home
RSS
Five diabetes myths, busted
June 24th, 2011
09:47 AM ET

Five diabetes myths, busted

David Kendall, M.D., is the chief scientific and medical officer of the The American Diabetes Association. The group’s 71st Scientific Sessions begin Friday in San Diego, California, with presentations of the latest research, treatment recommendations and advances toward a cure for diabetes.

Each year diabetes accounts for more deaths than breast cancer and AIDS combined. While diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) is ever more manageable because of advances in medication, a better understanding of blood glucose monitoring and new technologies for delivering insulin, uncontrolled or undiagnosed diabetes still remains the leading cause of blindness in adults, kidney failure and amputation.

There are many myths about diabetes - myths that can do much harm. Many believe that diabetes is “just a touch of sugar,” or only something we develop in later life.

Although diabetes is manageable, the diabetes epidemic continues to grow; every 17 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes and at the current rate, one in three people in the U.S. will have diabetes by the year 2050.

Knowing the facts (and your own risk) can help all of us fight the misconceptions associated with this awful disease and ultimately stop diabetes.

So take a minute to learn the facts about diabetes. The more we know, the better equipped we are to detect, prevent and treat diabetes and its deadly complications.

1) Myth: Diabetes is really no big deal.

Fact: As I’ve already noted, diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. The risk of heart problems is more than twice as high in people with diabetes and two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Uncontrolled diabetes also leads to a host of other complications.

2) Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

Fact: There is no one food or nutrient that causes diabetes. Type 1 diabetes (where all of the body’s insulin producing cells are destroyed) develops both because of genetics and from poorly understood environmental triggers that result in the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is the result of both genetic and lifestyle factors.

There is no question that being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Weight gain occurs as a result of excess calories, and whether these calories come from a soda, breads, snacks or meat doesn’t generally matter. Because of genetics, some people gain weight more easily than others, but there is still an imbalance between calories eaten and those burned off.

Because of the complex relationship between genetics, the environment and lifestyle, it is incorrect to say that sugar causes diabetes.

3) Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.

Fact: As we stated earlier, being overweight is a very important risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, it is the most important modifiable risk factor. Other risk factors such as a family history of type 2 diabetes, ethnicity and age are things that you cannot change.

It is also true that most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and as many as one-fourth of people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight. The thing to keep in mind is that if you have a family history of diabetes, you should do your best to be physically active and eat a healthy diet. If you are overweight, losing about 7% of your weight (14 pounds for a 200 pound person) can help delay or prevent diabetes.

4) Myth: If you have diabetes, you can’t eat any bread, potatoes, pasta, fruit, sugar or dessert.

Fact: This is a long-held misconception about the carbohydrates in food. With carbohydrates - and calories in general - it all comes back to portion sizes or how much you eat.

Starchy foods and fruit can be included in a meal plan for people with diabetes. The best tip is to have no more than 1/4 of your plate from starchy foods like whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice or starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn.

Fill half of your plate with low carbohydrate non-starchy vegetables like salad, broccoli, green beans or tomatoes. The last quarter of your plate is for fish, chicken, lean meats or meat substitutes. This helps to control the amount of carbohydrate that you eat while providing lots of fiber and healthy food choices.

5) Myth: People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate.

Fact: Sweet foods (including most dessert items), if eaten in small portions, can be eaten by people with diabetes. There is no such thing as a “off limit” food; however, the key is substituting in a sweet treat into an otherwise healthy meal plan.

Everyone - diabetes or no diabetes - should avoid empty calories (those without real food value) and limit the total amount of calories they consume (and yes, most desserts are high in calories).

Post by:
Filed under: Diabetes

soundoff (2,875 Responses)
  1. 먹튀

    Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of the site is very good.

    http://gambling7cesartcip354.simplesite.com/449183718

    May 6, 2021 at 04:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. 먹튀검증

    Iím amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog thatís equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy I found this during my search for something concerning this.

    http://www.feedbooks.com/user/7171620/profile

    May 6, 2021 at 05:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Movies

    That is a really good tip particularly to those fresh tto the blogosphere.
    Short but very accurate information… Many thanks
    for sharing this one. A must read post!

    May 6, 2021 at 08:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. delivery truck repair

    http://library.tukenya.ac.ke/cgi-bin/koha/tracklinks.pl?uri=https://commercialvanrepairshop.com

    May 6, 2021 at 09:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. 먹튀

    The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me just as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I actually thought you'd have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something you could possibly fix if you were not too busy looking for attention.

    https://squareblogs.net/baccarat6rodash91/which-exactly-are-low-running-in-a-casino

    May 6, 2021 at 10:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. financial training

    https://cse.google.com.np/url?q=j&rct=j&url=https://menmastermind.com

    May 6, 2021 at 10:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. dapoxetine

    priligy online dapoxetine tablets price

    May 6, 2021 at 11:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. 먹튀

    Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely think this amazing site needs a lot more attention. Iíll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!

    http://www.premio-tuning-bestellshop.at/Home/tabid/2115/Default.aspx?returnurl=http://gambling8rafaelddcw075.bravesites.com/entries/general/EBA8B9ED8A80EAB280ECA69DEC82ACEC9DB4ED8AB8-all-the-stats–facts–and-data-you-ll-ever-need-to-know

    May 6, 2021 at 13:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. wineries near me

    Hello there! I just would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great info you have right here on this post. I will be coming back to your website for more soon.

    https://repository.netecweb.org/setlocale?locale=es&redirect=http://mastermindformen.com

    May 6, 2021 at 13:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. sallys near me

    https://www.isixsigma.com/share.php?site=http://www.ocrv.fun

    May 6, 2021 at 17:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. body shop orange ca

    https://reppeat.com/watch/?v=MDXWYwi7jVc

    May 6, 2021 at 17:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. dapoxetine

    dapoxetine ed priligy dapoxetine

    May 6, 2021 at 17:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. 먹튀검증

    The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn't fail me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, nonetheless I really thought you would have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you can fix if you weren't too busy looking for attention.

    http://www.hiendlife.com/x1/home.php?mod=space&do=top&view=online&uid=331558

    May 6, 2021 at 17:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Forklift Repair Shop Near Me

    http://www.ritmoflow.com/?videos=Dance&v=PgO6MrX7rSc

    May 6, 2021 at 18:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Beer Seminars

    http://www.ine.no/shop/redirect.php?action=url&goto=craftbrewersofboise.com/

    May 6, 2021 at 18:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. 먹튀검증

    I was able to find good advice from your blog articles.

    http://on.urface.net/member.php?action=profile&uid=183232

    May 6, 2021 at 20:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. clark griswold jerseys

    Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe
    for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your
    broadcast provided bright clear concept

    May 6, 2021 at 21:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. BbshMile

    buy viagra without prescription https://loxviagra.com/ chewable viagra

    May 6, 2021 at 23:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. clinic near me

    I was able to find good information from your articles.

    https://www.comotreinaresoteudragao.pt/notice.php?url=http://ocrvmotorsports.com

    May 7, 2021 at 04:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. RebfZisse

    cialis super active vs professional http://rcialisgl.com/ cialis 25mg canada

    May 7, 2021 at 04:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. 정보이용료현금

    Its such as you read my mind! You seem to grasp so much approximately this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something.
    I believe that you could do with some % to force the message
    house a little bit, however other than that,
    this is wonderful blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.

    May 7, 2021 at 06:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. trailer repair nearby

    http://youloop.org/loop.php?v=5kqgcjmjymc

    May 7, 2021 at 06:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Who Sells Kegs Of Beer Near Me

    Having read this I believed it was very informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    https://image.google.com.hk/url?sa=t&url=https://howtobrews.com

    May 7, 2021 at 09:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Forklift Service Orange County

    I need to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I have got you book marked to check out new stuff you post…

    http://ytapi.com/embed/RdrVjjDs8eE

    May 7, 2021 at 09:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Forklift Extensions

    https://local.google.as/url?sa=j&url=https://forkliftrepairorangecounty.com

    May 7, 2021 at 10:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. casinotructuyen

    whoah this weblog is great i really like reading your posts.
    Stay up the good work! You understand, lots
    of individuals are hunting round for this information, you could help them greatly.

    May 7, 2021 at 12:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. playing poker online

    hi!,I love your writing so a lot! percentage we communicate more about your article on AOL?
    I require an expert in this space to resolve my problem.
    Maybe that is you! Taking a look ahead to peer you.

    May 7, 2021 at 12:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. 먹튀

    Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Many thanks for supplying this information.

    https://addsera.com/index.php?page=user&action=pub_profile&id=210161

    May 7, 2021 at 12:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. taco bell near me

    There is definately a great deal to learn about this issue. I really like all the points you made.

    http://www.integratedsupply.atworkweb.com/sw/tasks/Redirect.cfm?CUSTOMERID=6941385150840&TestID=329782&URL=www.ocrv.vip

    May 7, 2021 at 15:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Same Day Printing London

    Hi to every , since I am in fact keen of reading this
    weblog's post to be updated on a regular basis.
    It consists of nice material.

    May 7, 2021 at 15:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. BbshMile

    roman viagra http://loxviagra.com/ viagra wikipedia

    May 7, 2021 at 18:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. toyhauler furniture

    I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Well written!

    http://domaintransfer.info/watch/9q6UM3yy8RQ

    May 7, 2021 at 20:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. LebnEncox

    Lasix http://xlnpharmacy.com/ rx express pharmacy

    May 7, 2021 at 21:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. 먹튀

    Good blog you have got here.. Itís difficult to find excellent writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    https://source-wiki.win/index.php/Why_Nobody_Cares_About_먹튀_80953

    May 7, 2021 at 22:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Digital Marketing Company

    Very good article! We are linking to this particularly great article on our website. Keep up the great writing.

    http://www.my-retail-store.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com

    May 7, 2021 at 23:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. travel trailer floor repair videos

    An impressive share! I've just forwarded this onto a coworker who was conducting a little research on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him... lol. So let me reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this issue here on your site.

    http://www.sveasajter.com/outcount.php?id=487&url=https://ocrvcenter.com

    May 7, 2021 at 23:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Local Marketing Experts

    http://jonahhirsch.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com

    May 8, 2021 at 02:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Content Marketing Boutique

    https://pcr.richgroupusa.com/pcrbin/message.exe?action=REDIRECT&url=https://affordableranking.com

    May 8, 2021 at 02:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Internet Marketing Firm

    https://www.mitsuwa-e-stage.com/html/gyoukaitetyou_log.asp?url=https://affordableranking.com/

    May 8, 2021 at 02:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Click Here

    Hello mates, how is the whole thing, and what you would like to say on the topic of this
    post, in my view its really amazing in favor of me.

    Feel free to visit my blog Click Here

    May 8, 2021 at 03:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Content Marketing Service

    http://zen-christian.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com

    May 8, 2021 at 03:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. 먹튀검증

    You are so interesting! I do not suppose I've truly read anything like this before. So wonderful to discover another person with original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that is required on the web, someone with a bit of originality!

    https://mozillabd.science/wiki/What_exactly_Blackjack_Gives_You_Know_the_House_Edge_Just_before_You_Neglect

    May 8, 2021 at 04:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Social Media Marketing Services Near Me

    http://adtoad.com/RedirectMe.asp?URL=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com&BannerID=6

    May 8, 2021 at 04:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Content Marketing Agency Orange County

    Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It's the little changes which will make the greatest changes. Many thanks for sharing!

    https://www.pippenbros.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com

    May 8, 2021 at 07:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Digital Marketing Events

    It’s difficult to find educated people about this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

    http://www.oceanaresidences.com/keybiscayne/wp-content/themes/oceana/floorplans/large/4-12thfloor/01S.php?url=https://affordableranking.com

    May 8, 2021 at 13:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. box truck repair

    http://gemmap.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com

    May 8, 2021 at 14:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Internet Marketing Association

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in penning this website. I really hope to see the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal website now 😉

    http://www.relaxclips.com/cgi-bin/atx/out.cgi?id=52&tag=toplist&trade=http://www.affordableranking.com

    May 8, 2021 at 15:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. game bài đổi thưởng

    Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which
    blog platform are you using for this website?
    I'm getting tired of WordPress because I've had issues with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    May 8, 2021 at 15:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Video Marketing Companies

    http://twoidahokids.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com

    May 8, 2021 at 17:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. RV Parts Los Angeles

    https://cutwin.com/QiBhQ

    May 8, 2021 at 18:12 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

Leave a Reply to 토토사이트


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.