Top 10 Diabetes Myth Busters

Myth 1 - A diabetic patient can always sense changes in his blood sugar levels

This is a dangerous myth simply because, occasionally, it is also true! Sometimes, when there are extreme changes in their blood sugar levels, some people have been able to detect it. But the catch is- it’s only some people and sometimes! To make this even more confusing, some of the symptoms of high and low blood glucose are so similar that it can become really hard to decipher what your body is trying to tell you. Even though it is important to watch out for your body’s warning signals, a glucometer which tracks your blood sugar is the safest bet! Because, when it comes to diabetes, you can never be too careful!

Myth 2 - Insulin can make a man impotent

In fact, insulin can save a man from impotency. Here’s how it works. If a man’s blood sugar level rises too high and stays ‘put’ right there, the sugar can stick to his cells and cause severe nerve damage, which results in several complications including impotency and loss of vision. Such damage can either be temporary or permanent. Impotence or erectile dysfunction, caused by such nerve damage, can to some extent be reversed by good control of diabetes. Loss of vision, however, is permanent and non-reversible.

Myth 3 - Oral Pills and insulin can cure diabetes

Till date, medicine hasn’t offered us a cure for diabetes; it can only give us controls at best. But living with diabetes isn’t too difficult these days. A combination of medication, a healthy meal plan (that balances carbs, proteins and fats) and regular exercise does the trick! Oral pills (which make insulin function better) and insulin shots are more effective when they don't have to struggle to lower your high blood glucose. As long as you take care not to pump in excess glucose into your system, you’ll be doing just fine!

Myth 4 - Children with diabetes eventually outgrow it.

This is indeed a common misconception. Children generally get Type 1 diabetes (the insulin dependent version) characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Something that cannot be outgrown! Currently, Type 1 diabetes has no preventive measure that works against it. Hence, children need to be extra careful if they’re suffering from this disease.

Myth 5 - My family has a long history of diabetes. I can’t escape it!

Just because several of your family members are diabetic, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed too! Nevertheless, you are definitely at higher risk of developing diabetes and hence, you should bring in healthier lifestyle changes- food, exercise, regular blood tests and the like. Despite all this, if you still turn out to be diabetic, don’t lose hope! Diabetes is a serious disease, but most essentially, it is also controllable. Don’t let this disease hinder you from living a long and satisfying life!

On the other hand, if you are among the lucky few without a family history of diabetes, don’t ever let your guard down. Factors like weight, lifestyle and certain viruses are also known to play a role in the disease. Who knows? When it comes to your family, you could be first in line!

Myth 6 - “Borderline diabetes” is harmless!

You either have diabetes, or you don’t – and that’s it! Even if your doctor christens your diabetes “borderline”, it’s still there and cannot be wished away. You can be sure you’re diabetic if your -

a) Fasting blood sugar reading is above 126 mg/dl, or
b) Random blood sugar is over 200 mg/dl on at least two occasions.

However, if it’s just a “touch of excess sugar” all you need to do is be a little more careful with your diet and make sure you don’t miss out on your regular exercise. Remember, better safe than sorry!

Myth 7 - Type 2 diabetes generally displays common symptoms

Type 2 diabetes, which usually occurs later in life and even gestational diabetes (which occurs in some women during pregnancy), has few or no symptoms. Since the patients’ pancreas does produce small amounts of insulin, their symptoms are mild or non-existent. Unfortunately, they either don't make enough insulin, or it is not being used properly- a potentially dangerous situation. Hence, only a blood test can tell for sure if they have diabetes or not. It isn’t advisable to go by symptoms alone.

Myth 8 - For diabetics, foods like sweets, bread, potatoes etc. are a strict “no-no”

If you’re a diabetic with a penchant for good food, there’s no need to sulk! Most foods do contain carbs, even milk and fruits- so you can’t avoid carbs all together! With the advice of a good dietician, you could allow yourself anywhere between 6 to 11 servings of carb-containing foods, including starchy vegetables such as yams, potatoes, pasta, bread and grains. And the occasional “sweets” treat isn’t too bad either! Having said that, also keep this in mind: too much of anything only leads to empty calories.

Myth 9 - Your diabetes is probably getting worse if your insulin dosage has been raised!

Here’s a common diabetes myth that is absolutely baseless! Each person’s requirement of food, activity, and medicine (like insulin) for maintaining acceptable levels of blood sugar is different- so don’t fret. Also, if your doctor doesn’t prescribe any medication presently, it doesn’t mean you can slack up either. Medication may be needed later because diabetes isn’t a static disease, it does change over time.

Myth 10 - Diabetic patients become automatically ineligible for certain jobs (like being an airline pilot, for example)

Surprisingly, this myth was actually a fact till some time back (in those days when diabetes wasn’t manageable). In fact, diabetics were automatically disqualified from certain ranks in the military, and occupations like being a pilot or a long-distance driver. Things are, however, changing these days with many of these professions modifying their current requirements.