Diabetes myths and facts: beating the stigma

by Sophia Mobbs | Oct 2, 2018 | Diabetes | 15 comments

Diabetes is a medical condition, not a label

Diabetes is a medical condition that’s surrounded by a lot of myths and misunderstanding.

This means some people with the condition feel like it’s a label or like they’re being judged unfairly compared to people without diabetes.

Research suggests that people with diabetes can feel blamed by others for ‘bringing diabetes on themselves’, treated differently in the workplace, and judged negatively in social situations because of their food choices and medication needs.

In this article, we wanted to dispel a few of the most common diabetes myths to help banish the stigma surrounding this condition, which affects more than 2.4 million Australians.

People with diabetes can feel like it’s a label or like they’re being judged unfairly compared to people without #diabetes #health #wellness Click To Tweet

Myth #1: You have to be overweight or obese to develop diabetes

While being overweight or obese is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, it is NOT a direct cause.

According to Diabetes Australia, some people who are overweight may not develop type 2 diabetes while some people who are of a healthy weight will develop type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to note that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, which is not associated with weight, physical inactivity or any other lifestyle factors.

You don’t have to be overweight to develop #diabetes #mythbusting #health #wellness Click To Tweet

Myth #2: Eating sugar causes diabetes

Yes, having diabetes does affect your blood sugar levels but it’s not caused directly by eating sugar.

While it’s true that too much sugar can have a big impact on our health and wellbeing, if you’re including it as part of a healthy meal plan, sweets and desserts are fine. The key is having it in moderation and doing regular exercise.

People with diabetes don’t need to eat a ‘diabetic’ diet either. A ‘diabetic diet’ is just a healthy way of eating that would be recommended for anyone. This involves eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and lean protein such as meat and fish.

As well as eating a healthy diet, people with diabetes need to check their blood glucose levels daily using a glucometer and about every three months using an HbA1c test to make sure the balance of sugars in their body is right.

Eating too much sugar doesn’t cause #diabetes #mythbusting #health #wellness Click To Tweet

Myth #3: You only get diabetes when you’re old

Diabetes affects all age groups.

The onset of type 1 diabetes is most common in children and people under 30 years, but new research suggests about half of all people who develop the condition are diagnosed over the age of 30.

Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is becoming more common in younger age groups including children, teenagers and young adults.

Diabetes affects all age groups, it’s not just an “old-person’s” condition #mythbusting #diabetes #health #wellness Click To Tweet

Myth #4: You’ll know if you’re developing diabetes

In fact, many people can be developing diabetes or living with a condition called pre-diabetes for several years without knowing.

More than 2.5 million Australians have pre-diabetes and are at risk of type 2 diabetes, but many of them don’t know it yet – because there are no obvious symptoms.

Diabetes NSW & ACT CEO Sturt Eastwood says early diagnosis is critical to reducing the likelihood and impact of diabetes-related complications.

“People can live with type 2 diabetes for up to seven years before being diagnosed and in that time life-threatening health problems can develop.”

-Sturt Eastwood

Myth #5: Diabetes isn’t serious

Living with diabetes is a big deal and there’s no such thing as a ‘mild’ case of diabetes.

If you have diabetes you have to manage your condition everyday or risk some serious complications like heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and eye problems. In some cases it can even lead to limb amputations.

Living with diabetes doesn’t prevent you from doing certain activities but it does mean you may need to take extra precautions.

It can also be emotionally demanding and have a big impact on your mental health.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes and are in need of more support, please contact Sane Australia or call their helpline on 1800 187 263.

There’s no such thing as a ‘mild’ case of #diabetes #mythbusting #health #wellness Click To Tweet

Over to you. How much do you know about diabetes? Can you share this information with someone who needs to know more?

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15 Comments

Diane bottger on October 9, 2018 at 8:09 am

Wanting a diet plan fir type 2
Reply
- MyHealthTest on October 9, 2018 at 11:06 am
  
  Hi Diane,
  
  Thanks for your query.
  
  We have an extract meal plan from Dr Nick Fuller’s book ‘Interval Weightloss’ Available for download from this blog article:
  
  https://www.myhealthtest.com/diabetes/diabetes-diet-meal-plan/
  
  About halfway down the page, you are able to sign up to receive this.
  
  If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team on 02-6145-2147 or customer.service@myhealthtest.com
  
  Kind regards,
  
  The MyHealthTest Team
  Reply
- LEANNE MILLINGTON on May 4, 2020 at 8:43 am
  
  I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES 12 MONTHS AGO, I WAS OVERWEIGHT, BUT I HAVE LOST 30KG AND NOW CALLS ME PREDIABETIC. HE IS VERY HAPPY WITH ME AND THAT WAS JUST THROUGH WALKING.
  Reply
  - MyHealthTest on May 6, 2020 at 1:26 pm
    
    Hi Leanne,
    
    Thanks for sharing your experience 😀 Keep up the good work!
    
    Cheers,
    
    The MyHealthTest Team
    Reply
Ian Jones on October 14, 2018 at 11:16 pm

I’ve had diabetes for 50 years I still have all my limbs.All you have to do is except the fact that diabetes is not curable.But it is controllable.So if you test your sugar 5 to 6 times a day you will have no problems.I have 4-5 injections a day.Had 2 Brothers who did not look after themselves they have passed away.I’m married,2 daughters and 1 grand daughter all healthy
Reply
- MyHealthTest on October 15, 2018 at 4:25 pm
  
  Hi Ian,
  
  Thanks for sharing your story/experience, it sends a strong positive message about management.
  
  We wish you and your family all the best on your health journeys.
  
  Cheers,
  
  The MyHealthTest Team
  Reply
Scott Ridler on October 17, 2018 at 8:40 pm

Need to know about Type 2 Diabetes,thanks.
Reply
- MyHealthTest on October 23, 2018 at 3:44 pm
  
  Hi Scott,
  
  Thank you for your comment.
  
  You can find more information about Type 2 Diabetes on Diabetes NSW website: http://diabetesnsw.com.au/type-2-diabetes/
  
  If you are interested, MyHealthTest offers a Diabetes (HbA1c) Test Service that can be used to monitor and check your average blood sugar levels over the last 2-3 months. Find out more about this test service here: https://www.myhealthtest.com/Diabetes-HbA1c-Test-Service
  
  Alternatively if you have any concerns we recommend that you consult your GP.
  
  Cheers,
  
  The MyHealthTest Team
  Reply
Gail on October 20, 2018 at 3:11 pm

Can sickness effect your sugar levels?
Reply
- MyHealthTest on October 23, 2018 at 3:48 pm
  
  Hi Gail,
  
  Thank you for your comment.
  
  There are a range of illness’ that can effect your blood sugar levels, you can find more information about this on the Diabetes AUS website here: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/illness-and-complementary-medicine
  
  However, if you have any concerns we recommend speaking with your GP.
  
  Cheers,
  
  The MyHealthTest Team
  Reply
Greg on October 28, 2018 at 4:40 pm

I am T2 diabetic. I have craving for food mid evening before bed. My latest three-month blood test was 8.9. How can I improve in all areas please?
Reply
- MyHealthTest on October 29, 2018 at 11:51 am
  
  Hi Greg,
  
  Thank you for your comment.
  
  Whilst our blog articles aim to educate people with a variety of health and lifestyle tips, unfortunately we are unable to provide medical advice.
  
  The Diabetes Australia website provides further information on diabetes, or you can call their information line: 1300 136 588
  
  However, we recommend that you discuss any questions or concerns in regards to your health with your GP.
  
  Cheers,
  
  The MyHealthTest Team
  Reply
Diane on October 30, 2018 at 9:44 pm

My husband has not got diabetes but when he eats a meal is sugar levels drops very low as I have notice his sugars are normal with in the range but can you help with this query thanks Diane
Reply
- MyHealthTest on October 31, 2018 at 1:15 pm
  
  Hi Diane,
  
  Thank you for your comment.
  
  You’re right a lot of foods can affect your blood sugar levels, you can find out more information about these foods on the healthlines website here: https://www.healthline.com/health/and-after-effect-eating-blood-sugar
  
  However, if you have any concerns we recommend speaking with your GP.
  
  Cheers,
  
  The MyHealthTest Team
  Reply
jenniferemmer on December 19, 2019 at 4:29 pm

Hi.Thanks for sharing your detailed review of this article. Diabetes occurs when the body fails to generate insulin to meet its needs. The organ pancreas in the body is charged with this task. Toxicity in the environment, smoking, abusive lifestyle is contributory factors. This article will be very helpful to know about the myths about heart disease https://www.cardiacrhythm.in/blog/heart-disease-myths-facts/
Reply