Myth #1: I feel fine, so I don't think I have diabetes.
Fact: Many people do not know they have diabetes until complications set in. The damage from diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke and nerve damage, may take years to show.
Myth #2: My fasting blood glucose level is just slightly above normal, there's nothing
to worry about.
Fact: If your blood glucose is higher than normal but not within the range for diagnosis of diabetes, you have Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Myth #3: No one in my family has diabetes so my chance of getting it is small.
Fact: Although family history of diabetes is one of the risk factors, leading an unhealthy lifestyle and being overweight or obese can also increase your risk of getting diabetes.
Myth #4: I have Type 2 Diabetes, but it's not serious as it's milder than Type 1 Diabetes.
Fact: All types of diabetes are serious. If not well controlled, the high blood glucose level can lead to serious complications like nerve damage, foot ulcers and amputation, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and blindness.
Myth #5: Too much sugary foods can cause diabetes.
Fact: Eating sugary foods does not cause diabetes. However, eating too much foods high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight. This in turn increases your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Myth #6: Diabetes is contagious and you can 'catch' it from someone.
Fact: Diabetes is not contagious and cannot be caught like the flu. It is a condition caused by a combination of factors like family history and unhealthy lifestyle practices and being overweight or obese.
Myth #7: I only need oral medication for my diabetes so it is not serious.
Fact: Whether you inject insulin or take oral medication, diabetes is still a serious medical condition. It is important to control your blood glucose level to prevent complications.
Myth #8: I am already taking medication for my diabetes, so I do not need to
exercise at all.
Fact: Regular physical activity helps lower your blood glucose level and improves insulin action. It also lowers your risk of heart disease and improves your overall health. If you have not exercised for a long time, consult your Doctor BEFORE starting any exercise plan.
Myth #9: I have diabetes so I can only eat special diabetic foods.
Fact: "Diabetic foods" offer no special benefits. Like everyone else, people with diabetes are advised to have a healthy and balanced diet. Consult a Dietitian to help you develop a personalised meal plan.
Myth #10: I have diabetes. I should not eat fruits because I'm trying to control my blood
sugar level.
Fact: Fruits can raise the blood sugar level as they contain carbohydrates. However, they must still be included in your diet as they are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Check with your Dietitian on the amount you should eat.
Myth #11: I have diabetes. I can't eat sweets or chocolates.
Fact: People with diabetes can include foods with added sugars (e.g. sweets, cakes and chocolate) in their meal plan. However it is advisable to limit the intake of such foods as they are usually low in nutritional value, and may be high in fat. Talk to your Dietitian on how you can incorporate these foods in your diet.
Myth #12: I should only eat a little rice, noodles and bread to keep my diabetes under
control.
Fact: Starchy foods and vegetables (e.g. rice, bread, noodles, cereals, potato, yam) are the main sources of energy for your body. These foods should be included as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Eat them in portions recommended by your Dietitian.
Myth #13: If I have diabetes, I will eventually lose my limbs and my sight.
Fact: Diabetes is a serious medical condition, but complications like kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, foot amputation and heart disease may not occur if you keep your diabetes under control with lifelong treatment and healthy lifestyle changes.
Myth #14: Only fat people get diabetes.
Fact: Diabetes can happen to anyone but being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Other factors like family history and unhealthy lifestyle practices also increases your risk.
Myth #15: I am on diabetes medication, so I can eat what I want.
Fact: Poor eating habits will still affect blood glucose control and increase your risk of complications. To manage diabetes properly, take your medicine as prescribed and follow your personalised meal plan.
Myth #16: I heard that taking insulin can cause impotence.
Fact: Insulin does not cause impotence but helps to lower your blood glucose level. Rather, it is uncontrolled diabetes that can cause erectile dysfunction (impotence) as a result of complications related to the nerves and blood vessels.
Myth #17: Diabetes can be cured.
Fact: Diabetes is a lifelong condition. It cannot be cured BUT through proper management, it can be well controlled. |
