7 Commonly Held Diabetes Myths - By: Don Saunders

A great deal of misunderstanding surrounds diabetes and here are 7 often quoted diabetes myths:

� Eating excessive sugar can lead to diabetes. Despite the fact that the causes of diabetes are not entirely understood, it is known that excessive sugar consumption is not one of them. Having said this, consuming excessive sugar could well lead to a person gaining weight, which is most certainly a factor in increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is however not the sugar but the increase in weight that may lead to diabetes.

� Individuals suffering from have to eat a special diabetic diet. So called 'Diabetic' versions of some foods that are often sold in health food stores are nothing more than a simple marketing ploy. Diabetics should simply eat a normal balanced diet that is low in fat and that contains only moderate levels of salt and sugar.

� Diabetics are prone to colds and flu. There is no evidence to demonstrate that individuals with diabetes are any more likely than anyone else to catch flu or a cold. Diabetics ought to however do their best to avoid such illnesses (by, for example, having an annual flu shot) because illnesses of this type can interfere with levels of blood sugar, and thus make managing diabetes more difficult.

� Diabetics should only eat very small quantities of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates, which are found in a variety of foods including bread, beans, cereals, pasta and rice and from which we get much of the glucose needed for energy, are an important element of our diet, whether or not we have diabetes. They also contain a lot of our essential fiber intake. The secret for diabetics is simply to ensure that carbohydrates are balanced with other foods and that portions are kept to a reasonable size.

� Diabetes is contagious. There is no truth in this at all. It is thought however that diabetes sufferers have a genetic predisposition for the condition and that it may be set off by such things as viruses and drugs, including antibiotics. It is possible therefore that getting a common illness, or treating such illnesses with antibiotics, could lead to diabetes.

� Taking insulin can cause high blood pressure and hardened arteries. Early tests lead to the suggestion that insulin may play a role in triggering processes that are associated with the development of hardened arteries but this has been shown to be incorrect and there is no evidence that insulin causes either high blood pressure or hardened arteries.

� Diabetics are not allowed to eat chocolate or candy. There is no reason at all why diabetics should not eat candy and chocolate, and indeed sweet desserts and cakes, provided they are consumed in reasonable small quantities and are merely one element of a normal and healthy diet plan.

The list of myths associated with diabetes goes on and on, although the 7 myths listed here are without doubt the most commonly heard and, before too much longer, will hopefully be put to rest.

About the Author

For more information on all aspects of diabetes including such things as type 2 diabetes symptoms and diabetes recipes please visit Diabetes-Treatment-And-Cure.com

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