The American Diabetes Association surveyed thousands of Americans and found that many people have beliefs about the disease that are inaccurate. Sue McLaughlin, The President of Healthcare and Education at the American Diabetes Association, gave her opinion on the 6 biggest misperceptions about diabetes.

In 2008, statistics showed that almost 24 million people in America have diabetes.  Diabetes also leads to heart disease, stroke, and blindness, just to name a few issues.  US News and World Report published Sue McLaughlin’s points, to try to educate the public more about the symptoms and causes of diabetes.

Here are the 6 most common inaccurate beliefs about diabetes

1. Diabetes is a not serious

The first inaccurate belief that people have is that diabetes is not that serious of a health concern.  This fact is clearly not true, as McLaughlin points out, “Diabetes causes more deaths than breast cancer and HIV/AIDS combined.”  However, on the other hand, many people ignore the symptoms of diabetes and it doesn’t get diagnosed early enough.  The American Diabetes Association encourages people to see their doctor if they are having any symptoms of diabetes.

2. Sugar is the #1 culprit

A second common idea that people have is that eating too much sugar causes diabetes.  This idea is commonly held, but it is largely inaccurate.

3. If you are overweight, it can cause diabetes

Many people also believe that being overweight causes diabetes.  However, this is flawed logic, as many overweight people never get diabetes. However, it is true that you are more at risk for diabetes if your BMI is over 25.

4. Diabetics are on a different diet

Sue McLaughlin also points out that many people believe that diabetics must eat a different diet.  The fact of the matter is that those with diabetes should eat the same healthy diet that is suggested for everyone.  This means foods that are lower in fat and higher in nutrition.

5. Diabetics requires insulin

While many people believe that diabetics require insulin, this fact is not true for type 2 diabetes.  Insulin is only necessary for type 1 diabetes.  As McLaughlin points out, the trick is to make a lifestyle change.

6. Diabetes is only for the old

Lastly, a flawed belief is that only older people get diabetes.  Today, even kids that are 5 years old get diabetes.  In fact, people under the age of 18 get both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Of course, children should be encouraged to adopt healthy habits, which can last a lifetime.  These good habits include less TV, more exercise, and more fruits and vegetables.  Parents should also encourage children to skip junk food.

Source
health.usnews.com