Diabetes: Widely Believed Misconceptions That Are Not True

Misconceptions are the reason why most people get in deeper trouble with diabetes. Diabetes can be well managed by talking to specialists in the fields. Myths and misconceptions only make things worse.

The Symptoms Are Always Obvious

According to a report by CDC, 1 out of every 4 people with diabetes i.e an estimated 8 million people have no idea they’re living with the disease.

That’s partially because the symptoms of type 2 diabetes—such as increased urination and thirst, dry mouth, unusual fatigue, and blurred vision—are easily looked over or attributed to other problems. Low blood sugar—which you can easily associate with being hangry—can trigger irritability, dizziness, shakiness, and lack of coordination. It’s hard for your body to tell if this is a normal reaction or a physical disease, especially since these symptoms will slowly develop over the course of several years.

You Should Totally Stop Carbs

Most people believe this because of the fact that all carbs turn into sugar, or “glucose,” in your blood. Because diabetics have trouble regulating their blood sugar levels, people may assume that cutting out carbs completely will solve all diabetes-related problems. On the contrary, they may raise more problems because sugar is “the main energy source for our brain and body,” according to Synder.

Also carbs are the exclusive source of the digestion-slowing macronutrient, fiber, in our diet; Studies have connected high fiber diets to good gut health, a lower risk of metabolic diseases, and better regulation of body weight. In fact, multiple organizations, like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, encourage their health care providers to prescribe a whole-food, plant-based diet to their patients.

Skipping Meals Helps Blood Sugar

Although the theory behind this myth is that if you’re not eating, you’re not consuming any carbs or sugar to spike your blood sugar, there’s more going on in your body behind the scenes. In fact, according to Zanini, “This habit will work against you and could lower your metabolic rate, which would actually make it more challenging to lose weight” (which is one of the best treatments for diabetes).

When you skip meals, your body goes into a state of starvation. As a result, your body will start delving into its sugar stores—known as glycogen stores—and your blood sugar could actually rise as a result.

You Can Eat “Sugar Free” Foods Without Limit

Sure, your diet ice cream has “Sugar Free” plastered all over it, but that doesn’t mean you have free reign to delve in without restraint. While, yes, zero-calorie natural sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols do not affect blood sugar, don’t be misled into believing sugar is the only nutrient that will raise your blood glucose levels. Snyder tells us that “all carbohydrates turn to sugar in the blood,” so you should always scope out the “Total Carbohydrates” line on a food label to see how many carbs you’re eating.

Green Vegetables Alone Will Lower Blood Sugar

Yes, leafy greens are certainly healthy and filled with digestion-slowing fiber, but Snyder says green vegetables won’t bring down blood sugar on their own. You’ll also have to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and take prescribed medications.