Raising Diabetes Awareness

By Rachel Stockton

November is American Diabetes Month, and the American Diabetes Association has launched a campaign to raise diabetes awareness among the general public.  After a recent survey, the ADA found that when it comes to knowledge about diabetes, half of the respondents received a failing grade.

One of the reasons is that there are many myths that revolve around the chronic condition; here are a few of the most common:

Myth #1
Diabetes isn’t that serious a disease.  Believe it or not, the ADA says that the vast majority of people they surveyed didn’t realize that breast cancer can be just as deadly as breast cancer or AIDS.  Diabetes, if not managed, is the precursor to a number of illnesses that can be life threatening, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and renal failure. 

Myth #2
If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop Type 2 diabetes.
While being overweight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, there are other factors that figure into the equation, also.  The ADA states that most overweight people do not become diabetic, and a good number of thin people have diabetes.
 
Myth #3
If you eat too much sugar, you will eventually become diabetic. 

This is probably the most prevalent myth there is about diabetes.  There are genetic factors, as well as some unknown anomalies that all contribute to a greater risk of the disease.  Type 1diabetes is an autoimmune illness that causes the pancreas to either develop too much, or not enough insulin.  Although being overweight is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, whether or not a person’s excess calories are comprised of sugar or not is irrelevant.

Myth #4
People with diabetes can’t eat sugar or starchy foods.  This isn’t true; sugar can be eaten in moderation as long as a person eats a well balanced diet.  A diabetic’s diet needn’t be anymore restrictive than anyone else’s.

Myth #5
People with diabetes catch colds and the flu more easily.  This myth probably stems from the fact that the CDC recommends that diabetics get annual flu shots.  The reason for this is because diabetes is harder to manage with a cold or the flu.

The ADA survey also revealed that 1 in 10 people think there is a cure for diabetes (there isn’t; diabetes can be managed, but not cured), while 19% aren’t sure.  And less than 60% could describe the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
This year, the ADA has launched a new campaign called Stop Diabetes, to raise awareness of the disease and to encourage those who it to share their stories, especially their successes. 

The symptoms of diabetes are increased thirst, increased urination, tingling in the hands, and blurred vision.  For more myths (and facts) about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website.