Written in collaboration with Rosana Beechum

Diabetes is a very common condition, and yet so few people truly understand what it is and how it works. And this is a shame because if more people did, fewer people would develop the condition in the first place. There are different types of diabetes, and they affect the body differently. They are also treated with different methods. Once you understand the fundamental differences between both types of diabetes, you will start having a better understanding of how to treat symptoms. Let’s take a look at some of the things people often get wrong about diabetes.

Diabetes is incurable

Contrary to popular belief, not all diabetes is chronic, and this is why it’s so important for people to understand the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition that is indeed incurable, but type 2 diabetes isn’t.

Type 2 diabetes has been cured through lifestyle changes and the choices you make will make a difference in how much medication you’ll have to take and the symptoms you’ll experience.

Exercise and low carb diets have both been shown to be effective methods to either reduce the severity of symptoms or treat type 2 diabetes completely, so don’t assume that you have to live your whole life with type 2 diabetes. You’ll have to work hard to cure the disease, however, and it might not be possible in all cases, so be prepared for that.

You can’t eat sugar anymore

Another misconception about diabetes is that sugar has to be officially off of your list the minute you’re diagnosed. The truth is that the medication and treatment you’ll be given will counterbalance the food you eat. Sure, you shouldn’t go overboard with unhealthy foods, but you will still be able to enjoy most of the foods you always loved in moderation.

You do need to have people in your corner in case of emergency, however. Here, we would suggest that you check out a specialised clinic like the London Diabetes Centre. The London Diabetes Centre has been serving people in the community; they’ll be able to diagnose your condition, perform follow-up exams and recommendations, and be there 24/7 if something happens.

Diabetes is caused by sugar

Another related myth is that sugar and carbs are the reason why people develop diabetes. But, as we stated earlier, type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics principally and not habits or diet. Excess sugar can have an impact on your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, but that’s only one of the factors.

Excessive fat and lack of activity are the two main precursors of type 2 diabetes. Eating too much sugar can make you fat, but you’ll be at risk if you’re overweight no matter what. So, instead of obsessing about what you eat, you should be focusing on maintaining a healthy weight and having a healthy lifestyle instead.

These are only some of the misconceptions floating around about diabetes, but there are plenty more. Research the condition as much as you can before you start forming opinions about it.

 

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