As of: March 8, 2024, 11:25 a.m
By: Jasmina Deshmeh
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Diabetes is a widespread disease about which there is still a lot of ignorance.
Which assumptions about the metabolic disorder are a myth.
Every year, more than half a million people in Germany develop diabetes, as the
German Diabetes Aid
informs.
This is a metabolic disease that leads to increased blood sugar levels because those affected have a deficiency in the hormone insulin or the body becomes insensitive to insulin.
Diabetes is a serious disease, with two out of three diabetics dying from heart disease or a stroke.
According to
the Federal Ministry of Health
, the disease develops in 90 to 95 percent of those affected over the course of their life (so-called type 2 diabetes).
Education and prevention are therefore important steps in combating “diabetes”.
But there are still many old wives' tales circulating.
Myth 1: If you eat too much sugar, you will get diabetes
Contrary to popular belief, diabetics can also eat sugar in moderation (symbolic image).
© Science Photo Library/Imago
Diabetics are too fat and eat too much sweets?
Many people believe that diabetes is caused by sugar consumption.
But that is wrong.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are destroyed.
Type 1 diabetes often occurs in childhood.
The predisposition to the disease is genetic; the exact cause is still unknown.
Type 2 diabetes may also be hereditary, but is primarily triggered by lifestyle.
Risk factors are actually obesity and diet.
What is important is not necessarily the amount of sugar consumed, but also the amount of fat and how much salt a person consumes.
Another risk factor is lack of exercise.
In addition, according to the Professional Association of German Internists (BDI),
certain medications can
lead to the development of diabetes.
Myth 2: Anyone who is overweight will eventually develop type 2 diabetes
Not necessarily.
According to German Diabetes Help,
the risk of diabetes doubles
if you are overweight (according to the definition from a body mass index (BMI) of 25) and even triples if you are obese (from a BMI of 30).
But there are also overweight and obese people who never develop diabetes.
Rather, it is an interaction of various risk factors, which, in addition to the factors mentioned, also include age.
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Myth 3: Diabetics are not allowed to eat sweets
That was once.
In fact, children with diabetes used to not be allowed to eat sugar.
Research has now gone one step further.
For example, it is now known that carbohydrates from white bread and mashed potatoes cause blood sugar to rise faster than chocolate.
Diabetics must ensure that their blood sugar levels are as stable as possible.
This depends on how much blood sugar-lowering medication (insulin) you need.
As with metabolically healthy people, the following applies to them: it's the dose that counts.
This means: only consume sweets in moderation and, if possible, consume carbohydrates from foods rich in fiber and vitamins, such as whole grain products and vegetables.
In addition, the sweets should be distributed in small portions throughout the day.
However, pure sugar and sugary drinks that cause blood sugar to spike are actually problematic.
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Myth 4: Diabetics should replace sugar with sugar substitutes
There are special diet products on the market that are advertised as “sugar-free”.
They contain sugar substitutes instead of sugar.
However, they often contain more fat than normal sweets.
In addition, they are often heavily processed, overpriced and can cause digestive problems such as flatulence and diarrhea.
Certain sweeteners such as aspartame are also suspected of promoting cancer.
Diabetes experts therefore recommend: Stay away from substitute products.
Basically, diabetics, like other people, should follow the guidelines of a healthy diet.
According to the German Nutrition Society (DGE),
these are
:
Eat plenty of plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits and grains.
They are rich in fiber, contain many nutrients and phytochemicals and are low in calories
Eat animal foods such as meat, milk and eggs as a supplement
Choose white meat over red meat
Consume whole grain products instead of white flour products
When it comes to fats, choose valuable vegetable fats (e.g. from nuts).
They have a health-promoting effect, while industrial fats increase the risk of certain diseases
Be sparing with sugar and salt
Myth 5: Exercise is dangerous for people with diabetes
The opposite is actually the case: diabetics who exercise can reduce their weight and control blood sugar better.
In addition, physical activity lowers blood pressure and promotes blood circulation.
Sports suitable for diabetics can even help reduce insulin requirements and prevent secondary illnesses.
In fact, diabetics should follow a few rules when exercising.
Blood sugar should be controlled during exercise and the body's blood sugar behavior should be closely monitored.
Diabetics learn to estimate how much they can eat before and after exercise and how much insulin they need.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.