MYTH: Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar
FACT: Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle choices or diets. It happens when the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system. Type 2 is more likely if one is obese, but people with normal weight or only a little overweight do develop diabetes. The best way is to take steps to lower your risk by using nutritional changes and physical activity to lose excess weight. Drink water.
MYTH: you need special foods if you have diabetes
FACT: Having an occasional treat is reasonable. But foods like chocolates, cakes, biscuits marketed as sugar-free does not make them a good choice. They are still high in saturated fat and calories and the sweetener can cause diarrhea if too much is eaten.
MYTH: Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes
FACT: Type 2 is not a mild form of diabetes. One can still develop serious life-changing complications like loss of limbs and blindness, attack and stroke.
MYTH: People with diabetes should not eat fruit.
FACT: fruit is healthy along with vegetables as they contain nutrients and fiber in conjunction with natural sugars.
MYTH: You cannot ear sweets if you have diabetes
FACT: Occasional treats are reasonable. Not everyday indulgence. It will be difficult to control blood sugar levels and your weight. You can eat small amounts of sugar in place of other carbohydrates usually eaten at a meal. If you take insulin your provider may instruct you to take higher doses than normal when you do eat sweets.
MYTH: You cannot drink alcohol if you have diabetes.
FACT: As long as one stays within the recommendations of no more than 14 units a week, make sure to have alcohol free days in between the week. Remember alcoholic drinks ass a lot of calories to the diet, which makes weight loss harder.
Insulin and alcohol and cause hypoglycemia. Make sure your drinking buddies are aware of this and there is ready glucose to revive you if need be.
MYTH: Avoiding sugar is the most important thing if one has diabetes.
FACT: High calorie-low nutrient foods like sweets and sugary drinks like cakes and biscuits should be avoided. Choose sugar-free or no-added sugar options to benefit from the nutrients without extra sugar.
MYTH: People with diabetes have to follow a special diet.
FACT: A healthy balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain, lentils, legumes, lean meat and low-fat dairy are good for all persons. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sodium and sugar. Treat the sweet tooth occasionally.