NaturalMedications

Eating too much sugar causes diabetes

There is absolutely no link between sugar consumption and diabetes diagnosis Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance, and overweight individuals may be stereotyped as big "sweet" eaters, which could be one way this myth is perpetuated.

Who is at risk?

Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other ethnic and racial groups are at a higher risk for diabetes than the general population. Early diagnosis is important.

People with diabetes can never eat any sugar

According to guidelines, refined and natural sugars can be enjoyed by people with diabetes as long as the carbohydrates they contain are calculated into the total allowance of carbohydrate grams for the day. Many people are surprised to find that a 1/2 cup of potatoes will make blood sugar levels rise about 3 times higher than a teaspoon of refined sugar.

You can be cured of diabetes if you're able to go off medication

A common misconception about diabetes is that when someone is able to manage the disease through diet and exercise and can control blood sugars without medication or insulin, they are "not diabetic" any longer. The only current cure" for diabetes is a pancreas or islet cell transplant.

It's dangerous for people with diabetes to exercise

Exercise is a basic cornerstone of diabetes management. While strenuous physical activity can drive blood sugars lower, and there are certain precautions someone with diabetes should take before exercising, exercise is critical to long-term blood glucose control and a healthy body and mind.

Having diabetes means a strict diabetic diet

People with diabetes are encouraged to eat the same variety of healthy foods as the rest of the world. They do need to pay close attention to food labels and amounts in order to keep their total daily intake of carbohydrates at an appropriate level. Sugar is allowed, although it should be a small part in a balanced meal plan.