Testing It Up

Diabetes is a widespread disease that many people do not really understand. It is important that we understand the nature of the disease to be able to find a way against it, and believing in plain hearsay certainly won’t help. Here are common myths about diabetes:

Myth 1: It’s not THAT serious.

Well, considering that diabetes causes more deaths than AIDS and breast cancer combined, we can say that diabetes is a very serious disease and must not be taken lightly. Risks of diabetes, especially if left untreated, include blindness, heart attack, stroke or artery obstruction, diabetic neuropathy, foot sores, amputation, paralysis of the stomach, impotence and kidney failure.

Myth 2: Diabetes is debilitating.

Many see diabetes as a warning that you can no longer live a sporty and active lifestyle; some even feel as if they’re disabled. This is not true and you must not believe it! Although one would need a professional evaluation of what activities you can do, diabetes should not stop people from living a healthy lifestyle. In fact, studies have revealed a positive effect of regular physical activity on blood glucose levels.

Myth 3: Chocolates = Diabetes

Stuffing your face with chocolates does not equate to getting diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is primarily the result of a failure in the production of insulin by the body. The patient is then required to take insulin. Type 2 diabetes results from a resistance to insulin which happens when cells can’t use insulin the right way. It is often related with insulin deficiency. That said, diabetes is a result of a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Although indulging yourself with chocolates does increase your blood sugar, it does not presuppose diabetes. It does, however, cause tooth decay.