Tuesday, November 23, 2010

5 Common Diabetes Myths

By Mary Winstead


Common myth number 1: Diabetes sufferers can't have sugar

People who suffer from diabetes to not have to avoid sugar. However they should follow a balanced diet just like anyone else, a diet that is low in sugar, salt and fat. Diabetes sufferers should enjoy a variety of food just like people without diabetes.

Most Common myth number 2: Diabetes sufferers should have special food

A number of special "diabetic" foods have been made available in recent years. These "diabetic" foods are generally high in calories and saturated fat and have a diabetic food label. A few years after their release it was found that they have a direct link with diarrhoea in some diabetic sufferers and still affect blood glucose levels, despite being much more expensive than conventional treats.

Most Common myth number 3: People with diabetes can't drive

A diabetes sufferer who has good control over their condition and is responsible can drive just as safely as any other driver. This has been proven time and again by research however the myth that sufferers are less safe still thrives, so much so that people with diabetes are not allowed to drive certain vehicles.

Common myth number 4: Diabetes sufferers can't play sport

Diabetes sufferers can't play sport
Suffering from diabetes does not mean that you can't enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. There have been a number of famous sports people who suffer from diabetes. Our very own Olympic gold medal-winning rower Steve Redgrave suffers from diabetes. However it is always wise to check with a doctor before starting an exercise regime.

Myth number 5: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses

This myth is completely unfounded. Having diabetes does not make you any more prone to getting colds or illnesses. The only issue diabetes sufferers may face is infections or illnesses that affects their blood glucose control. For this reason it is recommended that people with diabetes get flu jabs to avoid being put at risk of high blood glucose levels.




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