Like all complicated matters there are certain misunderstandings regarding Diabetes.
Today I want to dispel some myths regarding diabetes.
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
People with diabetes eventually go blind
It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes
People with diabetes can't play sport
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or grapes
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods
Now for some serious myth bashing...
Can get diabetes from someone else?
There is a chance that a person whose parents or brothers and sisters have diabetes might get diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. But lifestyle factors also play a part.
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a combination of inherited and lifestyle factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your family, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended to control your weight.
Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
There is no such thing as mild or borderline diabetes. All diabetes is equally serious, and if not properly controlled can lead to serious complications.
People with diabetes eventually go blind
Although diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age, research has proved you can reduce your chances of developing diabetes complications – such as damage to your eyes – if you:
• Control your blood pressure and glucose levels
• Keep active
• Maintain your ideal body weight
• Give up smoking
It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes
providing you are responsible and have good control of your diabetes, research shows that people with diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone else. Nevertheless, the myth that people with diabetes are not safe persists.
People with diabetes can't play sport
Pakistan's famous all-rounder Wasim Akram has diabetes; many other people with diabetes take part in active sports. People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active can help avoid complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease.
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you’ve got diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu vaccinations. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose control, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with Type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.
People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate
Sweets and chocolate can be eaten by people with diabetes just like the rest of us, if eaten as part of a healthy diet. Remember that confectionery foods tend to be higher in fat and calories too so for this reason they should be limited especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or grapes
All fruit and vegetables are extremely good for you. Eating more can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, some cancers and some gut problems. This also helps to improve the overall balance of the diet. Eating a variety of different fruit and vegetables ensure you get the maximum benefit.
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods
Diabetic versions of foods offer no special benefit. The healthy diet for people with diabetes is the same as that recommended for everyone – low in fat, salt and sugar, with meals including starchy foods like bread and pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Type of Diabetes
Different Type of Diabetes
There are many types of diabetes, but the three most common are:
1. Type 1
2. Type 2
3. Gestational
These three types of Diabetes are same with some differences, everyone with diabetes has one thing in common and that is little or no ability to move glucose out of the blood into the cells, where it is converted into body's primary fuel. We all have glucose in our blood, whether or not we have diabetes. Main source for glucose is food which we eat. When we eat, the digestive system breaks down food into glucose, which is absorbed into the blood in the small intestine. Without insulin, glucose can’t move into blood cells. Scientists don't know the exact reason behind cause’s diabetes, but it seems to be a result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors, including viral infections, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle. People with diabetes can live fulfilling, healthy lives.
Type 1
Diabetics with type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or IDDM don't produce insulin and require regular supply of insulin to keep their blood glucose levels normal. Type 1 diabetes was known as juvenile-onset diabetes, but that name has been changed because type 1 diabetes also strikes young and older adults alike.
Risk factors
A family history of the diabetes increases risk for next generations.
Diabetes can happen in people of every society, but it's most common among whites.
Being age 20 or younger increases the risk.
Most of the children, whose parents are diabetics, do not suffer from this disease, but scientists still believe that heredity plays a big role in Type 1 diabetes because it tends to run in families.
Researchers have researched on several genes that appear to increase risk of type 1 diabetes. But they haven't got a single gene that causes diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes has many hallmarks of an auto-immune condition. In auto-immune diseases, the immune system, this protects from disease by killing invading germs. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the immune system kills the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin.
Type 1 diabetes often occurs shortly after a viral infection, and doctors sometimes notice a sharp jump in type 1 diabetes diagnoses after viral epidemics.
Type 2
Approximately 95 % of diabetics suffer with type 2 diabetes which is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM. Type 2 Diabetics produces insulin, but the cells in their bodies are "insulin resistant" they can't respond properly to the hormone, so glucose is accumulated in their blood. Some people with type 2 diabetes inject insulin, but mostly can control the disease through a combination of weight loss, exercise, a prescription oral diabetes medication, and tight control.
Risk factors
Similar to Type 1, Type 2 disease also runs in families and increase the risk for upcoming generations. Most of the diagnosed people with type 2 are above of age 30 or older. In comparison of whites and Asians, type 2 diabetes is more commonly found among Native Americans, African-Americans, Latinos, and Hispanics.
Insulin resistance results in increment of weight and decrement of physical activities. Most of the people suffering from type 2 diabetes have sedentary lifestyles and are obese; there weight increases at least 20 percent more than the recommended weight according to their height and build.
Less exercise, especially for those who are overweight, increases the risk for diabetes. If a female developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy, she is at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later.
Females who have given birth to babies weighing 9 pounds or more are at an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Scientists are not sure, but type 2 diabetes, like type 1 diabetes, flows from families to families, which shows some genetic connection. In fact, a genetic link in Type2 diabetes seems even stronger in comparison with type 1. Researchers also have a doubt on genetic susceptibility to obesity.
Obesity is the only single most important cause of type 2 diabetes. 75% of people with type 2 diabetes have problem of being overweight. That's why type 2 diabetes is usually linked with diet and exercise.
Less weight and good muscles helps the body use insulin more effectively. People whose weight is above their hips have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who carry it on their hips.
Age also plays an important role in type 2 diabetes. Most of the newly diagnosed are of age 55 and above, and around 11 percent of Americans ages 65 to 74 suffers from type 2 diabetes. However, it is not sure if age is a cause of type 2 diabetes or it is simply a reflection of the fact that people tend to gain weight and become less physically active as they grow older.
Gestational
Gestational diabetes affects only to pregnant ladies without any previous history of diabetes. Nearly 137,000 U.S. females develop gestational diabetes each year.
Typically, gestational diabetes is cleared up on its own after female’s delivery. But research shows that about 40% of females with gestational diabetes face type 2 diabetes within 15 years. All pregnant ladies should be tested for gestational diabetes between their 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes and insulin resistance can be prevented by keeping a healthy weight, having healthy food and with the help of regular exercise.
Risk factors
Diabetes problem flows from generation to generation.
Increase in weight, increases insulin resistance.
Native Americans, African-Americans, and people of Hispanic or Latino descent are at increased risk. Hormones may play an important role. Pregnant ladies produce various hormones important for their baby's growth. However, these hormones may interfere with the mother's body's ability to properly use insulin, causing insulin resistance.
Every pregnant lady has some degree of insulin resistance. But if this resistance becomes full-blown gestational diabetes, it usually appears around the 24th week of pregnancy. That's why all pregnant ladies should be screened for gestational diabetes at that time.
Today I want to dispel some myths regarding diabetes.
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
People with diabetes eventually go blind
It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes
People with diabetes can't play sport
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or grapes
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods
Now for some serious myth bashing...
Can get diabetes from someone else?
There is a chance that a person whose parents or brothers and sisters have diabetes might get diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. But lifestyle factors also play a part.
Eating too much sugar causes diabetes
Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. Diabetes is caused by a combination of inherited and lifestyle factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight. Being overweight increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your family, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended to control your weight.
Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
There is no such thing as mild or borderline diabetes. All diabetes is equally serious, and if not properly controlled can lead to serious complications.
People with diabetes eventually go blind
Although diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people of working age, research has proved you can reduce your chances of developing diabetes complications – such as damage to your eyes – if you:
• Control your blood pressure and glucose levels
• Keep active
• Maintain your ideal body weight
• Give up smoking
It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes
providing you are responsible and have good control of your diabetes, research shows that people with diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone else. Nevertheless, the myth that people with diabetes are not safe persists.
People with diabetes can't play sport
Pakistan's famous all-rounder Wasim Akram has diabetes; many other people with diabetes take part in active sports. People with diabetes are encouraged to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active can help avoid complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease.
People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses
No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you’ve got diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu vaccinations. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose control, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with Type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.
People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate
Sweets and chocolate can be eaten by people with diabetes just like the rest of us, if eaten as part of a healthy diet. Remember that confectionery foods tend to be higher in fat and calories too so for this reason they should be limited especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or grapes
All fruit and vegetables are extremely good for you. Eating more can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, some cancers and some gut problems. This also helps to improve the overall balance of the diet. Eating a variety of different fruit and vegetables ensure you get the maximum benefit.
People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods
Diabetic versions of foods offer no special benefit. The healthy diet for people with diabetes is the same as that recommended for everyone – low in fat, salt and sugar, with meals including starchy foods like bread and pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Type of Diabetes
Different Type of Diabetes
There are many types of diabetes, but the three most common are:
1. Type 1
2. Type 2
3. Gestational
These three types of Diabetes are same with some differences, everyone with diabetes has one thing in common and that is little or no ability to move glucose out of the blood into the cells, where it is converted into body's primary fuel. We all have glucose in our blood, whether or not we have diabetes. Main source for glucose is food which we eat. When we eat, the digestive system breaks down food into glucose, which is absorbed into the blood in the small intestine. Without insulin, glucose can’t move into blood cells. Scientists don't know the exact reason behind cause’s diabetes, but it seems to be a result from a combination of genetics and environmental factors, including viral infections, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyle. People with diabetes can live fulfilling, healthy lives.
Type 1
Diabetics with type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or IDDM don't produce insulin and require regular supply of insulin to keep their blood glucose levels normal. Type 1 diabetes was known as juvenile-onset diabetes, but that name has been changed because type 1 diabetes also strikes young and older adults alike.
Risk factors
A family history of the diabetes increases risk for next generations.
Diabetes can happen in people of every society, but it's most common among whites.
Being age 20 or younger increases the risk.
Most of the children, whose parents are diabetics, do not suffer from this disease, but scientists still believe that heredity plays a big role in Type 1 diabetes because it tends to run in families.
Researchers have researched on several genes that appear to increase risk of type 1 diabetes. But they haven't got a single gene that causes diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes has many hallmarks of an auto-immune condition. In auto-immune diseases, the immune system, this protects from disease by killing invading germs. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the immune system kills the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin.
Type 1 diabetes often occurs shortly after a viral infection, and doctors sometimes notice a sharp jump in type 1 diabetes diagnoses after viral epidemics.
Type 2
Approximately 95 % of diabetics suffer with type 2 diabetes which is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or NIDDM. Type 2 Diabetics produces insulin, but the cells in their bodies are "insulin resistant" they can't respond properly to the hormone, so glucose is accumulated in their blood. Some people with type 2 diabetes inject insulin, but mostly can control the disease through a combination of weight loss, exercise, a prescription oral diabetes medication, and tight control.
Risk factors
Similar to Type 1, Type 2 disease also runs in families and increase the risk for upcoming generations. Most of the diagnosed people with type 2 are above of age 30 or older. In comparison of whites and Asians, type 2 diabetes is more commonly found among Native Americans, African-Americans, Latinos, and Hispanics.
Insulin resistance results in increment of weight and decrement of physical activities. Most of the people suffering from type 2 diabetes have sedentary lifestyles and are obese; there weight increases at least 20 percent more than the recommended weight according to their height and build.
Less exercise, especially for those who are overweight, increases the risk for diabetes. If a female developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy, she is at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later.
Females who have given birth to babies weighing 9 pounds or more are at an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
Scientists are not sure, but type 2 diabetes, like type 1 diabetes, flows from families to families, which shows some genetic connection. In fact, a genetic link in Type2 diabetes seems even stronger in comparison with type 1. Researchers also have a doubt on genetic susceptibility to obesity.
Obesity is the only single most important cause of type 2 diabetes. 75% of people with type 2 diabetes have problem of being overweight. That's why type 2 diabetes is usually linked with diet and exercise.
Less weight and good muscles helps the body use insulin more effectively. People whose weight is above their hips have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who carry it on their hips.
Age also plays an important role in type 2 diabetes. Most of the newly diagnosed are of age 55 and above, and around 11 percent of Americans ages 65 to 74 suffers from type 2 diabetes. However, it is not sure if age is a cause of type 2 diabetes or it is simply a reflection of the fact that people tend to gain weight and become less physically active as they grow older.
Gestational
Gestational diabetes affects only to pregnant ladies without any previous history of diabetes. Nearly 137,000 U.S. females develop gestational diabetes each year.
Typically, gestational diabetes is cleared up on its own after female’s delivery. But research shows that about 40% of females with gestational diabetes face type 2 diabetes within 15 years. All pregnant ladies should be tested for gestational diabetes between their 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes and insulin resistance can be prevented by keeping a healthy weight, having healthy food and with the help of regular exercise.
Risk factors
Diabetes problem flows from generation to generation.
Increase in weight, increases insulin resistance.
Native Americans, African-Americans, and people of Hispanic or Latino descent are at increased risk. Hormones may play an important role. Pregnant ladies produce various hormones important for their baby's growth. However, these hormones may interfere with the mother's body's ability to properly use insulin, causing insulin resistance.
Every pregnant lady has some degree of insulin resistance. But if this resistance becomes full-blown gestational diabetes, it usually appears around the 24th week of pregnancy. That's why all pregnant ladies should be screened for gestational diabetes at that time.
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