Although diabetes is very common in the world, there are quite a few myths and misconceptions related to this condition/ShutterStock
Have you also heard of that relative of a work colleague who was diagnosed with diabetes and later lost his sight?
Have you read a particularly painful post on social media about someone who had their leg amputated as a result of a complication of diabetes?
And do you also jump every blood test that monitors your blood sugar values?
Diabetes is a chronic condition when there are high values of sugar (glucose) in the blood.
This condition may lead to a wide range of problems - some life-threatening - such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, kidney failure and the like.
Although diabetes is very common in the world, there are quite a few myths and false assumptions related to this condition.
On the other hand, knowing the exact facts actually helps to take the right steps that help treat diabetes and prevent its complications.
Here, with the help of Prof. Yael Levantal, director of the Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes in Children, at the "Dana-Doak" Children's Hospital, a number of main myths about diabetes - and the actual reality.
Is type 1 diabetes common only at a young age?
Not exactly/ShutterStock
People with diabetes are prohibited from having sugar.
A healthy diet is a very important part of the healthy lifestyle recommended for the entire population, and not just for people with diabetes.
This diet should be based on natural and diverse food components and reduce the consumption of processed and industrialized foods that also include high levels of sugar and sodium.
Regarding diabetics, there is no absolute prohibition on sugar consumption, but it is recommended to reduce available and simple sugar.
Diabetics are advised to consume sugar from complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat bread or various types of fruit, but not as simple sugar (fructose) which can be found, for example, in chocolate or sugary drinks.
Diabetes leads to blindness and limb amputation.
Of course, unbalanced diabetes has consequences and possible complications.
Fortunately, with the advanced treatments available today, diabetics should not reach extreme conditions of blindness or limb amputation.
Moreover, adhering to a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, physical activity and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the complications, mitigate them and in some cases even prevent their development.
Type 1 diabetes is only detected at a young age.
Although type 1 diabetes is common among young people and teenagers, it can actually be detected at all age levels, including the elderly who are 80 years old and older.
This diabetes, which is characterized by the complete destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin, was previously known as "juvenile diabetes", but the term was mainly intended for the medical separation between type 2 diabetes, which is more common among adults, and it is no longer customary to use this term but only "diabetes Type 1".
Diagnosing diabetes leads to an improved quality of life and a more fulfilling life/ShutterStock
Diabetes is a hereditary disease,
here it is necessary to divide between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes is not defined as genetic, but similar to other autoimmune conditions, people with a certain genetic structure are more likely to be diabetic.
In reality, a first-degree relative diagnosed with type 1 diabetes does constitute a risk factor, but this risk is relatively small.
It is important to know that there are several antigens found in type 1 diabetes, the testing of which can diagnose the presence of the disease.
The test helps identify people who are at high risk for type 1 diabetes, as well as the future need for insulin treatment in diabetics at the beginning of their journey.
This is a simple blood test that is taken as part of the chemistry tests at the health insurance companies.
Type 2 diabetes has a more pronounced genetic component and studies even indicate an increased risk of developing the disease among people who have a first degree relative (parent or sibling) diagnosed with diabetes.
When both parents have type 2 diabetes, the likelihood of diabetes in their children increases dramatically.
Diabetes affects the quality of life of those diagnosed with it.
Sometimes it seems that the diagnosis of a person as diabetic means a sharp impairment in the quality of life, mainly because the person diagnosed will now have to limit the composition of his daily food and menu.
In practice, for many diabetics, the diagnosis is a positive step in making their lives more fulfilling and enjoyable.
They consume healthier foods that contribute to their strength and health, and quite a few of them begin to engage in physical activity that also results in weight loss.
So it can be said that in many cases the opposite is true - and the diagnosis of diabetes leads to an improved quality of life and a more fulfilling life.
For more information or questions, please contact your attending physician.
Served as a public service on behalf of Sanofi
Prof. Yael Levantal, in collaboration with Sanofi
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