We found an online source that claims what many of us believe about diabetes is not true.  It is the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center.  We summarize their findings.

There are no thin diabetics
They say that is wrong.  While being obese is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult onet diabetes), people with type 1 or other less common forms of diabetes are typically lean.  

Sweets cause diabetes
UAB claims this is false.They say that it’s not how much or how little.you eat sweets.  The real culprits are obesity and lack of exercise.  Of course sweets are high calorie foods with little if any useful nourishment so over consumption is one of the causes of getting fat so we think there is a definite indirect link.

Diabetics can not play sports
This again is said to be untrue.  If a diabetic is properly managing his or her blood sugar levels diabetics can have active lives and can even be triathletes.  Of course the answer is superb blood sugar management.  That means testing throughout the day.

Juvenile, or type 1, diabetes doesn’t affect adults
According to UAB Type 1 is more common in the young but can occur at any age.  Go to their web site for more info on this one.

Type 2 diabetics should avoid insulin shots for as long as possible
Again, this is false.  Some people think that taking insulin injections means “the beginning of the end.”  According to UAB the truth is injections are no biggie – they’re just another way of helping your body cope with diabetics.  Of course personally I will do my best to manage my weight and exercise regularly to avoid getting a needle stuck in my arm.

Kids who have type 1 diabetes should never eat anything sweet
False.  According to UAB in the past, this was the prevailing believe, but now with the right dabetes management modifications, even type 1 kids can enjoy a slice of birthday cake or some Halloween candy.  UAB did say eat a slice of birthday cake, not more of it.  If your child does have Type 1, he or she should definitely be under a physician’s care and that physician will spell out how much in the way of sweets are allowed at any one time.

You’re doomed to develop diabetes if type 2 runs in your family and you’re getting fat.
False.  According to UAB you may have the “constellation of genes” that puts you at higher risk, but lifestyle modifications, monitoring and early intervention can delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes. 

To learn more, visit www.diabetes.dom.uab.edu.

 

 

 

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