Myths About Diabetes

1.

You can catch diabetes from someone else.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Exactly why some people develop diabetes is not know; however, diabetes is not contagious. It can’t be caught like a cold or flu.

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2.

People with diabetes can eat sweets or chocolate.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes. They are no more “off limits” to people with diabetes, than they are to people without diabetes.

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3.

Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. However, being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

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4.

People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is the same as that for everyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and “dietetic” versions of sugar-containing foods offer no special benefit. They still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols.

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5.

If you have diabetes, you should not eat starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods is about right. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy.

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6.

People with diabetes are no more likely to get colds and other illnesses than anyone else.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any infection interferes with your blood glucose management, putting you at risk of high blood glucose levels and, for those with type 1 diabetes, an increased risk of ketoacidosis.

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7.

Insulin causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and high blood pressure.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Insulin does not cause atherosclerosis. In the laboratory, there is evidence that insulin can initiate some of the early processes associated with atherosclerosis. Therefore, some physicians were fearful that insulin might aggravate the development of high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. But it doesn’t.

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8.

Insulin causes weight gain.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Insulin may cause weight gain; however, studies have shown that the benefit of glucose management with insulin far outweighs the risk of weight gain.

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9.

Fruit is a healthy food for diabetics.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Fruit is a healthy food in general. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruit contains carbohydrate, it needs to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.

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10.

You don’t need to change your diabetes regimen unless your A1C is greater than 8 percent.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The better your glucose control, the less likely you are to develop complications of diabetes. An A1C in the sevens (7s), however, does not represent good control. The ADA goal is less than 7 percent. The closer your A1C is to the normal range (less than 6 percent), the lower your chances of complications. However, you increase your risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. Talk with your health care provider about the best goal for you.

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