There is a great deal of misinformation surrounding diabetes and here we look at 7 often heard diabetes myths:
� People with diabetes are prone to catching flu and colds. There is absolutely no evidence to show that people with diabetes are any more likely than anybody else to catch flu or a cold. Diabetics should however do their best to avoid such illnesses (for example by having an annual flu shot) as illnesses of this nature can interfere with levels of blood sugar, and therefore make the management of diabetes more difficult.
� Diabetes is contagious. There is no truth in this at all. It is thought however that diabetes sufferers have a genetic predisposition to the condition and that it might be set off by such things as viruses and drugs, including antibiotics. It is possible therefore that contracting a common illness, or treating such illnesses with antibiotics, may lead to the onset of diabetes.
� Individuals suffering from have to eat a special diabetic diet. So called 'Diabetic' varieties of certain foods that are frequently sold in health food stores are nothing more than a marketing ploy. People with diabetes should simply eat a normal balanced diet that is low in fat and that contains moderate levels of salt and sugar.
� Taking insulin can result in hypertension and hardening of the arteries. Early tests lead to the suggestion that insulin might play a part in triggering processes that are associated with the development of hardened arteries but this has been proved to be incorrect and there is no evidence that insulin causes either hypertension or hardened arteries.
� Eating excessive sugar can cause diabetes. Despite the fact that the causes of diabetes are not completely understood, it is known that too much sugar consumption is not one of them. This said, eating too much sugar could well lead to an individual gaining weight, which is certainly a factor in raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is however not the sugar but the excess weight which you are carrying that may result in diabetes.
� Diabetics cannot eat candy or chocolate. There is no reason at all why diabetics should not eat candy and chocolate, and indeed cakes and sweet desserts, provided they are eaten in reasonable small quantities and are just one single element of a normal and healthy diet plan.
� People with diabetes should eat only very small quantities of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates, which are found in a range of foods including bread, beans, cereals, pasta and rice and from which the body gets much of the glucose required for energy, are an important part of our diet, whether we are diabetic or not. These foods also contain much of our essential fiber intake. The secret for diabetics is simply to ensure that carbohydrates are balanced with other food items and that portions are kept to a reasonable size.
The list of myths which are associated with diabetes of course goes on and on, however the 7 listed here are without doubt the most often encountered and, before long, will hopefully be put to rest.
Author Resource:-
For more information on all aspects of diabetes including such things as type 2 diabetes symptoms and diabetes recipes please visit Diabetes-Treatment-And-Cure.com
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