As you are all aware, I was devastated last year when I received my first diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a chronic illness. I believed I had made every mistake. I believed that I had destroyed my life, my body, and my health. I blamed myself a lot for being harsh with myself. However, as I've come to terms with this over the past year, I've heard six myths repeatedly, and I want to dispel them because I'm tired of hearing them and they lead people to misunderstand diabetes.
It is important to clarify that the following information does not constitute medical advice. These observations are based on my personal experiences as a diabetic. I am not a healthcare professional, and my insights should not be interpreted as professional guidance.
It is often surprising to hear someone say, "Wow, you have diabetes? All you really have to do is stop eating sugar, you know. That’s the cause of it."
In the United States, approximately 29 million individuals are living with diabetes, yet there remains considerable misunderstanding and debate regarding its actual causes.
To begin with, it is essential to recognize that there are two primary types of diabetes: Type 1 (T1) and Type 2 (T2), each arising from different factors. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce any insulin, necessitating daily injections or the use of a pump for survival. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are insulin deficient. Conversely, Type 2 diabetes, which I have, arises when the body does not effectively utilize the insulin it produces. Contributing factors may include being overweight or having a high body fat percentage, as well as dietary choices and genetic predispositions. Even with dietary modifications and effective management, diabetes remains a lifelong condition.
There is a common misconception that Type 2 diabetes is primarily caused by excessive sugar consumption. However, this is not entirely accurate. Carbohydrates, in general, can pose challenges for those with diabetes, as the body may struggle to manage insulin production or utilization. This inefficiency can lead to elevated blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates, which encompass grains, starchy vegetables, and sugars, can cause spikes in glucose levels, but they are not the root cause of the condition. Ultimately, the issue lies in how the body produces and utilizes insulin.
“Ugh, that’s really terrible. From what I know, you can get your foot amputated!”
That is practically the last thing I want to listen to and while it can happen, as it usually does, managing T1 and T2 diabetes is all about managing diabetes as best as one can. This illness comes with myriad complications. It includes Diabetic Ketoacidosis, moments of Low and High Blood Sugar, increased risk for heart attack and stroke, vision problems and the list can go on and on.
The crux of the matter is that the measures and lifestyle changes can help you not only with diabetes, but also with other illnesses too. Taking insulin at the right time and in the right doses, taking medication as prescribed, exercising, watching your diet, staying hydrated, counting carbs, testing blood sugar, and adjusting constantly are necessary steps. Overall, just be a good steward of your body. With a highly managed form of diabetes, we all know that your body can feel and act as your normal self, you just have to do a little more work to get there. If you do that, you will be able to overall reduce the risk of a lot of complications you worry about.
There was this statement I heard once that goes along the lines of ‘Somebody said that they were able to reverse their diabetes through the use of supplements’.
And supplements alone did not cause positive change. They ‘managed’ it. They didn’t reverse it. There is no easy way out like that. Supplements don’t help. Just try and watch your carbs, work out a bit and then go back to watching yourself again. Don’t let anyone market supplements to you.
“Just eat this _______ and everything will be fine”. That tagline is very misleading.
It is unfortunate, but some people tend to forget that individuals suffering from diabetes cannot afford to eat anything without a plan in mind.
Whenever I go out with Bryan, whether it is for lunch or for date night, I am extremely cognizant of the amount and type of food I consume. Let’s be clear, I do this so I know how much insulin to inject. I know if I want to have one or two beers. I know whether I want to have dessert at the end of my meal.
Even I know that in the end goal of enjoying a few fries, one bun has to come off the burger. It’s always a give and take. So, it is difficult for me to go out into the world without any plans. So no, I cannot just eat a random cookie or even have a single random meal. It won’t turn out fine. One has to plan in order to manage properly. You need your blueprint. My blueprint is my meal plan in Evernote, pre-packing my lunches, knowing what I will eat for breakfast, snacks, and dinner, and logging my meals into My Fitness Pal so I count my macros.
“What The Health?” It states that there are too many fishes, chicken and calories from red meat which can cause diabetes. Animal Protein does wonders, and so does diabetes for your health management. doesn’t it?”
Yes, I did see “What The Health” documentary, and here’s my leg. Anything in excess is bad and one will slowly die because diabetes will do the heavy lifting. We do need some fats as well and them being in moderation will surely help your body flourish.
We've been told that protein is the building block of life, but too much of it can be harmful. If you consume too much water, it can also be harmful. Recognize your macros and adhere to them. Excess is not what our bodies are made for.
A plant-based diet is completely healthy, and cutting out animal protein won't harm you. If you want, eat plants. Consume meat if you'd like. That's it.
"Type 1 diabetes is significantly worse than Type 2 diabetes."
Not at all. In different ways, they are both bad. They are both extremely misunderstood, both are treatable, and neither has a cure. The movements of people with Type 1 and Type 2 are very similar. Although the causes and occasionally the methods of treatment differ, neither is worse than the other.
"You are lazy, which is why you have diabetes."
Of all the myths, this is the most significant. Regardless of whether you have T1 or T2, this illness is not lazy. Every meal must be planned, and insulin must be injected daily (I use pens, so I inject it two to three times a day).
Keeping track of all your prescriptions and confirming that you are able to take specific cold remedies are two examples. There are the Endo, the PCP, and making sure you exercise.
checking your feet all the time. being selective about the nail salons you visit. consuming adequate water. handling several needles in a single day.
keeping an eye on your eyes and blood pressure. It involves pushing yourself to get through the day despite feeling exhausted and depressed.
Being aware of your entire body at all times, every minute of the day.
The least lazy people are those who have diabetes. We have a life outside of the numerous tasks we might need to complete each day, even though we are always working to keep our bodies functioning. We are doing everything we can to ensure our daily survival.
For a very long time, people will continue to have misconceptions about diabetes and those who have it.
People with diabetes will always be the target of a joke, meme, or insult. When people learn that you have diabetes, there may always be a stigma and an automatic reaction.
In some respects, shame—the sense that others are criticizing you for your decisions—will never go away.
I believe that will change in the future, but for now, I'm happy to have contributed in some small way to dispelling some of the myths I've encountered during the past year.
What do you do, if you have diabetes, to inform others about the condition?
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