What Is Diabetes? Home & Hearth Caregivers Separates Facts from Fiction.

“No cookies for you!” “You should stay away from eating bread, too!” With the rising number of diabetes diagnoses in America, the myths surrounding the disease seem to rise as well. For years, a number of common misconceptions about diabetes have added to the confusion in providing the best care, but the Illinois senior care experts at Home & Hearth Caregivers want to help set the record straight. We’ve put together a list of some common diabetes myths and the corresponding facts to help you make more informed decisions about diabetes care.

Myth: Diabetes isn’t really serious.

Fact: Diabetes is, in fact, a very serious disease. It causes more deaths each year than AIDS and breast cancer combined. As many as 2/3 of those with diabetes die as a result of heart disease or stroke. Diabetics can, however, often live normal lives, but it’s important for them to adhere to their physician’s prescribed treatment, including ongoing daily maintenance.

Myth: You can get diabetes from being overweight.

Fact: Being overweight does not automatically mean a person will develop diabetes. However, it is true that one of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes is being overweight; but most individuals who are overweight never develop it. In addition, many of those with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight.

Myth: Too much sugar causes someone to develop diabetes.

Fact: Consuming too much sugar does not make someone a diabetic. It’s crucial for all of us to eat a healthy diet, but eating too much sugar in and of itself is unlikely to cause diabetes. Diabetes begins with a disruption in the body’s ability to turn food into energy.

Myth: Once you’re diagnosed with diabetes, you can never eat sweets again.

Fact: Diabetics can still eat sweets, as long as they’re eaten in moderation and are part of a nutritious meal plan and in conjunction with exercise. However, those with diabetes must take their insulin prescription exactly as recommended to be sure that the sugar they consume will be absorbed by the body and doesn’t remain in the blood.

Myth: Those with diabetes need to stay away from carbs.

Fact: Carbs should still be eaten by diabetics. They’re the foundation of a healthy diet, as they contain a number of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, fiber, and minerals. However, since carbs have the greatest impact on blood sugar levels, portion size must be carefully monitored.

For most individuals, type 2 diabetes is progressive and requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to remain healthy. Home & Hearth Caregivers’ professional care team can plan and prepare healthy meals in adherence to a prescribed dietary plan, assist with medication management, and more to help seniors with diabetes effectively manage their disease and avoid diabetic burnout. Contact us at 800-349-0663 to learn more.