There are quite a few Indian stories about diabetes. A little extra information can therefore never hurt. Did you know, for example, that diabetes is often developed due to an unhealthy lifestyle? Let's take a look at the most common myths about diabetes.
1. Diabetes from lots of sweets
You don't just get diabetes from eating (a lot of) sugar. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or when your body no longer responds to insulin. This can be caused by excess weight. And you get that from eating too much sugar and fat. So there is an indirect connection.
2. No more sugar
The term diabetes is a bit confusing. With diabetes you can eat anything. Preferably in moderation because sugar does raise your blood sugar level. It is also important to eat healthy and varied to feel fit. You should be especially careful with carbohydrates and artificial sweeteners.
3. Diabetes is contagious
Diabetes is not an infectious disease. You cannot get it from someone else through physical contact, virus or bacteria. Not even through breastfeeding. Diabetes is really a problem that only arises due to causes in the body.
4. The risk of diabetes is small
About 5% of the Dutch population has diabetes. That may not seem like much, but the risk of developing diabetes increases as you get older. Of those over 65, 20% already have diabetes!
5. Only old people get diabetes
More and more people of different ages are developing diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes because this is related to an unhealthy lifestyle and being overweight. We see diabetes more and more often in younger and younger children. Research has yet to reveal why this happens.
6. “A little diabetes”
You either have diabetes or you don't. The treatment of diabetes is different for every person. In one case, the body no longer produces insulin at all and insulin must be injected a few times a day. In the other case, the body still produces a little insulin, so taking tablets is sufficient. There are also patients who benefit from being careful with their diet and keeping an eye on their blood sugar.
7. No serious illness
With diabetes you can live a fairly normal life. Provided your blood sugar level is stable and you are properly monitored/monitored. As long as that goes well there is no real danger. However, complications with diabetes also often occur and they can be very serious. In the worst case, diabetes can lead to blindness. Or, for example, amputation of part of the foot.
8. You will notice it automatically…
This is a very dangerous misconception. If it is not determined that you have diabetes, you cannot receive treatment. The side effects are much less serious when the disease is controlled. People at greater risk of developing diabetes (such as being overweight, heredity or age) should be screened regularly. This can of course be done by measuring yourself.
9. Can't help it...
This only applies to type 1 diabetes. You are given this variant at birth and is therefore genetically determined. However, the majority of people have type 2 diabetes. This type only occurs later in life and can arise from various causes. There is certainly a hereditary side to diabetes, but the chance is greater to develop the disease with an unhealthy lifestyle!
10. Diabetes is curable
It is impossible to cure diabetes. The closest thing currently available is a pancreas transplant in people who have type 1 diabetes. Insulin can then be produced again. But this is a very serious operation and offers no guarantees for the future. A transplant is of no use for type 2 diabetes because in these people the body has become insensitive to insulin. With type 2 diabetes, you can keep your blood glucose within normal limits through a healthy lifestyle. But healing is not possible. Treatment is of course, diabetics often treat themselves.