Myths about Diabetes

There are many myths about diabetes. Some of those myths are definitely wrong and you should avoid believing. Here are the top 5 I found the most interesting and/or important to avoid:

Myth #1: Diabetes is only caused because one has ate too much sweet food
Diabetes is not always caused by to many sweets, it is also caused by a malfunction in the pancreas (type 1), or "hormonal imbalances that make your cells resistant  to insulin-type 2 diabetes" (Trisler 63). If you want to monitor or minimize risk of diabetes, you have to watch your carbohydrate intake, so things like bread, potatoes, and peas are just as bad as sweets like M&Ms or Almond Joys.

Myth #2: Type 2 only concerns overweight/obese people
It is a truth that overweight or obese people have a higher risk to diabetes, but that doesn't mean that they will have diabetes, people with thin and healthy physique also have the same risk. The only difference is the amount of risk.

Myth #3: Drinking lots of water helps prevent diabetes
If you continue to eat foods with extra sugar, you still may develop diabetes. Drinking lots of water will only help or prevent dehydration you get because of diabetes.

Myth #4: People who have high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, when tested, are diabetics
Not all people with high glucose levels in the bloodstream, when tested, have diabetes. High levels of glucose in the bloodstream can also be caused by stress, sleeplessness, or medicines that contain steroids. Although people who experience these occasions can be at higher risk to type 2 still.

Myth #5: Eating bitter melon can lower your blood sugar level
Bitter melon is a small melon that grows mostly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. According to Barbra P. Trisler, "Bitter melon contains a substance called 'Charantin', which may help lower the blood glucose. However, research has shown that the amount of Charantin in bittercmelon is not sufficient enough to lower the blood glucose levels effectively. A diabetic would need to eat 600 grams to 1000 grams of bitter melon, to try and control their blood glucose for the day" (Trisler 70). This means that although bitter melon does in fact lower your glucose levels in the blood stream, a person with diabetes would need to eat about 3-5 cups of bitter melon per day to keep your levels balanced.

DISCLAIMER: This article provides information regarding the subject matter covered. However, information provided does NOT replace medical or professional advice. The author specifically disclaims any liability that is incurred from the use or application of the information.

Works Cited
Trisler, Barbara P. The Ultimate Guide to Diabetes Type 1 & 2. Barbara P. Trisler, 2017. Print.
American Diabetes Association. “Types of Carbohydrates.”. 2017. Website.

Do you have any myths you believe in? if so, be sure to comment below ones you have found or believe in.