There’s a lot of “fake news” out there regarding diabetes. It’s not that the media is printing misinformation. It’s more like old wives’ tales are getting passed on from generation to generation. Someone in your family has diabetes, but you never really ask them about it. You make assumptions that sound right but really aren’t true. You try and put 2-and-2 together. But some of your beliefs are really myths.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Expert podiatrists Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts are taking this opportunity to chase away some common myths we come across here at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. Why? Because it’s important to know the truth about this disease that is so threatening to your feet.
Myth #1: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.
Someone in your family may have called it “sugar diabetes,” but it’s not caused by consuming sugar. Eating a lot of sugar – or drinking it in the form of sodas and fruit juices – contributes to weight gain, and obesity is a strong risk factor for developing diabetes.
Myth #2: Insulin is a cure-all.
It’s true that many diabetics, whether they have Type 1 or Type 2, need to inject themselves with the hormone insulin every day, sometimes several times a day. Insulin injections are helpful in managing blood glucose levels – but they don’t cure you of diabetes and its long-term effects.
Myth #3: Diabetics shouldn’t exercise.
Regular exercise helps control high blood sugar. Being more active also helps keep your weight down. Diabetics should work with their primary care doctor and their podiatrist to plan an exercise regimen that’s safe and right for them.
Myth #4: If you’re too fat, you’ll get diabetes.
Being overweight is only one of the risk factors for getting diabetes. Others include family history, your age, your race, and whether or not you smoke.
Myth #5: Children with diabetes will eventually outgrow it.
Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetes – also called juvenile diabetes – has no cure. Children and their families have to learn to live with the disease into adulthood.
For more information about diabetes and your feet, visit our website. You may also contact us online or call us in Montgomery, Alabama at (334) 396-3668.