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Myth
#1: You can catch Diabetes from
someone else.
No. Although we don’t know exactly why some
people develop Diabetes, we know Diabetes is not contagious. It can’t be
caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in Diabetes,
particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part.
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Myth
#2: People with Diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate.
If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or
combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with
Diabetes. They are no more “off limits” to people with Diabetes, than they
are to people without Diabetes.
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Myth
#3: Eating too much sugar causes Diabetes.
No. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic
and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight does increase your risk for
developing type 2 Diabetes. If you have a history of Diabetes in your family,
eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your
weight.
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Myth
#4: People with Diabetes should eat special diabetic foods. A healthy meal plan for people with Diabetes is the
same as that for everyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat),
moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables
and fruit. Diabetic and “dietetic” versions of sugar-containing foods
offer no special benefit. They might raise blood glucose levels, are usually
more expensive and
can
also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.
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Myth
#5: If you have Diabetes, you should
only eat small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes
and pasta.
Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What
is important is the portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and
starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your
meals and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with Diabetes, having
3-4 servings of carbohydratecontaining foods is about right. Whole grain
starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut
healthy.
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Myth
#6: 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 have Diabetes. However, people with Diabetes are advised to get
flu shots. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose
management, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those
with type 1 Diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.
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#7: Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood
pressure. No,
insulin does not cause atherosclerosis. In the laboratory, there is evidence
that insulin can initiate some of the early processes associated with
atherosclerosis. Therefore, some physicians were fearful that insulinmight aggravate the development of high blood
pressure and hardening of the arteries. But it doesn’t.
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Myth #8: Insulin causes weight gain, and because
obesity is bad for you, insulin should not be taken. Both
the UKPDS (United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study) and the DCCT (Diabetes
Control & Complications Trial) have shown that the benefit of glucose
management with insulin far outweighs (no pun intended) the risk of weight
gain.
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Myth #9: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is
ok to eat as much of it as you wish.
Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and
lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruit contains carbohydrate, it needs
to be included
in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types
of fruits you should eat.
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Myth
#10: You don’t need to change
your Diabetes regimen unless
your A1C is greater than 8 percent.
The better your glucose control, the less likely
you are to develop complications of diabetes. An A1C in the sevens (7s),
however, does not represent good control. The ADA goal is less than 7 percent.
The closer your A1C is to the normal range (less than 6 percent), the lower
your chances of complications. However, you increase your risk of
hypoglycemia, especially if you have type 1 Diabetes. Talk with your health
care provider about the best goal for you.
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– Source
American Diabetes Association
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