MYTH: No one in the family has diabetes, so I won’t get diabetes
FACT: Many people with diabetes have no family members with diabetes. However, having a family history is a risk factor for both type 1 and 2 diabetes.
MYTH: Taking insulin means mismanaged blood sugar levels
FACT: People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin because their body no longer produces this important hormone. Type 2 diabetes is progressive, which means that the body makes less insulin over time. So over time, exercise, diet changes, and oral medicines or non-insulin injectable medicines may not be enough to keep your blood sugar in control. Then you need to use insulin to keep blood sugar in a healthy range.
MYTH: I can stop taking diabetes meds once my blood sugar is under control.
FACT: Some people with type 2 diabetes are able to control their blood sugar without medicine by losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. But diabetes is a progressive disease, and over time, even if you are doing all you can to stay healthy, you may need medicine to keep your blood sugar within your target range.
MYTH: I have borderline diabetes, so I do not need to worry.
FACT: People with abnormal blood sugar levels high enough not to be normal but not high enough to be in the diabetes range have the risk over ten years for developing diabetes. Lower your risk by exercising 150 minutes a week and losing weight.
MYTH: It is not safe to exercise with diabetes.
FACT: regular exercise al east 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous exercise is important in managing diabetes. The exercise program needs to be safe depending on how well controlled the diabetes is.
MYTH: Is diabetes a serious disease?
FACT: Yes. Diabetes causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined and having diabetes nearly doubles your chance of having a heart attack. The good news is that managing your diabetes can reduce your risk for diabetes complications.
MYTH: If you have diabetes, can you eat starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes, and pasta?
FACT: Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key. These foods tend to have more carbs and eating them will raise your blood glucose.
MYTH: Do people with diabetes need to avoid carbohydrates?
FACT: There is no evidence to suggest that people with diabetes need to avoid carbs, though some people choose eating plans that avoid them. In fact, the evidence suggests that including the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fat can help manage your blood glucose. Working with your health care team can help you find the right balance for you.