When it comes to diabetes management, there’s a lot of conflicting opinions and misinformation out there. So much so that it can be difficult to figure out what’s true and what’s false.
Being armed with the correct information in terms of your diabetes management is important. To make sure you’re fully equipped with all the right knowledge, we’ve put together a list of some common myths surrounding diabetes therapy and the facts you need to know.
Myth #1: I don’t need to monitor my blood sugar
The Truth: Monitoring your blood sugar is the only way to ensure your blood sugar levels stay within your personal target range. Depending on your unique treatment plan, you may need to check your blood sugar multiple times a day.
Myth #2: Natural remedies like cinnamon, turmeric, or other natural products can cure my diabetes
The Truth: As much as we hate to say it , there is currently no cure for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. And there’s certainly no magic food, spice, or herb that can cure your diabetes.
While there’s a lot of research being done on type 1 diabetes, it’s currently incurable. While type 2 diabetes doesn’t have a cure either, when it’s caught early, major lifestyle changes may be able to reverse it. However, people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will still need to pay attention to their health and regularly check in with their doctor.
Myth #3: It’s okay to stop taking my diabetes medication when my blood sugar is under control.
The Truth: In some cases, people with type 2 diabetes are able to use lifestyle changes to manage their blood sugar levels. These changes include a healthy diet, losing weight, and exercising regularly. However, over time diabetes can progress, and people with type 2 diabetes may still need medication even if they’re doing all they can to manage their blood sugar.
If you have been prescribed medicines to manage your diabetes, you should see an improvement in your blood sugar numbers but that doesn’t mean you should stop taking your medication. Never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first.
Myth #4: It’s not safe for me to exercise with diabetes.
The Truth: Regular exercise is a critical part of managing your blood sugar levels. Exercise helps boost the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Getting active can also lower your A1C, which shows how well your blood sugar is managed over a period of time.
Talk to your doctor about creating an exercise plan that works for you. Ask about how to manage your medication or adjust your insulin dosage to prevent low blood sugar when you exercise. And don’t forget to keep a close eye on your feet, eyes, and heart as these are all risk areas for people with diabetes.
Myth #5: I have to start using insulin so it means I’m not doing a good job managing my diabetes.
The Truth: If you have type 2 diabetes, don’t forget that it’s progressive. Using insulin to manage blood sugar levels is a good thing. After being diagnosed, many people are able to use oral medication and lifestyle changes to manage their diabetes. Over time, your body will begin to produce less and less insulin, which means taking oral medication may not be enough at some point. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it simply means that you need to take new measures to manage your type 2 diabetes.
Don’t be fooled by crazy diabetes myths. Remember, when in doubt, talk to your doctor. Now get out there and tame the monster!
Sources:
American Diabetes Association, 2019. Myths About Diabetes. [webpage] Available at: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk/prediabetes/myths-about-diabetes [Accessed 07/06/21].
Diabetes.co.uk, 2019. Diabetes Myths. [webpage] Available at: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-myths.html [Accessed 07/06/21].
Healthline, 2020. Recognizing Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms. [webpage] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/recognizing-symptoms [Accessed 07/06/21].
Diabetes Voice, 2019. Top 5 greatest myths about diabetes. [webpage] Available at: https://diabetesvoice.org/en/advocating-for-diabetes/top-5-greatest-myths-about-diabetes/ [Accessed 07/06/21].
Medline Plus, 2019. Diabetes Myths and Facts. [webpage] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000964.htm [Accessed 07/06/21].
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Medical or nutritional information on the mySugr website is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a physician or health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
