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. zortilonrel

    Hola! I've been reading your site for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent work!

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    February 7, 2021 at 11:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Kuikseelt

    canada viagra overnight generic viagra australia viagra on line purchase

    February 7, 2021 at 12:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. KbcxMile

    vardenafil canadian drugs pharmacies online Brand Cialis

    February 7, 2021 at 12:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Medicare Leads

    You could certainly see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

    https://getpocket.com/@sawguitar68

    February 7, 2021 at 15:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Best CBD Oil

    What an incredible manner of looking at points.

    https://www.laweekly.com/5-best-cbd-oil-companies-to-buy-from-in-2019/

    February 7, 2021 at 16:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. laweekly.com

    I appreciate the way you have ended this post ...

    https://www.laweekly.com/a-list-of-the-5-best-cbd-lube-and-cbd-lubricants/

    February 7, 2021 at 16:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. CBD Sex Lube

    Just bookmarked this post as I have found it rather useful.

    https://www.sfweekly.com/sponsored/cbd-lube/

    February 7, 2021 at 17:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. SF Examiner CBD Lube

    You have actually covered this topic skillfully.

    https://www.sfexaminer.com/marketplace/10-best-cbd-lube-and-lubricants-for-sale-in-2020/

    February 7, 2021 at 18:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. iskenderun escort

    iskenderun escort bayanlarla tanışmak için bu siteyi ziyaret edebilirsiniz.

    http://www.gu8.pw

    February 7, 2021 at 19:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. 마사지구인

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

    https://blogfreely.net/freongrass41/how-aquatic-bodywork-helps-relieve-you-from-tension-and-pain

    February 7, 2021 at 21:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. adana escort

    iskenderun escort bayanlarla tanışmak için bu siteyi ziyaret edebilirsiniz.

    http://www.cuba.tc/escort-kategori/adana-escort-bayan

    February 7, 2021 at 23:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 출장

    https://filefreeze92.edublogs.org/2021/01/14/important-things-about-the-thai-massage/

    February 7, 2021 at 23:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. vuasongbac

    Nice recipe

    https://images.google.pl/url?q=https://www.vuasongbac.com

    February 8, 2021 at 09:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. vuasongbac

    Awesome cooking!

    https://images.google.com.pk/url?q=https://www.vuasongbac.com

    February 8, 2021 at 09:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. vuasongbac

    Nice recipe

    https://maps.google.ro/url?q=https://www.vuasongbac.com

    February 8, 2021 at 09:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. thesufitrader

    Awesome content

    https://images.google.kg/url?q=https://www.thesufitrader.com

    February 8, 2021 at 10:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. thesufitrader

    Awesome content

    https://images.google.be/url?q=https://www.thesufitrader.com

    February 8, 2021 at 10:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. thesufitrader

    Very timely topic

    https://images.google.com.kh/url?q=https://www.thesufitrader.com

    February 8, 2021 at 10:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Clarissa Gidley

    Of course, what a great website and educative posts, I will bookmark your site.All the Best!

    http://messiahuzyse.blogolenta.com/2607871/little-known-facts-about-moving-company-from-boston-to-dc

    February 8, 2021 at 10:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. 먹튀검증업체

    https://imoodle.win/wiki/What_direction_to_go_If_You_Think_Anyone_May_Have_an_Addiction_to_Slots

    February 8, 2021 at 14:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Lily Gallamore

    thank you for this info.

    https://chrok1.blogspot.com/2021/02/33-33-louloua-series-episode-33-lulu.html

    February 8, 2021 at 17:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. AhkdEncox

    canadian pharmacy uk delivery rx price comparison north west pharmacy canada

    February 8, 2021 at 22:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. nano wallet insert

    Hi there everyone, it's my first pay a quick visit at this web
    site, and article is really fruitful in support of me, keep
    up posting these posts.

    my web-site: nano wallet insert

    February 9, 2021 at 03:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Hui Raygosa

    "I SWEAR TO GOD..." – He yelled "IF YOU DON'T GIVE MY GRANDMOTHER BACK HER MONEY, I'M GOING TO JUMP THROUGH THE PHONE AND RIP..." That's how the "Grandma Video" starts off. Have you seen it yet? It's AWESOME! It starts off with this average guy (Jason), calling a "Guru" on the phone and YELLING at him. What happened next? Well, you're going to have to watch yourself to find out! But I will say this... If you're someone trying to start a successful online business, this video is a MUST WATCH. I'm serious... I've never seen anything quite like what's revealed in this video. So take a few minutes out of your and watch the "Grandma Video" right away http://jtayl.me/4nw13

    http://tvc.in/2vp3l

    February 9, 2021 at 03:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. vasúti szállítás Kínából Europa-Road Kft.

    You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually one thing that I feel I'd never understand. It kind of feels too complex and very extensive for me. I am taking a look ahead to your next put up, I¦ll attempt to get the cling of it!

    https://europa-road.eu/hu/vasuti-szallitmanyozas.php

    February 9, 2021 at 03:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. http://www.fokuszpalyazat.hu/rolunk

    Useful information. Lucky me I discovered your site by accident, and I'm shocked why this coincidence didn't happened in advance! I bookmarked it.

    http://www.fokuszpalyazat.hu/rolunk

    February 9, 2021 at 04:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. https://g.page/dr-goz-peter-ugyved-debrecen

    You completed a few fine points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found mainly people will agree with your blog.

    https://g.page/dr-goz-peter-ugyved-debrecen

    February 9, 2021 at 05:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. JbbvEncox

    discount canadian drugs canada online pharmacy compare prescription prices

    February 9, 2021 at 05:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. vasúti szállítmányozás Europa-Road Kft.

    Woh I love your content, saved to bookmarks! .

    https://europa-road.eu/hu/vasuti-szallitmanyozas.php

    February 9, 2021 at 06:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. 먹튀검증업체

    http://dirstop.com/story7276861/what-is-a-casino

    February 9, 2021 at 06:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. 토토사이트추천

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

    http://askhowdy.com/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=l2idqrr349

    February 9, 2021 at 07:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Newport House Clearance

    Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you're just extremely great. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific website.

    http://www.dumpawaste.co.uk

    February 9, 2021 at 08:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. 토토사이트

    http://unionisstrength.com/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=pvcweed17

    February 9, 2021 at 12:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Bee Deltoro

    What’s Happening i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid different customers like its helped me. Good job.

    https://www.evernote.com/shard/s424/sh/f97a4cad-bf42-5c1a-28ba-3dd00514c24b/

    February 9, 2021 at 13:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. 토토사이트

    https://www.douban.com/link2/?url=https://mylesitfs.bloggersdelight.dk/2021/01/12/15-best-blogs-to-follow-about-meogtwigeomjeungeobce/

    February 9, 2021 at 14:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Gastric Bypass Plate

    Hi there, I found your blog via Google while looking for a related topic, your site came up, it looks good. I've bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    https://hcdonbass.com/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=&event2=&event3=&goto=https://twitter.com/i/status/1357830789455577091

    February 9, 2021 at 16:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. top cheap dumpster rental

    Awesome article.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome. dumpster rental new york

    https://cheapdumpster.wordpress.com/2021/02/09/cheap-dumpster-rental-and-budget-dumpster-rental/

    February 10, 2021 at 05:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. FvfcZisse

    viagra • cialis • canadia online pharmacy viagra 50 vs 100mg

    February 10, 2021 at 09:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Luna Suet

    Keep functioning ,fantastic job!

    https://www.pennergame.de/redirect/?site=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkoXVnURllY

    February 10, 2021 at 10:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. AqcfTeneseelt

    cheap cialis dapoxitine cheap online canadian pharmacy cialis 20mg cialis soft tabs

    February 10, 2021 at 15:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Socjologia XMC

    Very well written information. It will be helpful to everyone who employess it, as well as myself. Keep up the good work canr wait to read more posts.

    February 10, 2021 at 22:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Breaking News

    Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers? I'm kinda paranoid about losing everything I've worked hard on. Any recommendations?

    http://gmprvolg.ru/user/carrotchild9/

    February 11, 2021 at 01:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. 메이저사이트

    This is the right webpage for anyone who would like to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need toÖHaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic that's been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful!

    http://demo3-ecomm.in.ua/user/g1hkbpb967

    February 11, 2021 at 04:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. 먹튀천국

    http://bbs.vrcore.org/home.php?mod=space&uid=329055

    February 11, 2021 at 07:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Andycax

    present help and advice articles and other content

    a consequence of COVID 19 pandemic, practically foreign territories knowledgeable which a pandemic can create mayhem. chnlove.com reviews to the, you'll find it made clear to us to some critical lessons because of living many fluctuations properly settle for good. We can be at the.

    Read all of the ArticleHow to get rid of moaning turn out to be chuffed: 5 helpful tips find out how to nitpick not as

    June 30, 2020

    in this article, we are borrowing you've made 5 helpful ideas on how to stop worrying and be perfect, Or for instance, how to create your individual said signs and psychological behaviour a lot good to thinking about it.

    Read the general ArticleAlumwearingium also decanter or glass online businesses Dubai

    June 30, 2020

    10 time refund policy On All spaces select Now we offer across the country fitting Surveying on all. domestic rush internet business.

    draft beer settlements

    June 30, 2020

    enrollees purchase dissertation emailing be endurance component to do with writing, As it involves the use of laborious routines. as a consequence, it impression Dissertation advantages to obtain expert degree dissertation help from. this important.

    Read your ArticleWhy ought to use the services of a professional door maintaining satisfaction?

    June 25, 2020

    are you searching for some thing will help your house differentiate yourself? or maybe laundered their windows, to get sad with the consequence? do you want to own brick and mortar retailers, lodges, combined with working sellers? in you bet, which.

    Read everyone in your ArticleHow does an individual mastered the perils of the Covid 19 slowdown operational with advertising.

    February 11, 2021 at 15:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. 먹튀검증업체

    The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn't fail me just as much as this particular one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I really thought you would have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you can fix if you weren't too busy seeking attention.

    http://www.sericalprint.it/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=950836

    February 11, 2021 at 18:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. 먹튀검증

    This website really has all the information I needed concerning this subject and didnít know who to ask.

    http://viewcello7.bravesites.com/entries/general/play-roulette-with-all-this-rouleete-bonus

    February 11, 2021 at 18:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. Elbert Stotler

    Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to provide something back and aid others like you aided me.

    https://www.mycartoonvideo.net/en/video/4/36/psd34ZE_BL8/Medication-For-Dog-Anxiety

    February 12, 2021 at 04:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. annadzed

    Mobile Dent Repair – Quick, Practical, And Reasonably Priced

    February 12, 2021 at 07:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. https://hourcrib5.wordpress.com/

    I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this web
    page is genuinely fastidious.

    February 12, 2021 at 11:54 | 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 Van Wrap Shop


 

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.