Five years ago, after living with diabetes for 32 years I heard something that changed my life forever. I was sitting in a “Coping with Diabetes” workshop when the leader, noted diabetes educator and Bill Polonsky, asked the 100 or so of us there, “How many of you think diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and amputation?” Hands flew up across the room, including mine. “You’re wrong,” he said. A stunned quiet spread just as quickly. “Poorly controlled diabetes is.”
In that instant three things happened:
My book, "50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life: And The 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It" came out this summer. It debunks 50 of the most prevalent and debilitating myths about diabetes and gives you the accurate information you need to take good care of yourself. Each myth and truth describes actionable steps and tips from leading diabetes experts across the spectrum of diabetes care, along with my own and fellow patients “lessons learned.” Test your knowledge below.
MYTH 1: Eating sweets causes diabetes
TRUTH: It doesn’t—at least not in the way you think. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, and Type 1 by an autoimmune reaction. However, in the case of type 2 diabetes, eating excessive amounts of sugar may influence whether or not the genes for diabetes get triggered.
MYTH 2: There is one specific diabetic diet to follow
TRUTH: There is no longer any such thing as a “diabetic diet.”
MYTH 3: Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1.
TRUTH: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are equally serious because they both can lead to the same devastating complications.
MYTH 4: If I have to go on insulin, it’s the beginning of the end.
TRUTH: Rather, it’s the beginning of achieving better blood sugar control.
MYTH 5: My doctor manages my diabetes, so I don’t have to concern myself.
TRUTH: Although your doctor is responsible for your overall care, the daily management of your diabetes is up to you.
If you already know quite a bit about diabetes you may still unknowingly believe a number of myths. For instance:
MYTH 6: Diabetes medications make you gain weight.
TRUTH: Some do, some don’t, and a newer class of drugs actually help you lose weight.
MYTH 7: I can’t ever take a break from dealing with my diabetes.
TRUTH: Not only can you take a break, it’s highly recommended.
MYTH 8: I should never use a syringe, pen needle, or lancet more than once.
TRUTH: You can reuse all of these as long as you follow certain guidelines.
MYTH 9: When I feel the symptoms of low blood sugar, I should keep eating sweets until I feel better.
TRUTH: You should eat fifteen grams of fast-acting carbohydrate and then check your blood sugar.
MYTH 10: I can’t have diabetes because I have no symptoms,
TRUTH: You can have diabetes without experiencing, or recognizing, its symptoms.
Diabetes month is about learning about diabetes, recognizing the symptoms and getting yourself onto a good treatment plan if you have diabetes. Knowledge is powerful medicine when it comes to diabetes. I know just how powerful; learning the truth helped me become much more responsible for my care and have the confidence that those complications Dr. Polonsky mentioned are not in my future. You deserve the same! Having the right information and doing your best better matters.
Video: Riva Dispels Common Diabetes Myths
Riva Greenberg is the author of "50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life: And The 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It" and “The ABCs of Loving Yourself with Diabetes” available in English and Spanish. Riva also speaks to patients and medical professionals. To learn more about Riva’s work and read her blog, visit her web site at www.diabetesstories.com.
In that instant three things happened:
- Relief flooded my body. For three decades I had believed these would be my fate. My body almost went limp as though an enormous weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
- I knew I had the power to affect my health. I knew what I did mattered and so I began immediately to eat a little healthier, walk a little more and experience the confidence that comes from knowing you’re in control. I have continued to do those things and my A1cs are consistently now in the 5s.
- I realized how inaccurate information can harm us and keep us from responsibly taking care of ourselves. I decided I would write a book dispelling diabetes myths to give my fellow patients the power of knowing the truth.
My book, "50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life: And The 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It" came out this summer. It debunks 50 of the most prevalent and debilitating myths about diabetes and gives you the accurate information you need to take good care of yourself. Each myth and truth describes actionable steps and tips from leading diabetes experts across the spectrum of diabetes care, along with my own and fellow patients “lessons learned.” Test your knowledge below.
MYTH 1: Eating sweets causes diabetes
TRUTH: It doesn’t—at least not in the way you think. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, and Type 1 by an autoimmune reaction. However, in the case of type 2 diabetes, eating excessive amounts of sugar may influence whether or not the genes for diabetes get triggered.
MYTH 2: There is one specific diabetic diet to follow
TRUTH: There is no longer any such thing as a “diabetic diet.”
MYTH 3: Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1.
TRUTH: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are equally serious because they both can lead to the same devastating complications.
MYTH 4: If I have to go on insulin, it’s the beginning of the end.
TRUTH: Rather, it’s the beginning of achieving better blood sugar control.
MYTH 5: My doctor manages my diabetes, so I don’t have to concern myself.
TRUTH: Although your doctor is responsible for your overall care, the daily management of your diabetes is up to you.
If you already know quite a bit about diabetes you may still unknowingly believe a number of myths. For instance:
MYTH 6: Diabetes medications make you gain weight.
TRUTH: Some do, some don’t, and a newer class of drugs actually help you lose weight.
MYTH 7: I can’t ever take a break from dealing with my diabetes.
TRUTH: Not only can you take a break, it’s highly recommended.
MYTH 8: I should never use a syringe, pen needle, or lancet more than once.
TRUTH: You can reuse all of these as long as you follow certain guidelines.
MYTH 9: When I feel the symptoms of low blood sugar, I should keep eating sweets until I feel better.
TRUTH: You should eat fifteen grams of fast-acting carbohydrate and then check your blood sugar.
MYTH 10: I can’t have diabetes because I have no symptoms,
TRUTH: You can have diabetes without experiencing, or recognizing, its symptoms.
Diabetes month is about learning about diabetes, recognizing the symptoms and getting yourself onto a good treatment plan if you have diabetes. Knowledge is powerful medicine when it comes to diabetes. I know just how powerful; learning the truth helped me become much more responsible for my care and have the confidence that those complications Dr. Polonsky mentioned are not in my future. You deserve the same! Having the right information and doing your best better matters.
Video: Riva Dispels Common Diabetes Myths
Riva Greenberg is the author of "50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life: And The 50 Diabetes Truths That Can Save It" and “The ABCs of Loving Yourself with Diabetes” available in English and Spanish. Riva also speaks to patients and medical professionals. To learn more about Riva’s work and read her blog, visit her web site at www.diabetesstories.com.
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