Diabetes has recently gained attention as a growing health concern in the United States. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that over 23 million people have the disease-and approximately 25% are unaware that they have it. Despite public awareness campaigns and initiatives like this week’s National Diabetes Alert Day, many myths persist about diabetes.

Myth #1: Getting diabetes is unavoidable for people who are overweight or obese.

Truth: Being overweight or obese significantly raises a person’s risk for diabetes, but it is certainly not the only risk factor. Furthermore, most people who are overweight will never get diabetes. People who belong to certain ethnic groups or have a family history of diabetes are more likely to get the disease, even if they are at normal weight.

Myth #2: People get diabetes from eating too much sugar.

Truth: People with diabetes do have trouble processing glucose, a form of sugar. However, sugar consumption-in any quantity–does not result in diabetes. Type I diabetes arises from an abnormal autoimmune response, which may occur due to genetic factors or exposure to certain viruses. Meanwhile Type II diabetes originates from a combination of lifestyle choices and genetic factors. Being overweight or obese contributes to a person’s risk for diabetes, and eating anything in excess (including sugar) contributes to obesity.

Myth #3: Diabetes patients on insulin aren’t controlling their diabetes enough with diet and exercise.

Truth: Diabetes is a progressive disease. Eventually diet, exercise, and oral medication will not be sufficient, and patients will have to start insulin injections. This is because over time the body naturally slows insulin production. However, it is necessary to maintain blood glucose levels steady, even if that requires insulin injections.

Myth #4: People with diabetes must follow a restricted diet or eat special foods.

Truth: Many people believe that diabetics must eat special “dietetic” foods, avoid starchy foods, or give up sugar entirely. However, people with diabetes can usually follow normal guidelines for a healthy diet and consume these foods in appropriate portions, just like everyone else. Diabetic patients should discuss nutritional or dietary concerns with a health care provider before making any drastic changes to their dietary habits.

Myth #5: Having diabetes makes people more vulnerable to other disease and illnesses.

Truth: Diabetes does not weaken a person’s immune system. However, other illnesses like the flu can make it more challenging to control diabetes symptoms. That’s why physicians generally advise patients with diabetes to get flu shots each year. Meanwhile diabetes can increase patients’ risk for more serious health complications when they get sick.

For more information about diabetes, visit Plantation’s online Health Library or the ADA’s website.