Myth #1: Diabetes is caused by consuming too much sugar.
The truth: You may have heard that diabetes is brought on by eating too many sweets, but that isn’t the case. Type 1 diabetes is caused when the pancreas can no longer produce insulin, a hormone that’s necessary when it comes to regulating your blood sugar levels. Although the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown, it’s believed to be brought on by a variety of factors, including genetics and certain environmental triggers, such as toxins and viruses. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is caused when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or is unable to use insulin properly.
Myth #2: Monitoring your blood sugar is painful.
The truth: It doesn’t have to be! If you experience pain while testing your blood sugar levels, then it’s time to make some simple changes in your everyday routine.
Myth #3: Obesity causes diabetes.
The truth: Yes, it’s true that being obese increases your risk for developing diabetes, but other factors, such as family history play a role as well. According to the American Diabetes Association, the majority of overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes are either at a normal weight or only slightly overweight.
Myth #4: All diabetics need insulin.
The truth: Not so! While this is true for type 1 diabetes, many people with type 2 diabetes are able to control their condition by leading a healthy lifestyle that involves a proper diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in starches, saturated fats, sugar and sodium, healthy habits (no smoking), regular exercise and taking any doctor-prescribed medication(s).