| Like all complicated matters there are certain | | | | of your diabetes, research shows that people with |
| misunderstandings regarding Diabetes. | | | | diabetes are no less safe on the roads than anyone |
| Today I want to dispel some myths regarding diabetes. | | | | else. Nevertheless, the myth that people with diabetes |
| Here is a list of the questions that I will be discussing: | | | | are not safe persists |
| Can get diabetes from someone else? | | | | People with diabetes can't play sport |
| Eating too much sugar causes diabetes | | | | Pakistan's famous all-rounder Wasim Akram has |
| Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes | | | | diabetes; many other people with diabetes take part in |
| People with diabetes eventually go blind | | | | active sports. People with diabetes are encouraged to |
| It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes | | | | exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active |
| People with diabetes can't play sport | | | | can help avoid complications associated with diabetes, |
| People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and | | | | such as heart disease. There may be some |
| other illnesses | | | | considerations to take into account with your diabetes |
| People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate | | | | before taking up a new exercise regime – talk to |
| People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or | | | | your doctor for more information. |
| grapes | | | | People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and |
| People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods | | | | other illnesses |
| Now for some serious myth bashing... | | | | No. You are no more likely to get a cold or another |
| Can get diabetes from someone else? | | | | illness if you’ve got diabetes. However, people with |
| Although we don’t know exactly why some people | | | | diabetes are advised to get flu vaccinations. This is |
| get diabetes, we know that diabetes is not contagious | | | | because any infection interferes with your blood |
| – You cannot get it from others. There is a chance | | | | glucose control, putting you at risk of high blood |
| that a person whose parents or brothers and sisters | | | | glucose levels and, for those with Type 1 diabetes, an |
| have diabetes might get diabetes, particularly Type 2 | | | | increased risk of ketoacidosis. |
| diabetes. But lifestyle factors also play a part. | | | | People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate |
| Eating too much sugar causes diabetes | | | | Sweets and chocolate can be eaten by people with |
| Eating sugar does not cause diabetes. Diabetes is | | | | diabetes just like the rest of us, if eaten as part of a |
| caused by a combination of inherited and lifestyle | | | | healthy diet. Remember that confectionery foods tend |
| factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar | | | | to be higher in fat and calories too so for this reason |
| can cause you to become overweight. Being | | | | they should be limited especially if you’re trying to |
| overweight increases your risk of developing Type 2 | | | | lose weight. |
| diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your | | | | People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas or |
| family, a healthy diet and regular exercise are | | | | grapes |
| recommended to control your weight. | | | | All fruit and vegetables are extremely good for you. |
| Type 2 diabetes is mild diabetes | | | | Eating more can reduce the risk of coronary heart |
| There is no such thing as mild or borderline diabetes. All | | | | disease, some cancers and some gut problems. You |
| diabetes is equally serious, and if not properly controlled | | | | should aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and |
| can lead to serious complications. | | | | vegetables a day. This also helps to improve the |
| People with diabetes eventually go blind | | | | overall balance of the diet. Eating a variety of different |
| Although diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in | | | | fruit and vegetables ensure you get the maximum |
| people of working age, research has proved you can | | | | benefit. |
| reduce your chances of developing diabetes | | | | People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods |
| complications – such as damage to your eyes – | | | | Diabetic versions of foods offer no special benefit. |
| if you: | | | | They still raise blood glucose levels, contain just as |
| • Control your blood pressure and glucose levels | | | | much fat and calories, are usually more expensive and |
| • Keep active | | | | can also have a laxative effect. The healthy diet for |
| • Maintain your ideal body weight | | | | people with diabetes is the same as that |
| • Give up smoking | | | | recommended for everyone – low in fat, salt and |
| It's not safe to drive if you have diabetes | | | | sugar, with meals including starchy foods like bread |
| Providing you are responsible and have good control | | | | and pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables. |