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. tausAffessy

    tadalafil online with out prescription buy cialis pills buy cialis cialis at canadian pharmacy https://cttadalafil.com/ – cialis tadalafil

    May 26, 2021 at 01:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Frank Khlok

    I'm only 15, but i'm trying to raise money to go on a expensive trip next year. I am planning on getting a summer job, but it usually only pays minimum wage. I just want other people's opinions on whether its safe and a good idea to become a blogger to get money. thanks!.

    https://www.facebook.com/KateKowalskyWebMarketing

    May 26, 2021 at 01:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. tausAffessy

    prescription tadalafil online tadalafil cost in canada best price usa tadalafil tadalafil blood pressure https://tadalafilww.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 01:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. orange county trailers

    Everyone loves it when folks come together and share thoughts. Great blog, stick with it!

    /

    May 26, 2021 at 02:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Julissa Mathew

    I wanted to translate some articles from a foreign magazine and I was wondering if its legal to post them online..

    https://www.instagram.com/katekdesigns

    May 26, 2021 at 02:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Soosteemocush

    https://tadalafilol.com/ buy cialis tadalafil without a doctor prescription cheapest tadalafil cost tadalafil side effects

    May 26, 2021 at 03:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. avanafil

    avana 200 mg avanafil buy

    May 26, 2021 at 03:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Tritreviewifind

    cialis at canadian pharmacy https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ – buy tadalafil tadalafil cost walmart tadalafil dosage tadalafil price walmart

    May 26, 2021 at 04:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. RV Headlights Riverside

    Next time I read a blog, I hope that it won't disappoint me as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I really thought you'd have something helpful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

    http://5ivestarlondon.com/track.aspx?click=I&group=Z&item=Primrose+Bakery+Bespoke+Service&url=messiah6b3u9.bloggerchest.com/3500573/top-rv-repair-near-me-secrets

    May 26, 2021 at 04:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Alane Daul

    on fire fox,. how do you get to your favorites???. =/. haha im dumb.

    https://www.instagram.com/katekdesigns

    May 26, 2021 at 04:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. RV Maintenance California

    https://53938.measurementapi.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=53938&site_id=92394&sub_campaign=g5e_com&url=http://alatharnews.com/?p=1530&cpage=12

    May 26, 2021 at 04:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 출장마사지

    Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It's the little changes that make the largest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!

    https://cloudtrade.ru/user/profile/9471

    May 26, 2021 at 05:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Tritreviewifind

    tadalafil online https://tadalafilww.com/ cialis without a prescription tadalafil online buy tadalafil

    May 26, 2021 at 05:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. RV Driver Seats Los Angeles

    You're so awesome! I don't believe I have read something like that before. So nice to find somebody with a few unique thoughts on this subject. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that's needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!

    http://cat.sustech.edu/cgi-bin/koha/tracklinks.pl?uri=//www.somaveinclinic.ca/treatments/skin-resurfacing-0

    May 26, 2021 at 06:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. brimonidine

    combigan bottle sizecombigan buy generic combigan

    May 26, 2021 at 06:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. 출장 마사지

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you so much, However I am having problems with your RSS. I donít understand why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody else getting similar RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    http://util71.ru/user/platefrost7/

    May 26, 2021 at 07:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Soosteemocush

    https://cttadalafil.com/ canada generic tadalafil buy cialis generic tadalafil from uk tadalafil daily online

    May 26, 2021 at 07:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. rv windshield repair near me

    Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a very good article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never manage to get anything done.

    https://www.suzuki.saikyou.biz/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=5&url=https://www.fernandezlasso.com.uy/an-old-convent-turned-luxury-home/

    May 26, 2021 at 07:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. avana

    avanafil avana

    May 26, 2021 at 07:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. avanafil

    avana canada avanafil buy

    May 26, 2021 at 08:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. EncoxGtv

    retin a online pharmacy tramadol canada pharmacy rx pharmacy discount card

    May 26, 2021 at 08:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Tembepteriope

    tadalafil cost in canada https://tadagatadalafil.com/ – tadalafil cost walmart buy cialis pills tadalafil generic canada generic tadalafil

    May 26, 2021 at 08:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Soosteemocush

    side effects of tadalafil https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ – side effects of tadalafil where to buy cialis without prescription tadalafil generic where to buy https://tadagatadalafil.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 09:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. windshield replacement lake forest

    http://www.valdaveto.net/redirect.php?link=https://biggp.in/?attachment_id=1618

    May 26, 2021 at 09:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Soosteemocush

    cialis at canadian pharmacy tadalafil online with out prescription cheap cialis pills for sale buy cialis https://tadalafilol.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 10:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. furniture repair shop near me

    Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely think this website needs much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the information!

    https://ovatu.com/e/c?url=https://sabordetango.org/portale/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&uname=AntonMoss

    May 26, 2021 at 11:44 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Tritreviewifind

    https://apcalisetadalafil.com/ cost tadalafil generic buy cialis pills cost tadalafil generic tadalafil price walmart

    May 26, 2021 at 12:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. tausAffessy

    tadalafil drug https://tadalafilol.com/ – generic cialis tadalafil tadalafil generic where to buy tadalafil generic https://apcalisetadalafil.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 13:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. EncoxHtf

    buy cialis on line https://cialishav.com/ – cialis 20 mg, best price cialis online american express

    May 26, 2021 at 13:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Unitmerienepeft

    where to buy tadalafil on line https://tadacipetadalafil.com/ where to buy generic cialis online safely tadalafil without a doctor prescription tadalafil cialis

    May 26, 2021 at 13:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Zisseloh

    us pharmacy prices for cialis https://rcialisgl.com/ – daily cialis review is generic cialis available

    May 26, 2021 at 13:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Tritreviewifind

    tadalafil side effects tadalafil brands buy cialis pills https://tadalafilww.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 13:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. tausAffessy

    tadalafil drug buy tadalafil cialis without prescription https://cttadalafil.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 14:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. 출장 마사지

    Hi there! This post couldnít be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I am going to send this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Thank you for sharing!

    https://funsilo.date/wiki/The_Myofascial_Technique_What_Exactly_Is_It_and_How_Can_You_Use_It_For_Painmanagement

    May 26, 2021 at 15:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. interior repair near me

    https://www.ics.org/Wasabi/Common/Logout.aspx?Returnurl=https://ocrv.pro/rv-repair-shop-laguna-woods-california

    May 26, 2021 at 15:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. 출장 마사지

    There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject. I like all the points you've made.

    http://login.tiscali.cz/?url=https://anchor.fm/lucilla-cline

    May 26, 2021 at 15:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. RV Maintenance California

    http://old.nepalimmigration.gov.np/site/languages/languageA/3?url=https://ocrvmotorcoaches.com/rv-repair-shop-inglewood-california

    May 26, 2021 at 18:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. 출장안마

    Having read this I believed it was rather informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    https://www.openlearning.com/u/massage8lungscrew6/blog/MisconceptionsAroundThaiMassage

    May 26, 2021 at 18:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. combigan

    brimonidine combigan

    May 26, 2021 at 18:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. RV AC Orange County

    Your style is so unique compared to other folks I've read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this blog.

    https://baoviet.com.vn/Redirect.aspx?url=https://ocrv.info/rv-repair-shop-montclair-california

    May 26, 2021 at 18:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. EncoxDev

    pharmacy store logo rite aid pharmacy store Avodart

    May 26, 2021 at 19:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. RV Upholstery Orange County

    http://salesnews.qantas.com/public/m/closed?msLRR=https://ocrvshop.com/rv-roof-repair-near-me

    May 26, 2021 at 19:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. tausAffessy

    cialis cost https://tadalafilol.com/ – tadalafil generic tadalafil cost in canada tadalafil online where to buy generic cialis online safely

    May 26, 2021 at 19:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. tausAffessy

    what is tadalafil https://tadalafilol.com/ tadalafil generic where to buy buy generic cialis online with mastercard cheap generic cialis for sale

    May 26, 2021 at 20:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Mercedes Benz Dealer Service Sprinter Near Me 91605

    Right here is the perfect web site for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been discussed for ages. Wonderful stuff, just great!

    http://www.friscowebsites.com/Redirect.aspx?destination=https://sprintervanrepairshop.com/truck-repair-shop-near-me-2

    May 26, 2021 at 21:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Bonuses

    I like the manner you have actually concluded this article ...

    https://www.posts123.com/post/2110080/the-irocker-11-a-high-performance-kayak-with-two-standard-pumps

    May 26, 2021 at 22:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 출장안마

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and the rest of the site is extremely good.

    https://www.putfree.com/user/profile/260054

    May 26, 2021 at 22:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. bus ac repair

    https://tapestry.tapad.com/tapestry/1?ta_partner_id=950&ta_redirect=https://ocrv.guru/mack-collision-repair-shop-near-me

    May 27, 2021 at 00:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. my review here

    A lot of bloggers nowadays however very few have posts worth spending time on browsing.

    https://anthony-rahbek.blogbright.net/nautical-paddleboards-accessories/

    May 27, 2021 at 01:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. repair rv slide out

    https://rsv.nta.co.jp/affiliate/set/af100101.aspx?site_id=66108024&redi_url=https://ocrv.fun/rv-battery-repair-near-me

    May 27, 2021 at 01:52 | 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 realtors around me


 

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.