There are so many diseases we can think of; Hypertension, cancer, kidney problems, just to name a few.
READ: 4 Subtle Yet Deadly Signs of Heart Attack
The fact is everyone can get Diabetes – even for someone who has a healthy lifestyle.
The number of patients every year is dramatically increasing. There are approximately 415 million diabetic people worldwide. In fact, in the Philippines alone, there are about 3 million recorded diabetic patients.
Most often than not, we are unaware that they can be prevented and treated. Truthfully, all we need is proper knowledge and a conscious decision to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Food intake and physical activity play a vital role in one’s lifestyle. I suggest reading our article about healthier breakfast options.
Interestingly enough, Diabetes is one of those diseases often misunderstood. Every time I’d say I have diabetes, people are quick to say: “You should stop eating cakes and ice cream.” And I cringe.
Although, it is listed as the 8th major cause of deaths in the world, Diabetes can also be prevented or treated as soon as you change your lifestyle. Moreover, medical breakthroughs aren’t impossible to happen in this day and age.
To arm yourself with what you need to know, here are some misconceptions about Diabetes that we will break for your peace of mind.
5. Being overweight means you will immediately get Diabetes
Generally, obesity will eventually lead to many chronic diseases such as Diabetes.
But being chubby or fat doesn’t connotate you already have Diabetes. Here are the vital factors of having Diabetes:
- hereditary
- sedentary lifestyle
- high blood
Please note that hereditary plays a huge role in determining who is susceptible to have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. However, it doesn’t mean gaining weight is okay. The best way is to have your BMI checked to determine if you’re overweight or not.
4. You need to give yourself insulin right away
Souce: medscape.com
Again, Diabetes is a chronic disease which can only be determined by several blood tests like FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) or HbIAC. As defined by diabetes.co.uk, the term HbA1c refers to glycated hemoglobin. It develops when hemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body, joins with glucose in the blood, becoming ‘glycated’.
Only doctors can tell when to use insulin. While your doctor may prescribe injectable medications which require shots, there are also other treatments available out there. Â Make sure to talk to your physician about it first.
3. You can’t eat sweets
Wrong. There are healthy kinds of sweets too, like dark chocolates if eaten in moderation.
Luckily, there are diabetes-friendly alternatives perfect for Diabetic people.
It is also advisable for you to draft and adhere to a meal plan that is approved by your doctor. Make sure to eat sweets in small portions in order to prevent huge spikes in your blood sugar levels. In general, you can eat everything but in moderation.
2. It is caused by eating too much sugar
False. Contrary to what we know – that we can get Diabetes out of eating cakes, candies, etc., – ANYTHING we eat, our body transforms them to sugar or glucose. In the process of digestion, people without diabetes, the pancreas should be able to release insulin. On the other hand, with diabetic people, that process doesn’t work. And that’s why if you do not control that, it could lead to Diabetes Type 1 or Type 2. The similarity between the two types is that there is a problem with your insulin production.
According to research, eating too much sugar doesn’t lead to Diabetes. Your lifestyle and genes hold the biggest factors in getting the disease.
1. Diabetes hinders an active lifestyle
This is another myth that you need to eradicate. Exercises like running or walking best help control your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, food supplements like ATC Healthcare’s Bitter Go might be able to help lower your blood sugar levels.
I was advised to exercise and lose weight by eating veggies and cutting down on pork and processed food. I also learned that Ampaya has been proven effective to help lower blood sugar levels but I really cannot take the bitter taste, so Bitter Go food supplement is a great alternative.
If you have other complications like heart disease or high blood pressure, gentle workouts like yoga is advisable. But then again, the approval of your physician is a must.
There are a lot of myths about diabetes that make it hard for people to believe facts – such as diabetes is a serious and potentially deadly disease. Inaccurate information may cause a lot of misconceptions. When in doubt, talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider nearest you.
Stay healthy, because health is wealth!
Did I miss anything? Have you got other ways to help lower blood sugar levels? Share them below!
