I recently took a look at the common misconception that sugar is actually the cause of diabetes, and I began to wonder about other common myths or stereotypes that might be held about type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Providing educational awareness about diabetes, the American Diabetes Association debunks several common myths associated with the disease, including the idea that indulging in too many sweet treats causes diabetes. Other popular misconceptions listed also deal with the diabetic diet with assumptions that sweets are off limits, as well as several servings of starchy foods. Insulin also gets a bad rap as it is thought to be the cause of plaque build up in the arteries and a source of weight gain.

An informal survey of some of my diabetic friends and relatives, as well as a little research uncovered a number of other diabetes myths. Here are just a few:

Insulin is a cure for diabetes.
Only obese or overweight persons get diabetes.
People with diabetes will eventually go blind.
Insulin causes impotence.
Type 1 diabetes is more serious than type 2 diabetes.
Only children can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes only affects adults.
You can have a little touch of diabetes or “sugar.”
You will eventually lose a leg or foot if you have diabetes.
There is a cure for diabetes.

Have you encountered any misconceptions about diabetes? Are there any falsehoods that you would like to address?

Indeed, diabetes is a very serious condition, and diabetes myths might lead to unwise decisions when it comes to prevention and management. If you have diabetes, you should discuss any concerns or questions that you might have with your physician. WEGO Health offers fantastic pages to help you learn more concerning the facts about diabetes.

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