More Myths about Type 2 Diabetes

Myth 5: Type 2 Diabetics don't need medication. They can cure themselves naturally.

It's true that there are some complementary treatments that work alongside your scientifically-supported prescribed medication to help treat Type 2 Diabetes. Some of these natural methods  that help control diabetes are supported by science, and may even help put your condition into remission so that your doctor agrees you may reduce or stop some medication (though you will still require consistent monitoring). 

Always discuss anything you plan to use with your doctor first.

Myth 6: Type 2 Diabetes means you have to inject yourself four times a day.

It's uncommon for Type 2 Diabetes to require an insulin injection. If it does ever reach the stage that oral medication is no longer effectively managing the disease, it will probably only need to be injected once daily (without any additional medication).

Type 2 Diabetes most often requires oral medication and lifestyle management, however.

Myth 7: Only irresponsible Type 2 Diabetics end up on insulin.

Around 25% of Type 2 Diabetics will develop "insulin exhaustion". Put simply, their insulin-producing cells are worn-out and can no longer produce any insulin. As specialist, Dr. Kerr, says:

"It's not because they have done anything wrong, simply that...they cannot produce enough insulin to keep up with the demands of the food."

Myth 8: Exercise is too dangerous for a diabetic

Exercise is vital to controlling your Type 2 Diabetes, a part of the healthy lifestyle and medication regime that you will be prescribed. However, that doesn't mean you can be reckless. Take your blood glucose levels before you exercise. If your blood glucose levels are under 7mmol/L (126 mg/dL) have a snack before you begin. Consult your specialist if your blood glucose levels are higher than 13mmol/L (234 mg/dL), as exercise can push your blood glucose levels higher.

Myth 9: Fruit's healthy, so you should just live on a diet of fruit.

Fruit is healthy. It carries vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, it is also bursting with fructose. Fructose is transported straight to your liver, where it is broken-down into smaller molecules before being rebuilt as glucose, ready to be used by your body. The glucose generated through this rather long process is indistinguishable from the glucose consumed in sucrose (table sugar).

You shouldn't avoid fruit. However, you should talk to your dietician about the best types of fruit and the right quantity for daily consumption. Keep in mind that some foods should always be on the diabetic grocery list, while others should be avoided no matter what as they will make a huge difference in your blood sugar control.

Myth 10: I don't need to check my blood glucose levels. I always know if I'm hypo- or hyperglycaemic.

While we'd love to think we were all so in-tune with our body, we'd always know if we we're ill, that's not the case. Hyperglycaemia can cause excessive urination, tiredness, thirst and headache. Urinating more and tiredness could be a sign of a simple urinary tract infection while you could be thirsty and have a headache on any hot day, and dismiss the symptoms.

Hypoglycaemia can cause shakiness, bad tempers, sweating, hunger, paleness, tiredness, lack of concentration, and headache. If you look at the symptoms, they almost sound like the onset of the flu.

The point is that it's impossible to know. Especially if you've been off-colour lately, you might miss the symptoms until it's too late.

It's always worth knowing that your feelings become less accurate the longer you're diabetic.

Myth 11: If you have diabetes, you'll eventually go blind or lose a foot

It's true that all diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) can lead to vision problems (it's the leading cause of sight loss in working age people in the UK), and foot problems that may lead to amputation. However, neither of these things are a certainty. Both these things, and other complications, can be prevented by correct management of your condition:

• Taking all prescribed medicine correctly
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Drinking no more than 150ml of fruit juice a day (these can be deceptively-high in sugar)
• Taking sensible exercise
• Try and keep a healthy weight
• Give up smoking

Separating the fact from the fiction of Type 2 Diabetes is the first step to managing this condition.

Did any of our myths surprise you?