The human body produces hormone insulin which acts like a trigger for the consumption of glucose (fuel of the body). Diabetes is a problem that occurs when the body stops reacting to or cannot produce insulin (the trigger).
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when people condition their body, through obesity and lack of physical activity, to stop producing or reacting to insulin. There are many myths regarding type 2 diabetes that people can’t differentiate between the facts and the myths. Some of the myths are explained below:
- It is a myth that type 2 diabetics don’t need to use insulin. Insulin can be used by pumps, inhalers or injections.
- Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured by getting the glucose under control. If one works hard, keeps a balanced diet and brings his/her glucose under good levels, then he/she has as much risk of the diabetic complications as a non-diabetic person has. Succumbing once again to the old lifestyle can increase the risk of diabetic complications.
- A person doesn’t get addicted or dependent on insulin. Many people have to continue using insulin and many don’t have to (after a certain time). If a person has lost a lot of weight through hard diet and exercise, then he/she can maintain his glucose levels with the exercise and some oral medications.
- Chocolates, sweets or sugar doesn’t cause diabetes. Diabetes is caused either due to lifestyle or genetic factors and if a person does hard exercise and diets, then sweets and chocolates could be added to his/her diet regimen.
- Diabetes is never caught from anyone else. Diabetes cannot be caught like any viral disease as lifestyle and genes play parts in development of diabetes.
- Diabetic people are not prone to other problems like cold or flu. But diabetics are always advised to take medications against flu or cold as these illnesses can harm the body glucose levels.
- Not taking insulin as it can lead to obesity is a myth. Many researchers have stated that the benefits of insulin in controlling glucose level is much more greater than the risk of obesity.
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by on 25. Jan, 2010 in diabetes myths and facts
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