Type 2 Diabetes Myths Busted

When you tell your friends that you've been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, you may notice their eyes glaze over. It has seeped into public consciousness that Type 2 Diabetes is less serious than Type 1, a simply self-inflicted illness that can be entirely prevented (even cured) by eating fewer sweets and snacks. Here, we examine some of the most common and harmful myths and misconceptions of Type 2 Diabetes, and explore the truth.

Is Type 2 Diabetes a big problem?

It's estimated that of the 415 million diabetics worldwide, 90% are Type 2. One in two is undiagnosed, presenting a massive potential health problem for years to come.

If you have the following diabetes symptoms, see a doctor:

• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness
• Cuts that are slow to heal
• Frequent episodes of thrush, or itching around the vagina or penis

Now let's examine the harmful myths that surround Type 2 Diabetes.

Myth 1: Type 2 Diabetes isn't that serious

All diabetes is serious and will lead to serious complications - including kidney disease, eye problems, and foot ulcers which may lead to amputation - if improperly managed. Additionally, having diabetes (regardless of whether it's Type 1 or Type 2) almost doubles your risk of heart attack.

Myth 2: Type 2 Diabetes is a fat-person disease

Obesity is a risk factor in Type 2 Diabetes; however it is not the only cause. Genetic and environmental factors are also to blame. Many adults are a normal weight or only slightly overweight when diagnosed, while many obese people never develop the disease. Other risk factors include age, ethnicity (African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans seem at especial risk), and family history (diabetes is often found to cluster in families).

Recent research hints that an autoimmune reaction may also be partly responsible (as is the case in Type 1 Diabetes). Research shows the antibody anti-CD20 prevented diabetes developing in prediabetic mice, and rebalanced their blood glucose levels (even though the mice had a strong genetic predisposition). Human studies suggest an autoimmune reaction may be at-work in human diabetics, too.

Myth 3: Diabetics should only eat "diabetic" food

There is no need to buy expensive "diabetic foods". A healthy balanced diet is all you need. In fact, some "diabetic foods" contain sugar alcohols (such as xylitol, sorbitol or maltitol) and can be counter-productive. Not only can they raise your blood glucose levels more, they can also cause unpleasant gastrointestinal effects including gas and diarrhoea.

Besides eating right for diabetes doesn't have to bust your budget. Here's a list of diabetic foods everyone can afford. 

Myth 4: Diabetics should avoid all sugar

There's nothing wrong with the occasional dessert following a meal, or a sweet treat as part of a balanced, healthy diet. However, monitor your blood glucose levels, eat small portions, and try to eat sweets with a meal to prevent them being digested too quickly. Large portions, sugary drinks, or sugared products consumed by themselves can be digested quickly and cause an unpleasant spike in your blood glucose levels.

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?