If you or someone you know has diabetes, it’s time to set the record straight. From old wives’ tales to obvious misinformation, the myths surrounding diabetes are everywhere!
But first, let’s lay the groundwork. As you probably know, diabetes can affect people in two forms, type 1 and type 2. The first type involves the pancreas failing to make insulin, while type 2 means your body makes less insulin than you need. Both types affect how your body makes use of glucose or blood sugar.
General symptoms include increased thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, fatigue, irritability, and slow healing, to name a few. According to the Office of Minority Health, Black Americans are roughly 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than white Americans.
Alright, now that that’s outta the way (and we realize the importance), let’s go right into 10 common myths about diabetes.
1. Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes
This one’s straight from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). While they acknowledge that too many sweets can contribute to developing diabetes, the truth is a little more complicated.
Type 1 is largely due to genetics, and type 2 is often triggered by unhealthy lifestyles, high blood pressure, and obesity. Sugar plays a role, but it ain’t the end-all-be-all!
2. You’re Gonna Lose a Limb
Yes, amputations do happen, and a large percentage of non-accident related amputations are due to diabetes – that’s true. But losing a limb surely isn’t a guarantee.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), diabetics have a 25 percent lifetime likelihood of getting a foot ulcer, and roughly 20 percent end up with an amputation. It is important to note, though, that some studies show Black diabetics have a nearly three times greater risk of amputation than other races.
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3. You Can’t Eat Carbs
While too many carbs can jack your blood glucose levels, avoiding them entirely isn’t necessarily the answer. In moderation, they can be beneficial. Ask your doctor, as research indicates Black folks tend to eat more carbs and less total fat and fiber than white folks.
4. Obesity Is the Main Cause
Just like people say sugar directly causes diabetes, they also say being overweight causes it. Here’s the short and skinny: being obese is a