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. 전주 출장안마

    Your style is very unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this blog.

    http://www.garrisonexcelsior.com/redirect.php?url=https://anma4archerwcxb726.skyrock.com/3341676262-15-Tips-About-From-Industry-Experts.html

    June 13, 2021 at 09:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. 케이출장

    Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the issues. It was really informative. Your site is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing!

    https://list.ly/hassanrossi026

    June 13, 2021 at 09:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. 케이출장

    Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

    https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/133822530-kirkland

    June 13, 2021 at 09:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. MileSwa

    cialis south africa online buy cialis with no persciption free trial offer cialis

    June 13, 2021 at 10:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. EncoxAni

    sav rx pharmacy online pharmacy 365 pills mail order prescription drugs from canada

    June 13, 2021 at 11:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. 인천출장마사지

    bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!

    http://polyinform.com.ua/user/quincefat6/

    June 13, 2021 at 13:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. window tint near me

    Howdy! This article couldnít be written much better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I most certainly will send this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!

    http://www.firstname.lastname.name/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=bestshopnearme.com

    June 13, 2021 at 13:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. ZisseVed

    discount cialis order cialis no prescription how can i get cialis over the counter

    June 13, 2021 at 14:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. 출장마사지

    I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!

    https://pastebin.pl/view/8a73b8bd

    June 13, 2021 at 15:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Sidney Muna

    Hey! Great post! Please inform us when I will see a follow up!

    https://advanced-biz-management.mystrikingly.com/blog/racial-diversity-takes-center-stage-at-fn-ceo-summit-diverse

    June 13, 2021 at 17:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. EncoxAni

    united states online pharmacy viagra pharmacy tech degree online restore rx pharmacy

    June 13, 2021 at 19:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. storage unit near me

    I couldnít resist commenting. Perfectly written!

    https://cse.google.nu/url?q=http://coolcatsupplies.com/

    June 13, 2021 at 22:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Cari Mceirath

    Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My website is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!

    https://blogfreely.net/quincymassachusetts-smallcar-blog/rotors-repair-in-weymouth-ways-to-get-the-best-results-from-your-own-brake

    June 13, 2021 at 23:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. 창원출장

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

    https://cowage7.wordpress.com/2021/04/23/handbook-techniques-of-treating-trigger-factors/

    June 14, 2021 at 01:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. burlington near me

    I have to thank you for the efforts you've put in penning this blog. I am hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own website now 😉

    http://kebrt.webz.cz/download.php?url=www.thelawofsuccesscoach.com

    June 14, 2021 at 02:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Esmeralda Kaing

    After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any means you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

    https://quincy-mass-small-car-blog.bladejournal.com/post/2021/06/01/All-About-Vehicle-Brake-System-Set-in-Quincy2

    June 14, 2021 at 02:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Fernanda Boland

    Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it's really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    https://www.google.co.zm/url?q=https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/92182799-msquare

    June 14, 2021 at 03:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. 창원출장마사지

    Howdy! This blog post couldnít be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I'll send this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. Thanks for sharing!

    https://pastebin.fun/W5iYuF83du

    June 14, 2021 at 04:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Terina Jeanbaptiste

    I just could not depart your site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in order to check up on new posts

    https://blogfreely.net/braintreemassachusetts-vehicle-information/brake-system-pad-replacements-vs-brake-system-repair-in-braintree-ma

    June 14, 2021 at 05:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. Bobbyanymn

    Только самые лучшие и эффективные методы и способы продвижения
    https://t.me/seo_promo – Linkbuilding

    June 14, 2021 at 05:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Bobbyanymn

    Только самые лучшие и действенные методы и методы продвижения
    https://t.me/seo_promo – Обратные ссылки

    June 14, 2021 at 05:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. supercuts near me

    http://www.sfwater.org/redirect.aspx?url=https://forkliftrentalsnearme.com

    June 14, 2021 at 06:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. fireworks near me

    I quite like reading a post that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

    https://www.bigpinkcookie.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=forkliftdealernearme.com/

    June 14, 2021 at 08:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. 양산출장마사지

    Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a superb articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I procrastinate a whole lot and don't seem to get anything done.

    http://b3.zcubes.com/v.aspx?mid=7150534

    June 14, 2021 at 08:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Luba Fecat

    Really enjoyed this post, can you make it so I get an alert email every time you write a fresh update?

    https://kragh-davidsen.technetbloggers.de/how-to-spend-less-using-vehicle-oil-change-coupons-in-quincy-ma/

    June 14, 2021 at 08:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. 양산출장안마

    Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you, However I am having problems with your RSS. I donít understand the reason why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else having similar RSS problems? Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

    https://checkpointforarts.com/members/anma1clientepoch0/activity/339707/

    June 14, 2021 at 09:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. nissan dealer near me

    https://anonymz.com/?www.uadplugins.com/

    June 14, 2021 at 09:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. veterinary near me

    http://promo.pertinger.com/?URL=spokanevalleywebdesign.com/

    June 14, 2021 at 10:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. hot springs near me

    http://theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php?URL=https://sandyfeetsprayer.com/

    June 14, 2021 at 11:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. 파워볼사이트

    Itís difficult to find knowledgeable people in this particular subject, but you sound like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks

    http://www.fuwaa.cn/bbs/space-uid-280788.html

    June 14, 2021 at 13:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. 구미출장마사지

    After exploring a number of the articles on your web site, I honestly like your technique of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site too and tell me your opinion.

    https://www.file-upload.com/goidiqmx9b8w

    June 14, 2021 at 14:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. truc tiep bong da hôm nay u22 vtv6

    Xoilac Tv Trực Tiếp đá Bóngeverton đấu với liverpoolNếu cứ chơi như cách vừa tiêu diệt Everton cho tới 3-1 bên trên Sảnh quý khách hàng

    https://chiefscreolecafe.com/detail/logo-k-94241.html

    June 14, 2021 at 16:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. 파워볼사이트

    Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am encountering issues with your RSS. I donít know why I cannot join it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!!

    http://bioimagingcore.be/q2a/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=coffeeburst10

    June 14, 2021 at 17:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. 파워볼전용사이트

    I love it when folks come together and share thoughts. Great site, continue the good work!

    https://smart-me.ru/members/gambling5claveshark86/activity/163859/

    June 14, 2021 at 17:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. Sol Mcelhinny

    great points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. What would you recommend in regards to your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?

    https://images.google.com.bo/url?q=https://www.plurk.com/phukiendulich

    June 14, 2021 at 18:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. 파워볼 사이트

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

    http://kchrlife.ru/user/crossbow40/

    June 14, 2021 at 18:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. cloroquina

    does hydroxychloroquine require a prescription tendances du coronavirus – france long term effects of plaquenil

    June 14, 2021 at 18:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. 파워볼 전용 사이트

    I need to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have got you book marked to check out new things you postÖ

    https://coub.com/magicbow91

    June 14, 2021 at 18:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. 구미출장

    Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the site is really good.

    https://squareblogs.net/yarnrate4/different-kinds-of-massage-therapy-strategies-for-pressure-relief

    June 14, 2021 at 18:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. butcher shop near me

    https://www.community.nxp.com/t5/custom/page/page-id/ExternalRedirect?url=https://www.highrisetv.com/

    June 14, 2021 at 19:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. 파워볼전용사이트

    You made some decent points there. I checked on the internet to find out more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.

    http://appsplit.com/users/agendaopen04

    June 14, 2021 at 20:56 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. RV Repair San Clemente California

    http://fishbiz.seagrant.uaf.edu/click-thru.html?url=http://hootnholler.net/camping-area-closed-by-dam-concerns-powell-tribune/

    June 14, 2021 at 21:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. cakhia. link

    Xoilac Tv Trực Tiếp đá BóngbongdawapNếu cứ chơi như cơ hội vừa đè bẹp Everton tới 3-1 trên sảnh khách hàng

    https://virandoamor.com/detail/nhan-dinh-oman-vs-turkmenistan-46418.html

    June 14, 2021 at 21:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Sprinter Repair Orange County

    Very good article. I definitely love this website. Stick with it!

    http://www.admin.kpsearch.com/active/admin/customer/customer_email1_birthday.asp?item=&chname=gnc&strhomeurl=http://ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-artesia-california&ch=283085

    June 14, 2021 at 23:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. RV Repair Garden Grove

    Iím amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog thatís equally educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very happy that I stumbled across this during my hunt for something concerning this.

    http://uhr.rutgers.edu/download/135?url=http://sys.perflabo.com/althea/index.php/all-features/template-configurations?start=776400

    June 15, 2021 at 00:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Clint Inda

    Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in internet explorer, would test this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your great writing due to this problem.

    https://postheaven.net/quincymassachusetts-suv-tips3/why-you-should-choose-a-car-fixed-shop-in-quincy-ma

    June 15, 2021 at 00:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 파워볼 최상위 사이트

    Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this information.

    https://diigo.com/0kev04

    June 15, 2021 at 01:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. RV Repair Garden Grove

    https://slack-redir.net/link?url=http://e-tahmin.com/yarisi-tahminleri/52-4-subat-2018-pazar-izmir-altili-ganyan-tahminleri-1310.html

    June 15, 2021 at 01:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. 경주출장마사지

    I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

    https://kalspage.com/author/lownerve6/

    June 15, 2021 at 03:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. 경주출장안마

    I want to to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I've got you saved as a favorite to check out new things you postÖ

    http://facebook-faq.ru/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=hoodliquid2

    June 15, 2021 at 03:40 | 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 หวย


 

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.