabetes benefit from the same healthy diet that is good for everyone else: plenty of whole grains and fruits and vegetables, with a limited amount of fat and refined sugar.
Myth
People with diabetes can’t perform certain jobs.
Fact You have rights, and federal laws prohibit discriminations against workers with diabetes.
NEXT: Do Obese and Skinny People Have the Same Risk for Diabetes?