Facts & Myths About Diabetes

Even though diabetes is becoming more and more common, there are still many myths surrounding this condition. Diabetic patients spend a lot of time dispelling these myths. Learning the truth about diabetes will help patients better manage their condition. It will also help friends and family members of diabetic patients understand what their loved ones are dealing with.

Spreading Diabetes

• Diabetes is not a contagious disease. The fact is, however, that scientists do not yet know what causes some people to develop diabetes, while others do not.

Diabetes and Dessert

• One common myth about diabetes is that people with the condition cannot eat sweet foods. As long as the patient follows a healthful diet, they can enjoy an occasional dessert or sweet food.

Diabetic Diet

• A "diabetic diet" is no different than a normal healthy diet. Diabetics, like everyone else, need to focus on natural, whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, and foods that are low in fat.

Diabetes Control

• Some believe that the only way to control diabetes is through insulin shots. While insulin is necessary for some patients, many are able to control their condition through diet and lifestyle changes.

Diabetes and Sugar Consumption

• A diet high in sugar does not cause diabetes. Obesity raises the risk of developing diabetes, and obesity can occur if an individual's diet contains too much sugar, but the sugar in and of itself does not cause the condition.

Inheriting Diabetes

• While genetics plays a role in a patient's risk for developing diabetes, it is not an inherited disease.