Myths About Diabetes

Despite the wide array of information about diabetes, many people still have little or no knowledge about this condition. And with many so-called truths going around, it is important to dispel any myths about diabetes.

Diabetes is not that serious of a disease – Diabetes is not like common colds. It has caused more death annually compared to breast cancer and AID combined. In fact, two out of three people suffering from diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Overweight and obese people will eventually develop type 2 diabetes – Excess weight is a risk factor for developing the disease. However, there are other factors that should be considered such as family history, ethnicity, and age. Most overweight people actually do not develop type 2 diabetes. In contrast, many people with type 2 diabetes are at normal weight or moderately overweight.

Eating too much sugar causes diabetes – Contrary to popular belief, eating sugar does not develop into diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and factors that still baffle scientists to this day, while type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors such as being overweight.

People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods – In fact, a simple healthy eating plan is enough for people living with diabetes. It should be low in saturated and trans fat, moderate in salt and sugar, more whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Do not be mislead by diabetic or dietetic foods, as they could still raise blood sugar levels, not to mention more expensive than regular foods.

Diabetic people should only eat small amounts of starchy foods – Avoiding starchy foods like bread, potatoes, and pasta is not part of a healthy diet. What is important is to control the portion size. For people with diabetes, three to four servings of carbohydrates is enough.

People with diabetes are not supposed to eat sweets or chocolate – As long as they are eaten moderately and combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with diabetes.

You can catch diabetes from someone else – Although the exact reason why we get diabetes is still unknown, it is certain that it is not contagious like flu or common cold.

Diabetic people are more likely to get colds and other illnesses – Having diabetes does not increase the chances of contracting other diseases. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots because any illness can make diabetes more difficult to manage.

People with type 2 diabetes who are taking insulin failed in taking care of their diabetes properly – For most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. At first, they can keep their blood sugar levels at a healthy level. However, as the body gradually produces less of its own insulin, even oral medications may not be enough to keep the blood sugar levels normal, which is why they may resort to taking insulin shots.

Source: American Diabetes Association

Traveling with Diabetes

People living with diabetes should travel with utmost care, as changes in meal patterns, activity levels, and even time zones can affect their blood sugar levels. Keep in mind these helpful reminders to make traveling with diabetes easier.

Preparation – Before traveling, make sure to consult with your health care provider and discuss your travel plans. Have immunization shots three to four weeks before you travel. You should also inform the airline in advance about your condition. Pack twice as many supplies needed to travel, as well as extra prescriptions and a letter from your doctor stating that you have diabetes. Take note of what health facilities are available in your destination, just in case.

What to bring – For starters, bring a piece of paper containing your doctor’s name and phone number as well as a list of current medicines. Keep your medicines, syringes, blood sugar testing supplies, all oral medications, and even something sweet in a carry-on luggage (never put them in your check-in luggage). Make sure to bring enough medicines and medical supplies to last an extra week in case you get stranded. A sugar source is needed in case you develop hypoglycemia.

At the airport – Always inform security that you are diabetic and that you are carrying medical supplies. If you are wearing an insulin pump, request to security that the meter not be removed. Also, check out the Transportation Security Administration website to see what you can take on board.

Insulin injections while traveling – Taking insulin injections while in an airplane has one difference: put only half as much air into your insulin bottle as you normally to prevent the plunger of the needle from resisting your efforts to inject air into the insulin bottle. Keep your insulin in temperature between 33 degrees F and 80 degrees F. Do not freeze or expose your insulin to direct sunlight. You also need to adjust your insulin dosage when crossing time zones, taking shots every four hours until your body has adjusted.

Foot care while traveling – Pack at least two pairs of shoes so you can change foot wear often. This prevents blisters and sore pressure points. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and socks. Bring a first-aid kit in case you suffer minor foot injuries. Never go barefoot or wear open-toe shoes and sandals, instead wear special foot wear made for ocean or beach walking.

Coping with emergency – In case an emergency occurs and you do not know where to go, try contacting the American consulate, the Red Cross, or a local medical school. Learn phrases in the local language like "I need help" or "I have diabetes, where is the hospital" or "I need sugar."

Source: Web MD