Diabetes – Myths & Facts

Diabetes Mellitus (or diabetes) is caused due to excessive amounts of sugar in the blood. This surplus of blood sugar is either due to ineffectiveness of insulin (hormone produced by the pancreas that carries sugar into the cell) or the absence of insulin in the blood. Despite being so common, many misconceptions still surround this disorder. One of the best ways to prevent or treat a disease is by educating yourself. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that affects your body’s ability to produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone. When your body turns the food you eat into energy insulin is released to help transport this energy to the cells. If you produce little or no insulin, or are insulin resistant, too much sugar remains in your blood. That’s what happens in type 1 diabetes not enough insulin. Now, if the keyholes are distorted, they key won’t open the door. That’s type 2 diabetes insulin is present, maybe even a lot, but it gets rejected by the cells. Below we debunk some common diabetes myths. Myth 1: Sugar free products are healthy Not all sugar free products are calorie free. . It may still contain a lot of carbs, fat, or calories. Some sugar-free products such as sugar-free biscuits also contain carbohydrate in the form of starch and can still increase your blood glucose levels upon consumption. You may be able to consume regular food as part of a sensible eating plan. Myth 2: People with diabetes limit their physical activity Exercise not only helps control blood sugar but also weight and blood pressure, and will improve cholesterol levels. Physical activity also reduces the risk of common diabetes complications, such as heart diseases and nerve damage. But workouts can sometimes lower blood sugar too much, causing hypoglycemia, especially in people who take insulin or certain long-acting oral medications. To help prevent it, don't work out on an empty stomach, stay hydrated, and talk with your doctor about checking your blood sugar before and after exercise. Myth 3: Diabetic can eat as much fruit as they want Fruit is healthy, but these foods also contain sugar and carbohydrates. Eating too much, or at the wrong time, can raise your blood sugar levels. The same goes for the starches, such as pasta, bread, rice and potatoes. The best approach is to consult with your nutritionist and doctor about your diet. They can help you understand which foods affect your blood sugar, and then develop a healthy meal plan for you. Myth 4: Cardio is the best exercise for diabetic It’s no wonder cardio is a great form of exercise for your heart and lungs. But, is it the best way to drop body fat and blood sugar levels? Well, No! Strength training is any day the best way to enhance your basal metabolic rate. Cardio exercises keep you in a fat burning zone till the time you are performing that activity, whereas strength training exercises put you in a fat burning zone for the next 48-72 hours. Moreover, strength training makes you more insulin sensitive.