4 Myths about Diabetes

In recent years, diabetes has become a popular subject of discussion and concern, most likely due to the increasing number of people who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. With all of the information circulating about the disease, it is not surprising that several diabetes diet myths have also developed. The Joslin Diabetes Center has identified the four most common myths about diabetes diets that might help clear up some of the facts.

1. The first common misconception about diabetes is that it is caused by eating too much sugar. This is not the case. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin, and may be caused by environmental triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to the disease. Type 2 diabetes is the result of the body not producing enough insulin and usually occurs in people who are overweight, over the age of forty, and have a family history of the condition.

2. Another diabetes diet myth identified by the Joslin Diabetes Center is that taking insulin means a person is a "bad diabetic." But, those with type 1 diabetes must take insulin in order to survive as it is the only treatment option, and those who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may feel that they have more control over their glucose levels when they use insulin. Having this awareness could result in fewer complications.